The Otago Museum has received an Enviro Gold Qualmark award, reflecting the museum's efforts to operate as a "green business", emphasising energy efficiency and good waste management.
In 2010, the museum gained an Enviro Silver rating and the new award amounted to an "exciting upgrade", museum officials said.
Achieving Enviro Gold status was an "excellent recognition of the museum's sustained commitment to using resources wisely", museum assets and technology manager Joel Oldridge said.
The museum also had a 100% Qualmark rating overall.
All businesses carrying the Qualmark logo are assessed on their environmental performance, with Enviro Awards given to top performers in five areas: energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation, community activities and conservation initiatives.
The award recognised initiatives undertaken through the museum's "responsible operations strategy", which underpinned the institution's commitment to use energy efficiently, develop sustainably and manage waste well, officials said.
Qualmark is an independent assessor of accommodation and activities throughout New Zealand and is jointly owned by Tourism New Zealand and the New Zealand Automobile Association.
