Melbourne-based green printer Vega Press picked up Heidelberg ECO print Award at a ceremony at the press giant’s Print Media Academy in Heidelberg this month.

Rob Nugent, commercial manger at Vega received a check for 20,000 for the top sustainable innovative solution. Winners also received vouchers for PMA seminars. A four-strong independent international panel of judges voted on the most sustainable integrated solution and the most innovative stand-alone solution. Their decision was unanimous.

Achim Schorb spokeperson for the judging panel says, “The proposals submitted for environmental activities in the industry were even better than last time round and were much more wide-ranging than in 2009.”

Vega impressed the panel of judges by coating the roof of its print shop building with a special reflective surface that stops virtually any of the sun`s IR-rays getting through. Together with efficient building insulation, this can reduce the cost of the air conditioning that is essential at these latitudes to an absolute minimum.

Heidelberg outlines that the resultant lower electricity consumption plays a key role in preventing greenhouse emissions. The high energy-saving potential is a solution that can also be used for other regions - such as southern Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia - where presses are exposed to high temperatures all year round and normally require a great deal of cooling.

Meanwhile, US-based The John Roberts Company picked up the 30,000 prize for the most sustainably managed print shop.