Launched in 2006 to critical acclaim, the INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ were set up to recognise strategies that use creativity in an engaging and effective manner, leading to more sustainable outcomes. It is now an established event on the global sustainable business-calendar.

 

By showcasing “best in class” examples of effective, innovative and creative approaches to sustainability, the INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ aims to be an agent of change. To this end, the Awards team searches the globe every year to find true influencers, leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators, identifying worldwide sustainability success stories that inspire and motivate others. It is no exercise in fluffy back-patting.

 

“Our biggest problem is the need to think differently: how to escape from the constraints of the consumer society (which should perhaps be re-labelled the consumptive society), and see ourselves as a multiplying animal species changing the surface of the Earth to our short term advantage and its long term detriment. In the current geological epoch of the Anthropocene, we should remember how small and vulnerable we are, and reckon with the consequences of our failures of understanding.”

 

Sir Crispin Tickell, Director of the Policy Foresight Programme, Oxford University

 

The Awards are part of the Royal Society of Arts Environment Award Accreditation scheme and all submitted entries require evidence of efficacy and transparency. Previous winners have included Nokia, Marks & Spencer, Toyota and the China Environmental Protection Foundation.

 

“The INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ go beyond words – celebrating the real activity that is going on in the community to produce inspiring individual and collective actions that are making a tangible contribution to greening the world in which we live. I am delighted to support them.”

Jon Snow, Newscaster, Channel 4 News

 

In 2010, the INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ went completely global and were opened for worldwide participation in every category. This was a major step forward for the Awards, in the fifth year of its production. Last year, the Awards featured a total of 16 categories, including three new ones: Best Green Use of Mobile Apps & Technology, Best Green Product Innovation and Best Green Educational Project. The coveted INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ Grand Prix was won by the ‘China Environmental Protection Foundation’, for an innovative outdoor campaign created by DDB China to promote a reduction in vehicle use.

 

Now in 2011, the INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ has expanded again and reorganised its categories by looking to support sustainable achievement right across Business, Government & Citizen initiatives that influence change to encompass 360° sustainability projects as well as encompassing it’s heritage to identify best practice with sustainability communications.

 

“In a finite world, the only way that humanity can sustain economic and social development is through innovation – finding ways to meet our needs at lower cost to the environment. The INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ 2011 are a welcome recognition of the diverse forms of innovation required to create genuinely green economics.”

Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director, European Environment Agency

 

2011 is a vital year for sustainability. The G8 summit has a pivotal role to play if we are going to reach a binding agreement at the UNFCCC’s COP17 summit in Durban, South Africa. Key stakeholders must work together to create the right framework for businesses to succeed in the new low carbon economy. Together we can all make a difference and the INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ has an important part to play in this exciting and challenging journey.

 

It’s evident now there’s an increasing appetite from business and industry for examples of excellence and best practice in sustainability and green issues which the INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ showcase.

 

The Awards have built up a considerable following among sustainability professionals, CEOs, Marketing Directors, Business Editors and CSR Directors spanning nations as diverse as China, Japan, New Zealand, Brazil, USA, the UAE, South Korea, Romania and Greece. In fact, anyone anywhere who wants to engage with green issues, share knowledge and promote best practice in sustainability on a global level now looks to the INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™. Consequently, the Awards have grown and evolved since their inception.

 

“There is only one planet. We must honour those who sustain its resources and create opportunities and businesses in doing so. That is what the INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ can achieve.”

Baroness Barbara Young

 

Last year, over 500 organisations participated. This year, the INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ is celebrating as its chosen theme the UN International Year of Forests. What’s more, a unique membership platform connecting global experts, opinion leaders, professionals and citizens in the field of sustainability is also being introduced to further add value. It will be a place where members can share innovative business strategies and debate the defining sustainability issues of our generation.

 

In keeping with the global nature of the Awards, this year’s judging panel brings together knowledge and expertise from all corners of the world. Julia Marton- Lefèvre, Director General, IUCN; Brazilian Environmentalist & Politician Marina Silva; Tim Smit, Co-founder of the Eden Project; and Brendan May, UK Chairman, Rainforest Alliance are just some of the experts judging in 2011.

 

As Dr Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity commented:

“In the wake of the adoption of the 2020 Aichi Biodiversity targets which calls for the engagement of all stakeholders including the business community, it is an honour and a privilege to participate in the 2011 INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™. I am impressed with the positive impact the Award has in promoting and rewarding creativity and dedication. Through example, the Awards is shaping future messages of sustainability and therefore creating the leaders of the green businesses of tomorrow.”

 

This year will also see the presentation of the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ honouring one deserving global citizen for his/her contribution to sustainability and the environment. This recent addition to the Awards was presented for the first time last year to Sir David Attenborough CBE.

 

“Biodiversity is the core of the sustenance of life; which currently hangs in delicate balance. By recognising creativity in sustainability the INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ are a genuine effort to promote positive attitudes towards biodiversity and sustainability.”

Sir David Attenborough CBE

The 2011 INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ will also see the presentation of the first ‘Green Celebrity Award’ recognising the efforts of one global media figure to promote sustainability through their public profile.

 

Given the deliberately populist and egalitarian nature of this new award, the winner will be chosen via a public vote, using social networks and the INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ website.

 

“Earth’s natural capital is ultimately our only security for the future. Rapid environmental, social and technological changes are presenting human society with unprecedented challenges. Fortunately, people, businesses and governments around the world are waking up, not just to the threats we face, but to the many opportunities there are for addressing them.”

Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

The 2011 INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ now invites your participation in 20 categories ranging from Best Green International Business Award, Best Green Technology Award through to Best Green Educational and Sustainability Awareness Award and Best Green Conservation and Biodiversity Award. The climax will be a gala dinner on 24 November 2011 at the Natural History Museum, London, where the winners will be announced. The green carpet is being rolled out. Take the first step onto it by entering your organisation in the INTERNATIONAL GREEN AWARDS™ now!