Sustainable Environment awards

Frequently asked questions

Entry Process

Q: When do the awards open and close?
A: Applications for the 2009 awards open on 1 October 2009 and close on 4 November 2009.

Q: What information is required to enter the awards?
A: The application form requires details regarding your (or nominated person's) project under the judging assessment criteria headings. Photos and any additional information can be attached with the application.

Q: How are successful applicants awarded?
A: An award ceremony will be held on the 25 February. Finalists will be invited to attend and winners will be announced.

Q: Is there a cash prize for the winners
A: No cash prize is awarded but each winner and finalists receive an official certificate.

Q: What are the entry categories?
A: There are seven award categories, including three new recycling awards.

Q: Who can enter the awards?
A: The awards are open to individuals, schools, youth groups, community groups or businesses.

Q: Can I enter more than one category?
A: A single project can only be entered into the ‘best fit category' - if you are unsure which category to enter into email the environment awards project leader.

You can enter multiple categories if you have more than one project i.e. a school may enter a waste project in the Schools Beyond Recycling category and a revegetation project in the Sustainable Schools category.

Q: What is the judging criteria?
A: Judging criteria includes:

• benefit to the environment
• community participation
• significance to the local community
• leadership and innovation
• sustainable management practices
• project resilience
• overall sustainability of your project
• reduction and reuse of solid waste (additional for Beyond Recycling category only)

Judging process

Q: How will my application be judged?
A: Each category area has a panel of three judges consisting of a council officer, a councillor and an external judge.

The judging panel marks finalists and winners against a set criteria

Everyone who entries will be interviewed by one of the judges either by phone or email. In some cases a site visit may be required.

Previous awards

Q: Have the awards been held before?
A: Yes they are held every two years and were started in 2000. Please click here for a list of 2007 award winners.

SEA staff contacts

Q: Who can I talk to about the SEA?
A: Cathy Klouwens - SEA Project Leader
Heidi Miller - SEA Project Support and Event leader
Viv Sherwood - Team Manager Community Partnerships

Awards event

Q: Is there an awards ceremony?
A: Yes. It is on 25 February 2010, all finalists will be invited.