Innovation Excellence award nominees

Nominee

Innovation

Woden Valley Early Learning Centre (ELC)

Children’s Committee

Woden Valley ELC supported the children in its care to form a Childrens’ Committee. This unique idea was initiated by the children themselves. The initiative teaches children that they can have a say in decisions that affect them. Since its inception, the Committee has influenced decisions on waste reduction and management at the centre.

Canberra Environment Centre and The Recyclery

ACT for Climate Toolkit

The Canberra Environment Centre developed the ACT for Climate Toolkit (ACT). The Toolkit is a sustainability education program for Canberrans. It includes in-person and online workshops, and a series of how-to videos. In collaboration with local subject matter experts, the program provides up-to-date, Canberra-specific information for the whole community.

Little National Hotel

Sustainability Masterclasses

Little National Hotel and Bonython Primary School collaborated to develop a sustainability masterclass. Students visit the hotel, which has won awards for its sustainability, for a presentation and tour. Students can then reflect and build on their real-world learning experience in the classroom. The educational experience that the hotel and school have created is unique. It demonstrates how businesses and schools can partner to promote sustainability.

Complex Co

EV Trials

Complex Co, a local construction company, is embracing the power of electric technology. They have invested in an electric car, truck and the first 100% electric-powered excavator in the ACT. They have also installed three-phase power at some sites to enable on-site charging. Complex Co aspires to create carbon-neutral construction sites in a typically emissions-intensive industry. By choosing electric, they are reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.

OzHarvest

Food-rescue practices review

Innovation often starts with identifying a need or area for improvement. In 2022, OzHarvest Canberra reviewed and revised its food rescue practices. The review findings led to improved efficiency. OzHarvest achieved an increase in food diverted from landfill and higher quality food going to people in need.

Icon Water

Greenhouse gas research

Icon Water is conducting world-leading research on nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is a lesser-known greenhouse gas that is highly potent. The research will help improve modelling of emissions from wastewater facilities. Better modelling will help identify steps to reduce emissions. This will help the Australian water industry reach its net zero emission targets.

Canberra Southern Cross Club

Sustainable workplace solutions

Canberra Southern Cross Club aims to be an early adopter of sustainable technology and practices. Since 2022, the Club has installed 10 EV charging stations across three sites. Along with EV charging, the Club is expanding its capacity to generate solar energy. The Club has also introduced innovative, sustainable options for single-use food packaging. It is also working to reduce waste and improve waste management.

Neoen

Virtual battery

Neoen Australia is providing virtual battery capacity in the National Electricity Market. The virtual battery, designed by Neoen, is the first of its kind in Australia. It allows large electricity users or retailers to mimic a grid-scale battery, without having to own one. Neoen has also built tailor made software for the virtual battery which allows customers to submit live orders or use sophisticated predesigned dispatch strategies.

Capital Scraps Composting

Decentralised composting

Capital Scraps Composting provides a composting service for Canberra households. The innovative system includes composting hubs located throughout Canberra suburbs. The system produces high quality compost and maximises carbon sequestration. Capital Scraps is now exploring how new compostable packaging materials can be effectively composted.

FLINTpro (formerly The Mullion Group)

Greenhouse gas accounting software

FLINTpro has developed software that simplifies greenhouse gas accounting for the land sector. New, high-quality data is continually added and integrated. This allows the software to provide timely and precise information. The software can make accurate predictions and test scenarios. FLINTpro provides a comprehensive understanding of greenhouse gas emissions and removals. The software works for the land sector in Australia and around the world.

ActewAGL Retail

Realising Vehicle-to-Grid Services

ActewAGL’s Realising Vehicle-to-Grid Services project was a world first. It used leading-edge technology to store energy in electric vehicles, then return it to the grid. The project generated data and analytics which contributed to further research. The research showed that, on a national scale, EVs have the potential to provide a reliable source of dispatchable stored clean energy.

Thor’s Hammer

Upcycling systems

Thor’s Hammer has invested in new technologies for its timber upcycling business. These include a system for recycling wood shavings, a computer numerical control (CNC) machine and a de-nailing line. The de-nailing line adapted metal-detecting technology from the food industry. The new tool has made working with recycled timber safer and more efficient. Thor's Hammer uses the CNC router to make timber products in a way that minimises waste. The briquettes they make from timber waste are carbon neutral, meaning they emit less carbon when burned than was consumed by the trees they came from.

Anglican Diocesan Services

Mobile health clinic

Anglican Diocesan Services built a mobile health clinic to support young people in Canberra. The mobile clinic, constructed in a commercial van, is the first of its kind in Australia. An innovative setup powers all the equipment with a battery, inverter/charger system. The system, adapted from one designed for offshore boats, allows the clinic to function without running the van’s engine or a generator. This means the clinic can operate without producing any greenhouse gas emissions.