Kingston's business community shone bright at the 2025 Sustainable Business Awards on Friday night, with six outstanding winners recognised for their innovation, leadership and commitment to creating a sustainable future.
Mayor Georgina Oxley said Kingston is proud to be the only council in Victoria with an awards program dedicated to sustainability in business.
"These awards celebrate the incredible businesses and people that make Kingston such a great place to live, work and thrive," Cr Oxley said.
"That's something we can all be really proud of because it shows that our business community doesn't just talk about change, they put it into action.
"All our winners are proving that running a successful business and looking after the environment go hand in hand.
"These businesses aren't just about creating jobs and growing the economy, though they do that brilliantly. They are also leaders, showing us all new ways to reduce waste, cut emissions, and create products and services that do good for both people and the planet."
The awards recognised 27 finalists across six categories, from waste reduction to product innovation, diversity and inclusion, business leadership, young changemakers and the journey towards net zero.
Supported by major sponsor Community Bank Parkdale, category sponsor Up Property, and other partners, the gala showcased the strength and creativity of Kingston's business sector.
Every aspect of the event reflected sustainable practices, from local suppliers to reduced waste and a strong focus on community connection.
2025 Sustainable Business Award winners
Waste Reduction and Recycling Solutions – Armstrong Flooring
Braeside-based Armstrong Flooring is Australia's only commercial sheet vinyl flooring manufacturer. With a strong focus on product stewardship and lifecycle management, they are committed to supporting local industry while delivering high-performance, responsible and circular flooring solutions.
From reducing paper waste to exploring industry-wide solutions, their approach goes beyond compliance. It demonstrates leadership with the potential to reshape the environmental footprint of manufacturing for the better.
Diversity and Inclusion – Party Higher
Based in Moorabbin, Party Higher is Australia's leading wireless headphone service provider, transforming conferences, expos, corporate and community events, festivals and birthdays into unforgettable, interactive, inclusive experiences.
They specialise in delivering innovative solutions like silent conferencing, silent team-building activities, silent yoga and silent discos, whilst breaking barriers in the entertainment industry.
The judges praised their clear understanding of the challenges faced by their customer base. This commitment not only benefits individuals but also builds stronger, more connected communities.
Small and Medium Business Leadership – Edithvale Community Greengrocer
Edithvale's much-loved community greengrocer has grown from delivering veggie boxes to a thriving food hub.
With a focus on local and organic produce, bulk-buy options and a low-waste ethos, "Edigrocer" not only delivers the freshest produce but also provides local farmers with a reliable market and regular income.
Edithvale Community Greengrocer's story is one of leadership, innovation, and care, showing how a business can create genuine social, environmental, and economic value, all while keeping it local.
Towards Net Zero 2030 – WE-EF Lighting Pty Ltd
WE-EF Lighting is a leader in high-performance exterior lighting, with over 30 years of local experience and a 75-year legacy of global engineering excellence.
With a new Green Star-targeted facility in Braeside, WE-EF Lighting is showing how manufacturing can be sustainable. From solar power and EV charging to recycled aluminium luminaires and compostable packaging, the company is reducing its footprint while delivering energy-efficient lighting solutions.
The judges praised their clear measurement framework, detailed emissions tracking, and robust results, backed by ISO certifications. Their commitment extends further, with targeted Scope 3 assessments, supplier collaboration, council engagement, and industry partnerships ensuring their sustainability strategy reaches well beyond their own operations.
Product Innovation and Technology – ZECO Energy
Based in Moorabbin, ZECO Energy is driving Australia's renewable energy transition by combining solar, battery, EV charging and smart tech solutions.
With in-house product development, including its new "Marshall" platform for the solar industry, ZECO Energy is breaking barriers that have long limited access to PV solar and battery storage for apartments and townhouses.
With hands-on delivery, behind-the-scenes expertise, and future-focused product development, ZECO Energy is delivering clean, adaptable, and equitable energy solutions for the future.
Young Changemakers and Innovators – Sricharan Karthikeyan, Vishnu Easwar, Rehaan Salil and Aneka Subramanian
Representing STEM Incubators in Oakleigh South, these young innovators have developed a transformative Digital Experience Platform aimed at enhancing Kingston's sustainable tourism ecosystem.
With features like eco-rewards, personalised recommendations and real-time analytics, their project has the potential to cut emissions, support local businesses, and strengthen community connections.
By combining creativity and technical skill, these students have set an inspiring example of how the next generation is ready to lead in innovation and sustainability.
To find out more about the winners and all our finalists visit kingston.vic.gov.au/sustainable-business-awards.
