The Sustainable Business Network's Bay of Plenty Awards celebrate businesses making outstanding progress towards sustainability. They recognise those organisations that are providing examples for others to follow.

The 2008 SBN Bay of Plenty Sustainable Business Awards were held on September 4th.

And the winners were...

FIL - Sustainable Business of the Year

FIL manufactures and supplies dairy hygiene and animal health products and has been committed to sustainability for over 12 years.

Judge's Comments:

• The company has maintained a clear vision over this time, engaging with all staff to ensure the organisation is working towards sustainable principles, practices and products
• FIL continuously encourages suppliers to produce their products as environmentally sound as possible, sometimes making decisions that lead to higher product costs as an assurance of better practice, through to persuading customers in selecting more sustainable products
• The design and construction of a new building in 2007 has FIL cemented as inspirational leaders - the passive solar design means the premises uses 80 percent less energy than similar buildings and rainwater collection has contributed to a 95 percent reduction in use of town supply; stormwater from the site has been cut in half, and solid waste is segregated and reused or recycled
• FIL's sustainability efforts have also brought social benefits - it's easier to attract and retain staff, absenteeism has reduced.. and staff say they are enjoy coming to work in their warm, clean, sustainable building
• Continuous research and development ensures their products are as environmentally and socially sound as possible; customer education plays an important role in helping them to understand the efficacy of their new products
• Overall this company is operating in a tough industry to be green but they have shown that no matter what industry you are in, it is possible and rewarding to be environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.

Bayfair Management - Trailblazer, Large Business  

Bayfair has been serving customers in the Bay of Plenty for the past 23 years; starting out as a 7,000m2 neighbourhood shopping centre with just 25 stores, to now over 90 stores, occupying 33,000m2.

Judge's Comments:

• Bayfair Management has continuously shown leadership in sustainability as well as a constant drive and passion to improve their performance - from entering the Emerging Category in 2007, this company has now gone on to win the 2008 Trailblazer Award
• Bayfair Management recognises the need to educate and encourage improved sustainability performance with their own staff as well as tenants and contractors
• The company offers financial rewards and even lurk about the loading bay checking that tenants truly are recycling!
• This company is determined to be sustainability champions, and their leadership is being noticed by competing companies around the country.

Naturally Native - Trailblazer, Small Business

Naturally Native is New Zealand's leading native plant wholesaler.

Judge's Comments:

• Naturally Native continuously demonstrate an exemplary vision that highlights both an awareness of environmental and social impacts of activities, as well as a practical ‘one step at a time' approach
• Naturally Native has mapped out this approach, incorporating considerable involvement with local partners, projects and suppliers
• The company considers the sustainable uses of their resources, thinking globally and acting locally, as well as fostering a progressive and supportive place of employment which is closely aligned to the ongoing growth of this company.

Fletcher Construction - Emerging, Large Business

Fletcher Construction is the pre-eminent general contractor in New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Judge's Comments:

• Fletcher Construction demonstrates how a major construction project can involve a whole community - they consult with stakeholders and their communication of progress has been outstanding
• Their internal project processes have promoted widespread recognition of issues to ensure risks to people and the environment are minimised, resulting in zero lost injury time and enhanced material reuse and recycling.

Devan Group - Emerging, Small Business

The Devan Group are manufacturers of rotationally moulded products and waste water treatment systems for the industrial agricultural and domestic markets.

Judge's Comments:

• The Devan Group demonstrate their strong commitment to sustainable practices are driven through the company's mission, vision and values statements
• The company has developed a range of products that will allow customers to significantly reduce the impact that they have on the environment and have taken a responsible lead in the industry by introducing its product stewardship programme
• The company has also implemented considerable waste reduction programmes throughout its internal operations and manufacturing processes.

Rotorua District Council - Trailblazer Not-for-Profit

The Rotorua District Council has adopted sustainability as one of the key elements in their business strategy and has incorporated this approach into their systems and operations.

Judge's Comments:

• The Council has demonstrated their commitment by initiatives such as having developed a corporate sustainability vision, policies and action plans, an environmental policy for the contractors, the formation of an environmental committee and having redesigned the Business Manager's job description to include responsibilities for sustainability
• This organisation is taking a sustainability leadership role in their community and is seeking to understand the extent of their social and environmental impact on that wider community
• The Council also demonstrate their leadership by encouraging other organisations in the community to embrace sustainability and working with them to achieve their goals.

Oasis Engineering - Productivity Award

Oasis Engineering is a precision engineering production facility specialising in the manufacture of products for the Oil & Gas, Pharmaceutical, Food Service & Hygiene Industry.

Judge's Comments:

• Oasis Engineering has demonstrated a companywide commitment to the adoption and implementation of systems that support and encourage efficient and effective levels of productivity
• With a strong focus on first class product design, ongoing product development is complimented by the well planned and managed work flow programmes, supporting staff diversity and training
• Investments have been made in both people and technology which has lead to considerable reductions in stock levels, improved outputs and delivery time.
• Measuring and monitoring is standard practice as is the commitment of their staff as they enjoy their work and having accountability for their part in the company's direction and success.

Lockwood Construction for their Eco-Smart home range - Sustainable Design and Innovation

Lockwood Construction marries the beauty of a traditional log cabin with the strength and safety advantages of modern technology.

Judge's Comments:

• Lockwood has taken their successful building system and through a rigorous development process created a building that is designed to operate in the 21st century
• It leverages the latest ideas in building innovation and design to create a balanced product that performs with a high degree of efficiency
• The judges have selected this entry as a result of the in-depth development and testing of the new home system, and the effort clearly exhibited through the product to make a more sustainable and energy efficient home a viable option.

Marexim - Judges Commendation, Trailblazer, Small Business

Marexim imports premium European supplied products with solid reputations for reliability and high performance, supplying the wholesale and retail channels throughout New Zealand and worldwide.

Judge's Comments:

• The Judges felt a commendation was necessary to recognise this particular business, which has shown a high level of vision and focus on educating customers and the public of the environmental benefits of their products.

ReUzit Air Filters NZ - Judges Commendation, Emerging, Small Business

ReUzit Air Filters clean automotive and industrial air filters: reducing waste and saving money for their clients by not sending reusable filters to land fill.

Judge's Comments:

• A Judges commendation has been awarded in this category for the action taken by ReUzit to reduce its reliance on council water supply through the installation of rain tanks as well as a sand filter cleaning process to allow the reuse of water

Opus BoP - Judges Commendation, Trailblazer, Large Business

Opus is a leading international multi-disciplinary consultancy and is at the forefront of award-winning and innovative projects, providing excellent solutions to a wide range of clients.

Judge's Comments:

• Again the Judges found it a difficult task to determine this award and recognise Opus BoP for its level of commitment to implementing all parts of sustainability throughout its own branch and regional activities as well as showing leadership supporting the sustainable development of its sister branches in the BOP region.

Principal Sponsor

Award Sponsors

Support Sponsor: Bank of New Zealand