Wesfarmers has been named the Australian Sustainability Award 2011 Company of the Year.
Wesfarmers was given the award because of its responsiveness to “engagement on issues of concern to the ethical investment sector,” according to Ethical Investor magazine. “It also boasts a formal Ethical Sourcing Code, an extensive energy efficiency drive, sustainable packaging as well as a diverse and well-integrated community partnerships programs.”
Australian Ethical’s Smaller Companies Trust won Fund of the Year for the second time. Barefoot Power was named Small Company of the Year. Barefoot Power is a technology-replacement business that brings affordable solar lights to the poor in 20 countries, replacing kerosene lanterns. Bantix Worldwide was recognised for its innovative new mosquito trap technology.
Nathan Fabian, CEO of the Investor Group on Climate Change, was named the first recipient of the Erik Mather Sustainability Champion award.
Eds note: The Sustainability Report attended the Australian Sustainability Award luncheon as a guest of Ethical Investor.