Better Place a finalist in Banksia environmental awards
Sep 16, 2011
Category: Press Release
Melbourne, Friday 16 September 2011: Better Place Australia, the leading electric car charge network, has been recognised for its innovative approach to sustainable transport by being named as a 2011 finalist in the prestigious Banksia Environmental Awards.
Better Place is a finalist in the Transportation Award - Mindful Movement category.
“Better Place is building a green infrastructure platform that has the potential to totally transform the way Australians think about cars and transport, and we are proud that this transformational project has been recognised by the Banksia Environmental Awards”, said Evan Thornley, CEO of Better Place Australia.
“Australian drivers spend more than $35 billion on petrol every year and our passenger transport emissions account for 53 million tonnes of CO2 every year – 9 per cent of our national total. On both environmental and economic grounds there is a compelling need to make the transition away from petrol and towards a low-carbon economy powered by energy from renewable sources”, Mr Thornley said.
Better Place is the only company in Australia that is ready to launch a fully integrated, customer-focused solution for electric car drivers, powered by 100% renewable energy. Electric cars will deliver significant and immediate reductions in Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions -- for each and every petrol car that is replaced by a renewably powered electric car, almost 4 tonnes of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere will be avoided each year. Additionally, the emergence of a new, high volume customer for green electricity with strong growth prospects is expected to spur further investment in the renewable energy sector.
Better Place is building a charge network that makes driving an electric car affordable and convenient. It provides drivers with personal charge spots at home or work, access to a comprehensive network of public charge spots and battery switch stations, instant range extension via switchable batteries, and 24x7 customer care. By the end of 2013, Better Place will give Australia the largest electric car charge network anywhere in the world.
Graz van Egmond, Executive Director of the Banksia Environmental Foundation said, “The Banksia Awards receive hundreds of award submissions every year, so our finalists represent the very best sustainable practice in the country - it’s a great achievement.”
The Banksia Award winners will be announced in Sydney on 28 October 2011.
The Banksia Environmental Awards are a national award that began in 1989 to acknowledge excellence, dedication and leadership in various areas that contribute to the environment and a sustainable future.
Visit www.banksiafdn.com for more information.