Woolworths was announced the winner in the Mail and Guardian’s Greening the Future Award last night in the category: “Companies and organisations with innovative environmental strategies that improve business performance”. The awards are designed to heighten public, government and business awareness of corporate environmental investment. They aim to inspire innovation and action to address the causes of climate change and to reduce the impact of trade on the environment. The Mail and Guardian continues to honour and celebrate the achievements of companies and organisations that play a role in efforts to ensure a sustained and healthy planet for all people. The competition has been running for five years. This year is of great significance with “climate change” high on the agenda of most countries worldwide. In awarding the accolade the judges said, “By taking environmental concerns into the core of its business, the company captures the definition of this category – which is to use innovative environmental strategies to improve business performance.” Simon Susman, Chief Executive Officer of Woolworths said, “I am delighted that Woolworths won this prestigious award. It recognises that our Good business journey is timely and correct. We are doing a lot to make a difference for our planet but we all have to accelerate efforts to protect our environment for our communities, our country and our world.” Ends Editors note: Responsible Retailer of the Year 2008 Woolworths was named international responsible retailer of the year at the 2008 World Retail Awards in recognition of our Good business journey – our ongoing plan to make a difference in our communities, our country and our world. More information on Woolworths Good business journey is available on this website.