SINGAPORE - Consumer goods giant Unilever Asia was crowned the overall winner for its efforts towards responsible business practices at the Sustainable Business Awards on Tuesday evening.

This was in light of its robust strategy and management systems in sustainability, as well as its commitment to enhancing livelihoods, caring for the natural environment and improving health and well-being, which has been embedded in its business strategy and throughout its supply chains, said media firm Global Initiatives, which organised the awards.

Unilever's committment to sustainable agricultural sourcing, for instance, can be seen in its Lipton tea and Magnum ice cream, which have attained Rainforest Alliance certification, as well as its Ben & Jerry's ice cream, which has a Fairtrade certification.

A total of 10 companies won the awards, which were given out across 12 categories, at the event at Marina Bay Sands.

"The awards both validate the companies which are leading the way in sustainable business whilst also aiming to inspire all businesses, large and small, to make sustainability the foundation of their corporate mission and brand," said Mr Tony Gourlay, Global Initiatives' chief executive.

The award winners include:

Strategy and vision - Unilever Asia

Workforce - SingTel

Corporate social responsibility in the community - Loola Adventure Resort and Unilever Asia

Energy management - DHL and Keppel Land

Water management - Heineken Asia Pacific

Waste management and materials productivity - Ricoh Asia Pacific

Climate change - Interface Singapore

Supply chain management - Unilever Asia

Landuse, biodiversity and the environment - Loola Adventure Resort

Business responsibility and ethics - Swire Pacific Offshore

Environmental disclosure (Trucost) - City Development

Overall winner - Unilever Asia