Acquarius were incredibly proud recently to collect the Sustainable Rising Star Award at the Nautilus Project’s sixth consecutive Gibraltar Sustainable Awards.

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Regular followers of our social media know how deeply Acquarius values environmental sustainability—an integral part of the Acquarius Way. This year, our focus on creating a greener, more eco-friendly workplace has led to some significant milestones.

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Our dedication to sustainability has been a core element of our activities this year, Therefore, it was with considerable satisfaction that we learned that the firm has been awarded the Sustainable Rising Star Award at the finals of the Nautilus Project’s 6^th Gibraltar Sustainable Awards. 

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Established eight years ago, the Nautilus Project is a Gibraltar-based charity that seeks to raise awareness of marine environmental issues with the general public both locally and further afield. Acquarius’ Camille Benezrah expressed her delight at this recognition, noting that winning the award validates the hard work put into our sustainability efforts. 

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Camille combines her Client Accounting duties with being Head of Environmental Sustainability. She went on to explain that Acquarius’ efforts are not of course just about winning awards, however important that may be as a way of demonstrating our commitment to environmental sustainability. Rather the firm’s commitment to ESG issues in general and the way the whole team is engaged in the exercise are the key drivers. 

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Camille heads this effort locally and took the lead in presenting the award application to The Nautilus Project but the whole team is behind her and executive management backing also proves vital. She reminded us of what has been accomplished during the past year. 

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Acquarius has doubled its recycling volumes in partnership with www.recycle.gi and bi-weekly collections are now made. Staff have been educated in recycling best practice that also helps them in their home environment.

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To enhance energy efficiency, Acquarius has standardised office temperature controls and introduced energy-saving monitors. Initiatives such as turning off lights and air conditioning when not in use, along with shortening computer sleep times, have helped establish a baseline for overall electricity consumption.

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The firm has also switched to eco-friendly cleaning products aligning with our sustainability goals while reducing exposure to harmful chemicals. Community clean up initiatives, such as the “Clean the Beach” and “Clean the Rock” events, are actively encouraged, fostering team camaraderie in the process.

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Acquarius has initiated sustainable purchasing practices wherever possible. These include providing sustainably produced team T-shirts, using recycled paper for office stationery and introducing QR code business cards to reduce ink usage and minimise waste.

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The firm prioritises employee wellness and engagement, recently organising its first “step challenge” to promote healthy lifestyles and team bonding.

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By showcasing these initiatives online, Acquarius has increased the visibility and accessibility of its sustainability efforts, highlighting the firm’s progress. This also serves as a resource to encourage other businesses to adopt similar practices. Acquarius is collaborating with several local firms to raise awareness within the community for everyone’s benefit. Articles on environmental sustainability, including Acquarius’ initiatives and employee contributions, are now featured in the monthly staff newsletter.

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Acquarius’ COO, Gareth Cross noted that the emphasis the executive team places on encouraging staff participation in local ESG initiatives makes winning the award particularly gratifying. He expressed his gratitude to the team members who contributed to the award application, adding that the firm’s efforts will be intensified over the coming twelve months. “The goal”, he said with a smile, “is not only to win more awards – although such recognition is always appreciated – but to do what is right for Acquarius, its staff and the wider community.” 

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For more information about the Nautilus Project, visit www.thenautilusproject.co.