L-R: Ms Michaela Healey, Mr Brendan Weinert, Mr Marc Barrington, Mr Andrew Clark, Ms Alison Rowe
For the third year, Climate Alliance has recognised business executives that have demonstrated leadership in the area of sustainability and managing the risks presented by climate change.
Ms Tara Allsop, member of the Board of Advisors, announced the winners of the Leadership Awards for 2013 at the Climate Alliance National Conference held in Melbourne on 14 March, 2013.
'Business Executive of the Year' was won jointly by Ms Alison Rowe of Fujitsu and Mr Andrew Clark of the CO2 Group. These two executives were recognised for their strong business leadership and taking exemplary initiatives in the area of sustainability and energy efficiency. Both also have a solid track record of mentoring young people.
Previous awards have gone to Rob Grant, CEO of Pacific Hydro and Ben Waters, CEO of GE Ecomagination.
Ms Rowe is a Global Executive Director for Sustainability at Fujitsu Limited. Alison has won this award because of her energy and commitment to improving the sustainability of not only Fujitsu globally, but also providing leadership in the community by mentoring young people and serving on not for profit organisations.
Starting the business in the mid 1990’s, Andrew Clark now leads Australia’s largest provider of carbon sink plantings in Australia. His stamina and perseverance has resulted in the CO2 Group becoming profitable and being the first company to receive approval under the Carbon Farming Initiative. Andrew also mentors younger people and serves in the not for profit sector.
AGL Energy Services was announced as the winner of the 'Innovator of the Year' for their work in the development of a tool that helps customers improve their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.
Previous winners include Sydney Water and Ceramic Fuel Cells.
AGL's innovative approach helped its customers improve the energy efficiency of their operations by providing an energy and mass balance tool that helps businesses achieve cost savings and reduce their carbon footprint.
For the first time, Climate Alliance has offered an award category of 'Company Secretary of the Year'.
This award went to Ms Michaela Healey of the NAB. Ms Healey is the Company Secretary of the bank and through her active leadership has helped the bank set new standards in sustainability and carbon management. The role of a Company Secretary is to advise the Directors on issues of governance and risk.
Michaela is not only an outstanding example for other Company Secretaries; she also works for a company that has led by example. Michaela is Chair of the NAB’s Group Environment Committee at the NAB. The Committee provides oversight and governance of the Group’s Environmental Agenda, which covers climate change, resource efficiency and natural value. It is very encouraging that the NAB is tackling the difficult issue of Natural Value!