Transport trade players in sustainable awards

Wellington businesses dominate the list of finalists for 2016 NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards – with many having links to the transport industry.

Green Cabs is a finalist in the Sustainability Champion Award; Chariot Ridesharing and Ecotricity in the EcoPro Cleaning Co Community Innovation Award; Auckland Council and Sustainability Trust in the Airbnb Community Impact Award; Ecotricity and My Car Your Rental in the Ricoh Mega Efficiency Innovation Award; Cityhop, Ecotricity, NZ Bus and solarcity in the Renewables Innovation Award; Auckland Transport, ChargeNet NZ and Christchurch Bike Share in the Renewables Impact Award; and Green Cabs in the Restorative Impact Award.

The awards are the longest-standing sustainability awards in New Zealand at 14 years.

Wellington is particularly well represented in the list.

“The number of finalists coming from the Wellington region demonstrates the activity, energy and desire these businesses have to be at the forefront of making change. They can see these changes in our world as good business opportunities and they are capitalising on that, while not losing site of their local community and impact,” says Sustainable Business Network (SBN) Wellington regional coordinator Laurie Foon.

According to chief executive of Sustainable Business Network (SBN) Rachel Brown, this is an exciting time for the Wellington Sustainable Business Community.

“Together we can restore New Zealand’s landscapes, oceans and waterways and we can tackle this nation’s social issues. Those leading on this are pioneering new forms of business success. In my book they all deserve to be New Zealander of the year. It can feel like swimming uphill a lot of the time, so recognising those doing the right thing is vital.

“I hope New Zealanders give these people and their organisations the support they deserve. Because every time we buy something or support a cause we make a choice about the kind of country we want to live in.”

The award winners will be announced at a black tie ceremony on November 17 at Shed 10 on Auckland’s waterfront.