AWARDS
We are a winner! WE-EF takes out “Towards Net Zero 2030” award (Kingston Sustainable Business Awards 2025)
Words by: Elise Blight
We are proud to announce that WE-EF has been nominated and now recognised as a category winner in the 2025 Kingston Sustainable Business Awards – taking home the prestigious “Towards Net Zero 2030” award!
This achievement reflects our deep and ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, responsible design and lighting solutions that support both people and planet.
On Friday night, our Managing Director Mark Pipunic, Business Support Leader Tracey Wilson, and Production Leader Rahul Fernandez attended the Gala Dinner, where Mark accepted the award submitted by Elise Blight on behalf of the WE-EF team.
The award was presented by the Mayor, Cr Georgina Oxley, who said:
*Speech Excerpt:
“Based in Braeside, WE-EF LIGHTING is a leader in high performance exterior lighting with over 30 years of local experience and a 75 year history as the Australian branch of a global company, they are proving that local leadership can influence change on an international scale, contributing to the third largest share of the parent company sales, their Australian operations are actively shaping global initiatives, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility in the lighting industry.
The judges praised their clear measurement framework, detailed emissions tracking and robust results backed by ISO certifications. Their commitment extends further with targeted scope, three assessments, supplier collaboration, council engagement and industry partnerships, ensuring that their sustainability strategy reaches well beyond their own operations by combining innovation, measurable impact and meaningful stakeholder engagement. We have lighting is not just lighting the way, they’re changing the way the world thinks about light. We please give them a massive round of applause. ”
Mark accepted the award with a heartfelt speech.
Here’s what he shared on the night:
*Speech Excerpt:
Good evening everyone,
On behalf of the entire team at WE-EF LIGHTING, I’d like to say how humbled and honoured we are to accept this award. For over 30 years, we have been setting the standards in the industry and we’ve been proud to call the City of Kingston our home – customising and assembling premium outdoor and sustainable lighting solutions right here in Braeside.
This recognition means a great deal to us – not just because it acknowledges our commitment to the environment, but because it celebrates our role as stewards for future generations. Whether it’s through our products, our processes or our purpose, we are working hard to pave the way for responsible lighting that harmonises with biodiversity.
Picking up on the panels discussion earlier, we don’t approach sustainability as a compliance issue but rather we do it because it’s the right thing to do – for example we recently sent our whole team to the Carrum foreshore to remove weeds and planted over 1100 plants and we don’t seek any recognition for it.
At WE-EF, we believe the light comes from within – within our people, our purpose, and our long-standing commitment to care for the environments and communities we illuminate.
We’ve always believed that great lighting doesn’t just illuminate – it educates, inspires and endures for all living organisms. And it’s through innovation, collaboration, and a deep respect for ecology that we’ll continue to make our contribution toward a more sustainable tomorrow for our communities.
Thank you again to Kingston Council, the judging panel, and everyone involved in organising tonight’s event. We’re incredibly proud to stand alongside so many other passionate and purpose-driven businesses in the room.”
Well done to the entire team for contributing to this incredible achievement! Let’s continue to lead by example – sustainably.
