Godfrey Hirst carpets takes a proactive approach to environmental issues.

Godfrey Hirst wins Premier's top sustainability award.

The Premier's Recognition Award is a special award chosen by the Premier, Ted Baillieu MLA, from the winners of eight sustainability award categories. Godfrey Hirst Carpets was chosen as the most outstanding winner on the night edging out healthy competition from AGL and Grocon entries. The company has reduced its impact on the environment in a creative and innovative way, while reducing costs and increasing its competitive edge across Australia and the world.

Godfrey Hirst Carpets' major initiatives include the implementation of a world-class storm water harvesting and Water Treatment Facility, continued reduction in emissions, electricity, gas and waste generation per metre of carpet produced and the development and manufacture of eco+ and Redbook green carpets made from renewably sourced polymer.

Godfrey Hirst Carpets Group Operations Officer Mr Tim Maishman gratefully accepted both awards, stating "The Premier's Sustainability Awards is a valuable opportunity to acknowledge the leadership, innovation and environmental initiatives implemented by all entrants. Winning these awards is fantastic recognition of our achievements in the minds of our employees, key suppliers and customers, for which we are most grateful".

Dr Gillian Sparkes, The Hon. Ryan Smith MP, Tim Maishman, Eleanor Smith-Waters, both of Godfrey Hirst and winners of the Premier's Recognition Award, Catirona Rowntree and Anita Roper, CEO Sustainability Victoria at the Premier's Sustainability Awards 2011 held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 9th June 2011.

Premier Ted Baillieu awarded Godfrey Hirst Australia the top honour, the Premier's Recognition award, for introducing best-practice sustainability initiatives into their daily business operations over the past seven years.

"I would like to congratulate Godfrey Hirst Australia and all the category winners for their creativity, leadership, innovation and for integrating sustainability into their organisation and work practices," Mr Baillieu said.

Godfrey Hirst Australia's water treatment plant, based on effluent recycling and stormwater harvesting, has helped reduce emissions and water consumption by almost 50 per cent.

"Our finalists have demonstrated that sustainability makes good business sense and can assist Victorian businesses reduce costs and gain or maintain a competitive edge on a national and global scale," Mr Baillieu said.

"Being smart with our resources makes economic and social sense."

View the full Premier's media release.

View our media release

Media from Sustainability Victoria

For further information about the Premier's Sustainability Awards Ceremony, or the category winners, visit sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au