EPA environment awards show sustainable progression

Wednesday, 23 May 2007

Seven Queensland environment business projects have been recognised at the second annual EPA Sustainable Industries Awards this week. Developer Investa Property Group received an award for reductions in energy and water use in its buildings while Poly Optics took the spotlight for its "world first" fibre optic lighting system.

The winners were selected from almost 100 nominations, each showcasing Queensland business leaders, companies and technologies that were setting new benchmarks in environmental performance.

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said the awards recognised Queensland-based companies that were incorporating environmental sustainability into their everyday business operations.

"These companies recognise that sustainable practices can also deliver better profits and market advantages," he said.

"Collectively, these companies are significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a reduction in their waste production, and energy and water use."

Investa, which developed and manages several high-rise buildings in the Brisbane CBD, won the Corporate Sustainability Award for its corporate sustainability strategy. In the last 12 months its Brisbane properties have together reduced electricity use by 14% and water consumption by more than 17%.

Gold Coast lighting company Poly Optics Australia took out the Innovation in Sustainable Technologies Award for its world first, energy-efficient fibre optic lighting system which produces no heat, contains no fragile glass, consumes less energy than standard systems and lasts 10 to 20 years with little or no maintenance.

Other winners included house builder SALA Homes, which took home the Minister's Award for Climate Smart Leadership. The company has been building a strategy to bring sustainable designed and built houses to the mass market.

Each house reduces its impact on the environment by generating electricity through solar power as well as harvesting and recycling its own water.