September is the month when the City Council seeks applications for its City of Christchurch Environmental Awards.

Given out each year in three categories — the built and natural environment and services to the environment — the awards seek to recognise outstanding contributions to the environment of the city by individuals, organisations and businesses.

The awards were launched in 1998. Councillor Anna Crighton, who chairs the Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee, says they are a significant and practical way of promoting achievement of the city’s environmental policies.

“There are many aspects which might be considered for awards,” Cr Crighton says. “An innovative suburban housing subdivision or an excellent example of inner-city housing perhaps, or a significant new road or cycle link or publictransport initiative.”

Other examples of the projects or type or work which could be considered for awards are the conservation of an area of outstanding natural landscape or ecological importance; the conservation and innovative reuse of a listed heritage building; a new initiative to reduce waste, conserve water or improve air quality; a new building that is outstanding in its site layout and aesthetic design or in its design to conserve energy; a significant new open space or park; an outstanding new landscape feature or planting project; an outstanding individual or group contribution to an environmental programme or projects; an innovative policy or management document; a design for sustainability.

• Application forms are available from City Council offices and Service Centres and must be in by 23 September. For more information, ph Jenny May on 941 7460 or email ourcity@ccc.govt.nz