Virgin Blue Airlines and the Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport are the 2006 winners of the Melbourne Airport Environment Awards.The Melbourne Airport Environment Awards, now in their third year, encourage airport businesses and the 11,000 staff that work within the airport precinct to develop long-term solutions for the unique environmental challenges that exist at a major international airport. Winners of the awards receive an A$5000 grant which will be put towards an initiative that further protects or enhances the environment.

Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Barlow praised both companies for their committed approaches to minimising the environmental impacts of their business.

“Both Virgin Blue and Holiday Inn have been stand out environmental performers,” Mr Barlow said. “The commitment from their respective Melbourne Airport teams highlight how simple changes can achieve fantastic results.”

Virgin Blue, who took out the ‘Best Environmental Initiative’ category, accepted their award alongside Smith + Tracey Architects for their innovative fit-out of the Virgin Blue Melbourne Airport office complex.

The new offices include furniture constructed from plastics composed of recycled polypropylene, carpet made from approximately 50% recycled materials, energy-efficient lighting systems, ceiling tiles made from recycled newspapers, cornstarch and wool, and a comprehensive waste management system.

Holiday Inn, one of the leading hotel operators located at Melbourne Airport, was awarded the ‘Best Company Environmental Performance’ for its sustained focus on reducing its environmental impact amongst all aspects of the business.

Amongst its recent achievements, the hotel has implemented extensive waste management programs, a major plastic, paper and cardboard recycling initiative, and educational ‘think green’ placecards are now located in all rooms encouraging customers to consider the water requirements for washing of towels and linen.

Entries in the Melbourne Airport Environment Award were judged by a panel of representatives from EPA Victoria, Hume City Council, Melbourne Water and the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services. Applicants are required to demonstrate how their project or company performance has contributed to the long-term protection or enhancement of the environment at Melbourne Airport.
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