DEC Contact: Erica Ringewald (518) 402-8000 February 13, 2017
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DEC ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 13th ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARDSAnnual award recognizes businesses, institutions, governments and organizations for innovative projects |
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Applications accepted through April 14, 2017 Register now for the February 28 instructional webinar for tips to complete a competitive award application The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is now accepting applications for the 2017 Environmental Excellence Awards program, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today. The Environmental Excellence Awards program recognizes businesses, institutions, governments, and organizations for outstanding, innovative, and sustainable projects or programs that are contributing to a healthier environment and economy. “New York State is a national environmental leader; home to myriad new and exciting programs being implemented by organizations to reduce energy use, better use irreplaceable natural resources, and help communities adapt to our changing climate,” said DEC Commissioner Seggos. “The Environmental Excellence Awards showcase the individuals, organizations and businesses that are setting the example for others across New York State and the country.” Businesses (i.e., small, medium and large businesses, manufacturing, power generation, retail, agri-business, hospitality, sports, etc.); not-for-profit organizations; academic, health care and recreational facilities; individual(s) and local, state, federal and Indian Nation government agencies are all eligible to apply. DEC is interested in receiving applications from organizations that are implementing innovative approaches and technologies, advancing sustainable practices and generating economic growth, harnessing the power of creative partnerships, and inspiring others to undertake like-minded projects. Competitive applications will focus on projects or programs that are achieving significant environmental benefits through:
A DEC webinar on Tuesday, February 28, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. will provide details about the awards program and how to submit a competitive application. Participants will also hear from previous award recipients about the importance and benefits of being one of 80 awardees that are leading by example in their sector and community. Those interested in attending the webinar must register at http://on.ny.gov/EEAwebex. Completed applications must be post marked no later than Friday, April 14, 2017. Award winners will be honored at a ceremony in November 2017. At that time, winners will have an opportunity to present and display information about their award-winning project or program. Benefits of receiving an award include visibility as a sector leader and advancing an organization’s mission through networking and marketing opportunities. “Being recognized by New York State as an Environmental Excellence Award was a source of tremendous pride for our employees, customers, vendors and other numerous stakeholders. The award lent credibility to our innovative, ecologically sustainable business model, helped grow our brand recognition and no doubt has contributed to the growing interest in sustainable urban farming across our state and indeed the country,” said Viraj Puri, Co-Founder and CEO, Gotham Greens. “Receiving a NYS Environmental Excellence Award for our educational programming was a huge step for us. Our mission, since 1978, has been to divert valuable items from the waste stream while supporting the arts and cultural community. The DEC’s recognition of the significant role we were playing in educating and transforming the field was key to our continued growth in this area,” said Harriet Taub, Executive Director, Materials for the Arts. Since the program began in 2004, 80 award winners have had positive impacts on New York’s economy and contributed to impressive improvements of New York’s environment, such as:
Information about the award program and the 2017 application materials are available on DEC website, by email to awards@dec.ny.gov, or by writing to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Pollution Prevention Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-7253 or by phone to DEC’s Pollution Prevention Unit at (518) 402-9469. |
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