The sustainability awards were presented to Mobil, Watercare Services and Methanex last night at the NZ Parliament House by Research, Science and Technology Minister Steve Maharey.

The awards are based on responses by NZ businesses to a survey on corporate environmental responsiveness undertaken by Massey University’s Centre for Business and Sustainable Development.

CBSD managing director Delyse Springett said the survey does not distinguish between different industries, using internationally recognised methodologies to assess companies based on the processes and standards used in their environmental responsiveness planning and management.

The survey responses are judged on the following criteria: Corporate Governance, Corporate Environmental Policy, Environmental Objectives, Environmental Targets, Regular Communication with Stakeholders, Employee Environmental Action Plan, Environmental Management System, Environmental Audit Process, Environmental-focused Supplier Program and Environmental Stewardship.

“Traditionally companies from these sectors are associated with high impacts on the environment,” Springett said of this year’s winners.

“Now, however, these and many other companies operating in New Zealand recognise the importance of a strategic approach to environmental management, and have acknowledged the breadth of the sustainable development debate in terms of economic, social and environmental responsibility.”

Springett said Mobil had consistently placed in the “Top 10” since the Awards were first introduced in 1999, and commended the company for its rise to the top.

“While some of the other companies who have won awards this year have been winners previously, Mobil's progress to the top of the list shows they have been constantly improving their processes to manage environmental sustainability, and this effort has now paid off,” Springett said.

Mobil country manager Cameron Bower said the award publicly recognised the company’s efforts to achieve excellence in its environmental performance.

“The award is a reflection of the long-term commitment of Mobil's management and staff to achieving high standards of environmental management and I am proud we have won it,” Bower said.

The awards also recognised the efforts of engineering and construction firm Works Infrastructure (a subsidiary of Downer) and “sustainable fishing” operator Sanford Limited.

EnvironmentalManagementNews.net