Nominations for the 2012 United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) World Environment Day Awards are now open. Businesses, individuals and organisations working to advance sustainability are encouraged to apply.
 
The UNAA is a non-profit, non-government organisation dedicated to promoting the objectives of the United Nations through the World Environment Day Awards, Media Peace Awards and its Model United Nations Education Program.

Each year in support of United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) World Environment Day on June 5, the UNAA recognises innovative and outstanding environmental programs and initiatives from across Australia through its World Environment Day Awards program.
 
The program invites nominations from individuals, organisations, businesses, local councils, schools, journalists and community groups whose work serves to protect, manage or restore our natural heritage.
 
The national awards program plays an important role in raising awareness about key environmental issues and challenges, and inspiring and motivating people to take positive steps towards sustainability.
 
In 2012, the Awards will be held in support of the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All and UNEP World Environment Day 2012 'Green Economy: Does it include you?'.
 
Previous winners include Victorian fairtrade clothing company 3Fish, which was awarded with the WSP Lincolne Scott Sustainability Leadership Award for small and medium organisations.

You can get involved by nominating for the World Environment Day Awards in 2012. Categories include:

• BHP Billiton Business Awards
  Best Specific Environmental Initiative; Environmental Best Practice Program
   
• Biodiversity Award
  Best company, organisation, community or individual that has demonstrated innovation and excellence in the development and management of Australia’s biodiversity
   
• Environmental School Award
  Best school-based project exploring environmental themes or issues
   
• Excellence in Marine and Coastal Management Award
  Best company, organisation, community or individual that has demonstrated excellence in marine and coastal management
   
• Excellence in Sustainable Water Management Award
  Best company, organisation, community or individual that has demonstrated excellence in sustainable water management
   
• Green Building Award
  Best non-residential building project that has demonstrated innovation and initiative in implementing green building practices
   
• Individual Award
  Recognises outstanding service to the environment
   
• Local Government Awards
  Best Specific Environmental Initiative; Excellence in Overall Environmental Management
   
• Media Award for Environmental Reporting
  Excellence in Environmental Reporting
   
• Peter Szental Award for Sustainability Entrepreneurship
  Businesses that have been outstanding in commercialising new sustainability solutions, demonstrating new business models and influencing mainstream thinking
   
• Virgin Australia Community Award
  Best community-based environment project or initiative
   
• Sustainability Education Award
  Awarded to organisations, NGOs or education providers/institutions for best sustainability education project in the community that explores environmental themes or issues
   
• Sustainability Leadership Award
  Large Organisations; Small and Medium Organisations

 
For more information, or to enter the awards, click here.