Sustainable business challenge popularity grows

Media Release Monday 20 February 2006:

Sustainable business challenge event popularity grows

The fourth Environment Bay of Plenty Sustainable Business Challenge is set to become the biggest business awards event in the Bay. Forty nine businesses took part in 2005 and that number looks certain to grow as businesses tackle pressing sustainability issues such as rising fuel costs, staff retention and productivity, supply chain management and energy efficiency.

The Sustainable Business Challenge will be launched throughout the Bay of Plenty on February 23rd and 24th with events in Tauranga and Rotorua. The awards, organised by the Sustainable Business Network (SBN), are like no other business awards – evaluating and educating businesses about their sustainable economic, social and environmental development.

SBN regional manager Calum Revfem explains that there are some exciting developments this year including an on-line web tool for second time entrants to update their sustainability profile. “We’ve removed all the barriers to entering the awards programme – it’s time efficient, cost effective and provides clear feedback on improving sustainable performance.” First time entrants are taken through an on-site interview process and their entry is prepared for them to sign off.

A key feature of the whole process is the focus on educating and supporting businesses to make sustainability improvements. The criteria by which businesses are assessed are linked to a comprehensive range of sustainable business tools and resources – all of the resources are available on line and are complemented by SBN’s event and workshop programme. Judging feedback presents businesses with a tailored set of sustainability challenges to address in the coming year. At the awards businesses are recognised for the progress they make as well as the level they attain.

The Sustainable Business Challenge awards gala will be held on Thursday 1st June at the Heritage Hotel in Rotorua.

ENDS

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