Miraval Resort and Spa, Living Earth Crafts, Two Bunch Palms and Spa Blue at Del Mar were among the top award recipients at the Green Carpet Spa Sustainability Awards.

The gongs were presented by the Green Spa Network – a trade association that promotes sustainability in and through the spa and wellness industry – at their Annual Congress in Yosemite, California.

Judges chose winners in six categories, including healthy spa cuisine, innovative green products, plus dedicated spa and supply brands.

“It is our privilege and honour as a non-profit voice for sustainability to recognise the work of these dedicated companies whose examples have raised the green standard for the spa industry around the planet,” said Paul Schmidt, executive director of the Green Spa Network.

The winners were chosen based on various criteria, including achieving the highest level of sustainability compared to their peers; continuous improvement; setting an example of best practice for the industry to follow; as well as making sustainable practices inviting and desirable to consumers and employees.

The 2015 winners include:

• Healthy Spa Cuisine Award –Miraval Resort and Spa

• Corporate Brand Committed to Sustainability – Two Bunch Palms

• Green Supplier / Manufacturer of the Year – Living Earth Crafts

• Innovative Green Product of Year – Pedicure Bowls by Victoria’s Essentials Australia

• Green Skin Care Company of the Year – Szép Elet

• Sustainable Spa of the Year – Spa Blue at Del Mar

The judging panel included Julie Keller Callaghan, editor-in-chief of American Spa Magazine; Mary Bemis, editorial director of Insider’s Guide to Spas; Debrianna Berlin of yoga company Kiss The Sky; and Shelley Lotz of Vios Spa Group.

“It's rewarding to see so many businesses striving for sustainability because of their values and conscious leadership,” said Lotz.

“The Green Spa Network Awards programme is important in recognising the tireless efforts of those who work hard day after day in making the spa industry even more sustainable. It is truly a labour of love and the nominees are always inspiring and impressive.”

In addition to these industry awards, the GSN board of directors recognised Robert Zimmer of Zimmer Associates as this year’s Visionary Award recipient and further acknowledged outstanding contributions from the organisation’s volunteer roster with a new award.

Named in honour of one of GSN’s Founders, the inaugural Tara Grodjesk Dedicated Contributor Award recipients are Rona Berg, Organic Spa Magazine; Tessa Kienow, Ready Care Industries; Lisa Sykes, Universal Companies; Shelley Lotz, Vios Spa Group.

“It is an incredible honour to be recognised by an organisation I've grown so passionate about over the last eight years," said Lisa Sykes, Regulatory Affairs and Sustainability Manager for Universal Companies and Co-Chair of the GSN Personal Care Committee.

"If your passions are spreading the mission of wellness and preserving the environment, volunteering for Green Spa Network will be one of the most exhilarating, rewarding opportunities you’ll ever experience.”

Nominations for the 2016 GSN Sustainability Awards will open in January, with winners to be announced at the 5th Annual Green Carpet Awards Ceremony on September 27, 2016.