Banksia Award Winners 2007

The Banksia Sustainability Award 2007 sponsored by the Sustainability Programs Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW has been won by Westpac for 'Unlocking Value'.

The Banksia Awards 2007 were announced in Sydney on 20 July, with Westpac's 'Unlocking Value' also winning the prestigious Origin Energy Gold Banksia Award 2007 from all other category winners.

Westpac: Unlocking Value

Since joining the Australian Government's Greenhouse Challenge Program in 1996, Westpac has cut greenhouse gas emissions by 45%, reduced electricity consumption by 12% since 2002 and delivered over $1 million of cost savings. This strong commitment to environmental, social and governance sustainability is further demonstrated by the company's reduced operational risks, greater efficiency, enhanced reputation and innovative product offerings.

The Westpac sustainability strategy is focused on unlocking new market opportunities, differentiating itself from competitors, and developing new products. Its governance and sustainability performance was benchmarked in 2006 through a range of external assessments, including: global banking sector leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the fifth year in a row; Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations, 2007 World Economic Forum; and number one in the Corporate Responsibility Index.

Other Banksia Award winners supported by DECC

The Banksia Education Award 2007 was awarded to GreenHome, a project developed by the Australian Conservation Foundation through funding from the NSW Environmental Trust.
GreenHome  will receive ongoing funding from the DECC Water and Energy Programs Branch.

A finalist in the DECC sponsored Sustainability Award 2007 was the Falls Creek Festival – The Greenest Festival in Australia, which won in the Banksia Inaugural People's Choice Award.

The Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW congratulates Westpac and all other winners and finalists for their outstanding achievements. Their leadership, innovation and deep commitment has made a significant contribution toward achieving a healthy environment that can be cared for and enjoyed by the whole community, now and in the future.

For more information about the Banksia Awards visit www.banksiafdn.com

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