An Investment in our Future

Now in its sixth year the Mercedes-Benz Australian Environmental Research Award provides $30,000 to assist researchers on their path to finding the incredible through sustainable and innovative solutions. The partnership formed between the Banksia Environmental Foundation and Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific encourages original Australian research to contribute to understanding or resolving of local or global environmental problems through research.

“We are not only committed to research and development in our vehicles, Mercedes-Benz is committed to fostering development in individuals with the Mercedes-Benz Environmental Australian Research Award” said Hans Tempel, President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific Pty Ltd. “We encourage the pursuit of excellence, through research and innovation. This underscores our philosophy of environmental sustainability. This philosophy encompasses resource conservation, climate protection measures and environmental management systems.”

Entries are encouraged from individuals or organisations who can demonstrate significant contribution to understanding, or resolving local or global environmental problems, through research conducted in the past two years.

In 2010, the award was presented to Beyond Zero Emissions for their Zero Carbon Australia 2020 Stationary Energy Plan. “The award was a welcome pat on the back for all the hard work we’ve put in to educate the community about climate change solutions. The award encouraged us to double our efforts to present fellow Australians with a positive vision of the future” said Matthew Wright, Executive Director of Beyond Zero Emissions and 2010 Environment Minister’s Young Environmentalist of the Year.

“The work of my organisation Beyond Zero Emissions hopes to put solutions at the heart of climate change policy. Australia can start building a renewable energy economy today. Through educating politicians, business leaders, and community, we can make people aware of the possibilities and empower Australians to take action”

Submissions close – 22 July 2011 at 5.00 p.m.

Details about the various awards and previous winners are available on the Banksia website at www.banksiafdn.com.

- ends –