The Green Awards place an emphasis on responsible business practice, and aspire to encourage positive change through knowledge sharing.

“Selling sustainability might be an odd idea for some and a boon for others,” says Marton-Lefèvre. “For us in IUCN it is the means to realize our vision of ‘a just world that values and conserves nature’, which would not be possible without green leaders, voters and consumers. Inspiring examples presented through the International Green Awards™ are helping to do just that – thanks to them, green is definitely in!”

In her role, Marton-Lefèvre will be judging applications towards 20 categories ranging from conservation and biodiversity to efforts towards clean technology, amongst others. She, along with the other judges, will be looking for innovative approaches to sustainability combined with topicality and relevance of sustainability issues. Most importantly, the work must demonstrate a holistic positive impact on sustainability.

The deadline for applications for this year's awards is 1 September, with the dinner gala taking place 24 November 2011 at the Natural History Museum in London.