New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) Announces 12th Annual Environmental Excellence Awards Application Period Open
NYS DEC is now accepting applications for New York State’s annual Environmental Excellence Awards. This awards program recognizes and gives visibility to outstanding, innovative and sustainable projects or programs. The Environmental Excellence Awards program gives businesses, institutions and organizations the opportunity to receive statewide recognition for outstanding, innovative and sustainable projects or programs that are improving New York’s environmental resources
Eligible applicants include businesses, educational institutions, not-for-profit organizations, facilities, government agencies and individuals implementing innovative, sustainable actions or working in creative partnership to improve and protect New York’s environmental resources and contribute to a viable economy. The 2015 Application Brochure and “Tips for Applicants” document are available on NYS DEC’s website at: www.dec.ny.gov/public/945.html.
Important: Applications must be postmarked by Friday, April 10, 2015.
NYS DEC is especially interested in acknowledging projects that achieve significant environmental benefits through: initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; cutting-edge pollution prevention technologies; initiatives to “green” businesses, farms, schools, recreational facilities and hospitality facilities; innovative wind, solar and biomass projects; creative natural resource/habitat protection or restoration efforts; energy efficiency improvements; adaptation to climate change; waste reduction and recycling efforts; manufacturing process improvements; and creative approaches to urban forestry or farming, programs advancing “grown locally.” Projects located in environmental justice communities are strongly encouraged.
To be eligible, a project must be in New York State; result in measurable environmental and economic benefits beyond what could have been achieved by using standard techniques or complying with regulatory requirements; be initiated within the past three years and be fully operational for at least 12 months. Applicants must be in compliance with New York Environmental Conservation Law, applicable permits and local laws.
Review criteria will include an assessment of: environmental benefits; economic benefits; innovative approach of the project; advancement of sustainability; how creative partnerships were created or strengthened by the project; demonstration of commitment, leadership and environmental excellence, demonstration of transferability and the demonstration that practices go beyond standard techniques or compliance requirements.
Winners will be honored at an awards ceremony that will be held in late fall winter. At the ceremony, winners will have an opportunity to present and display information about their award winning project or program.
For more information about the Environmental Excellence Awards program, contact: NYS DEC – Division of Environmental Permits and Pollution Prevention, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-1750, Phone: (518) 402-9469, Fax (518) 402-9168, E-mail awards@dec.ny.gov.
