Sustainable Business Awards

Proudly sponsored by KS Environmental

This award recognises businesses and initiatives delivering practical, measurable solutions to reduce waste and increase resource recovery. It celebrates organisations that are moving beyond compliance to implement smarter, circular approaches to waste, recycling and materials management.

Entries should demonstrate how waste has been avoided, reduced, reused or recycled through thoughtful design, improved systems, behavioural change and innovative recovery solutions. Initiatives may include improved recycling and reprocessing systems, composting and organic waste solutions, sustainable packaging, or new approaches that reduce materials entering landfill. The emphasis is on clear implementation, measurable results and solutions that can be replicated across the Kingston business community.

This award recognises businesses that are actively creating inclusive, accessible and equitable workplaces and extending those values to customers and the wider community. It celebrates organisations that understand diversity and inclusion as both a social responsibility and a driver of strong business performance.

Entries should demonstrate how policies, programs and everyday practices have been implemented to remove barriers, increase participation and ensure people feel respected, safe and valued. Diversity and inclusion may relate to gender equity, age, LGBTQIA+, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, people with disability, and meaningful engagement with First Nations peoples. The focus is on intentional action, measurable outcomes and leadership that positively influences workplace culture and community connection.

This award recognises small and medium-sized businesses demonstrating leadership in embedding sustainability into everyday business practice. It celebrates organisations that are using their scale, agility and innovation to deliver positive environmental and social outcomes while building resilient, future-focused businesses.

Entries should show how sustainability principles are integrated into strategy, operations and decision-making — not treated as a stand-alone activity. Initiatives may address areas such as ethical sourcing, community engagement, circular economy practices, biodiversity protection, workforce wellbeing or responsible growth. The focus is on authentic leadership, measurable outcomes and business models that create shared value for people, place and the local economy.

This award recognises organisations taking credible, practical steps towards net zero emissions by 2030. It celebrates leadership that goes beyond intention, rewarding businesses that are reducing emissions through energy efficiency, on-site renewables, electrification and transparent supply-chain action.

Entries should demonstrate a clear plan, measurable progress and a commitment to continuous improvement. Initiatives may include energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy installations, electrification of buildings and fleets, and actions to address Scope 3 emissions. The focus is on real-world impact, evidence-based results and solutions that can inspire others across the Kingston business community.

Proudly sponsored by Up Property Pty Ltd

This award recognises businesses developing innovative products and technologies that address areas such as renewable energy, energy storage, water efficiency, sustainable materials, green buildings, waste reduction or climate resilience.

Start-ups and early-stage businesses are encouraged to enter where preliminary results, pilots or proof-of-concept outcomes can be demonstrated. The focus is on innovation with impact, scalability and a clear pathway to broader adoption.

This award recognises young leaders and innovators (35 years and under) who are driving practical sustainability outcomes through leadership and innovation. It celebrates individuals who have either conceived, led or played a demonstrably significant role in delivering solutions that advance environmental and/or social sustainability.

Entrants may be business owners, entrepreneurs, employees or collaborators within larger organisations. 

Any business with an initiative that meets the award Eligibility Criteria is welcome to submit a nomination. This includes businesses of all sizes, educational organisations, social enterprises and not-for-profits.

Any individual (35 years and under and who lives, work or studies within the City of Kingston) can be nominated for Young Changemakers and Innovators category with an initiative that meets the award eligibility criteria.

Nominating your business or yourself as an individual is done through an online form.

Along with general details about your business, the form will require responses to four key questions about your initiative:

• background and motivation
• approach and implementation
• results
• influence.

You will also be asked to provide a short description (max 150 words) for promotional purposes and a logo image.

If you have any questions or need help with your nomination, Kingston's Business team can be contacted at business@kingston.vic.gov.au or on 1300 653 356

Yes.

Yes. A business can be nominated for one or more categories. Each category selected must be for a different initiative. If a business wins a particular category, they will be ineligible to win in another category.

An initiative is a specific project, product, program, system, mechanism, mindset or process implemented that has resulted in sustainable business practices.

The award winners will receive a trophy and certificate and numerous opportunities to market their businesses and initiatives.

Yes. Businesses of all sizes are eligible. Our nomination process is fair, transparent and independent of the business size.

The awards are free to enter.

2025

• Waste Reduction and Recycling Solutions – Armstrong Flooring
• Diversity and Inclusion – Party Higher
• Small and Medium Business Leadership – Edithvale Community Greengrocer
• Towards Net Zero 2030 – WE-EF Lighting Pty Ltd
• Product Innovation and Technology – ZECO Energy
• Young Changemakers and Innovators – Sricharan Karthikeyan, Vishnu Easwar, Rehaan Salil and Aneka Subramanian

2024

• Small and Medium Business Leadership - Not a Trace
• Product Innovation and Technology – Casafico
• Waste Reduction and Recycling Solutions - Soap Aid
• Diversity and Inclusion - Emma Jae Custom Laser Designs
• Young Changemakers and Innovators - Razi Pilli
• Towards Net Zero - Caspak

2023

• Waste Reduction & Circular Economy - Reluv Clothing
• Ethical Sourcing & Procurement - Ecosoulife
• Diversity & Inclusion - Brainwave Bikes
• Sustainable Leadership (Organisation) - Ecosoulife
• Sustainable Leadership (Individual) - Darren Whittaker at Azolla Certified
• Young Changemakers & Innovators - e2 Environments Engineered