When you’re short on time, how can you give yourself the best chance of success?
Barry Coates is head judge of the Sustainable Business Awards. He says: “Good award entries need to lift out of a listing of the activities they have delivered to answer the question of what significant change has occurred. For example, what are the outcomes in terms of new warm, dry homes built or waste eliminated? What evidence do they have on their contribution to achieving the change? And what are the impacts in terms of better health for vulnerable children or cleaner rivers?”
Here are my own tips, based on more than a decade working on the Sustainable Business Awards (which are open for entry until 27 June) as well as judging three other award schemes.
Tips for success
1. Answer each question carefully
Read the entry form thoroughly and ensure you’re providing exactly what is required. Awards schemes usually allocate points for each question, so a strong answer in one area won’t make up for a weak response elsewhere. Every question counts. And yes, if you leave one blank, you’ll get zero points!
2. Zoom out and in
A strong entry articulates the bigger picture as well as fine detail. Clearly explain why your initiative matters and how it fits into a wider sustainability story. Bring that story to life with specific information about the detail.
3. Demonstrate your impact
Back up your story with facts and figures. Include measurable results, testimonials or certifications to strengthen your entry. Graphics or charts are a great way to make your impact clear and memorable.
4. Be specific and use plain English
Avoid vague claims or marketing speak, which could come across as greenwashing. In particular, make sure any environmental claims are accurate and can be backed up. Avoid jargon and acronyms – don’t assume the judges are familiar with them. Entry forms often have tight word limits, so be as concise as possible, focusing on what makes your initiative stand out.
5. Don’t assume
The judges will assess your entry based on what you include in your entry form. Don’t assume they are familiar with your organisation or that they’ll do their own research. They may have hundreds of entries to assess, so make it easier for them by including all relevant information in your entry. You can include links to further information, but make sure the key details are in the entry itself. If you include links, write the URL in full in case the link doesn’t work.
6. Check before you submit!
Always ask a colleague to proofread your entry to make sure there aren’t any errors or typos, which could affect the overall impression. If possible, ask the best writer in your team for help to ensure it reads well and the narrative is compelling. Don’t rely on A.I. to do the job for you – it’s often obvious when it’s been used and your entry won’t appear authentic.
Sustainability awards in New Zealand
In Aotearoa New Zealand there are a number of award schemes with one or more categories related to sustainability. Which one is for you?
The following national awards schemes recognise organisations for sustainability in New Zealand:
Sustainable Business Awards – The only awards in New Zealand focused solely on sustainability. Run by the Sustainable Business Network for 23 years. Entries are open now and close on 27 June 2025.
Mindful Money Awards – Focused on ethical investing and run by Mindful Money.
NZ Energy Excellence Awards – Energy sector awards with categories for Social Procurement, Low Carbon Future, Wellbeing and Community.
NZ International Business awards – Run by NZTE with a category on Excellence in Sustainability. Entries are now open, closing on 27 June 2025.
Deloitte Top 200 awards – Recognise performance among New Zealand’s largest companies, with a Sustainability Leadership category.
New Zealand Tourism Awards – Run by Tourism Industry Aotearoa, and including an Environment Award. Entries are now open, closing on 2 July.
Water New Zealand Excellence Awards – Run by Water New Zealand, with an Environmental Sustainability Project category.
Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards – Recognise New Zealand’s food producers, with a Sustainability Champion category. Sustainability performance is assessed for all categories.
Ballance Farm Environment Awards. Recognising farmer and grower best practice. Open now.
New Zealand For Purpose Reporting Awards – Run by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand for charities. Categories include a Sustainability Award.
Good luck!