Most us try to do our little bit here and there, but the real champions of sustainability who are making serious headway in terms of our built environment, business and technology were recognised at the 2014 Premier’s Sustainability Awards last week. Forward-thinkers were awarded across nine categories focused on industry and community achievements in Queensland, as well as the major honour, the Premier’s Award.

This year, the Sustainable Heritage Award and the Premier’s Award both went to Tanner Kibble Denton Architects in association with TannerGHD for their restoration of Brisbane City Hall. The judging panel praised the project for balancing original design with contemporary amenities and energy-efficient services, which proved that sustainable heritage can be achieved through architectural innovation. The annual Built Environment Award recognises organisations whose urban development projects have benefitted the environment and promoted sustainable development solutions, while also being able to be replicated in other projects across the state. This year, the honour went to Sovereign Homes for its sustainable design and construction practices, as well as finalists Norman Disney & Young for its strategy to slash energy consumption in a commercial building at 247 Adelaide Street, and Arup who helped deliver Australia’s greenest education building at the University of Queensland. Other innovators recognised at the awards included Groundworks for its hose-on groundcover Ecoblanket and NuGrow for its waste recycling and composting facilities.