World Environment Day Awards


The World Environment Day Awards are presented annually by the United Nations Association of Australia in support of the United Nations Environment Programme’s World Environment Day. The awards recognise the innovative and outstanding programs and initiatives from across Australia, and the important work of Australian environmental leaders.
The annual awards program invites nominations from individuals, organisations, businesses, local councils, school, journalists and community groups whose work serves to protect, manage or restore Australia’s natural heritage. The awards aim to raise awareness about key environmental issues and challenges, and to inspire and motivate individuals, organisations and businesses to take positive steps towards sustainability and environmental excellence in their homes, school, communities and workplaces.

Award Categories

Current Award categories are open to a variety of nominees depending on the award, including businesses, local governments, community organisations, individuals, school and the media. The award categories have been expanded in scope and number since the awards founding in 2000, including the most recent addition of the Peter Szental Award for Sustainability Entrepreneurship, which recognises success in commercialising new sustainability solutions, demonstrating new business models and influencing mainstream thinking.
In 2011 the new Peter Szental Award for Sustainability Entrepreneurship recognizes businesses that have been outstanding in commercializing new sustainability solutions, demonstrating new business models and influencing mainstream thinking.

Past Recipients

Past recipients include; Darebin Council, National Australian Bank, Bond University and the Northern Gulf Resource Management Group.