The 2021 Cities Power Partnership’s annual National Climate Awards are open for submissions, recognising the work of local governments that are excelling in renewables, sustainability and mitigating climate change across Australia.
The 2021 Climate Awards recognise local governments and their work in the fields of renewable energy, sustainable transport, energy efficiency, community engagement, innovation, ambition, collaboration as well as individual climate champion awards.
The Cities Power Partnership is a national program created by the Climate Council, and is Australia’s largest network of local governments leading the way to a prosperous, zero emissions future.
Full list of awards:
- Renewable Energy Achievement Award
- Energy Efficiency Achievement Award
- Sustainable Transport Achievement Award
- Community Engagement Achievement Award
- Innovation Award (metropolitan and regional)
- Ambition Award
- Collaboration Awards
- Climate Ambassador Award (elected representative)
- Climate Champion Award (council staff)
2021 Award Judges:
- Damon Gameau, Film director, author and presenter
- Dr Amanda Cahill, CEO, Next Economy
- Dr Simon Bradshaw, Acting Head of Research, Climate Council
- Pam Townshend, Former Shire President, Shire of Augusta, Margaret River, WA
Dr Portia Odell, director of the Cities Power Partnership, said last year’s awards attracted a record-breaking number of outstanding entries.
“From innovative renewable energy deals that provide communities with clean, reliable and affordable energy, to supporting communities’ transition to net zero emissions, it was fantastic to see so many local governments stepping up to meet the challenges of climate change, and we expect this year’s awards entries to be no different,” Dr Odell said.
New in 2021 are two awards: the Ambition Award and the Collaboration Awards.
The Collaboration Award will go to the council that best demonstrates a partnership that has resulted in tangible emissions reduction outcomes.
The Ambition Award was created to provide a dedicated commendation for ambitious councils that have a detailed plan for tackling climate change in their communities.
“Local governments are a vital force in developing climate and energy solutions and I look forward to seeing what this year’s leading solutions are,” Dr Odell said.
“Now is the time to urgently slash emissions and set our communities up for a sustainable future, and with the federal government failing to act, it is up to local governments to show what leadership looks like.”
The award ceremony is scheduled for November 2021.
