For Release: Thursday, April 21, 2005

DEC Accepting Applications for the Second Annual Environmental Excellence Awards

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan announced today the availability of applications for the Second Annual Environmental Excellence Awards program. The awards recognize organizations, businesses, local governments, and individuals in New York State that excel in innovative and sustainable environmental practices and partnerships.

"Our first year's program was an outstanding success, with seven award winners," acting Commissioner Sheehan said. "The Environmental Excellence Awards program broadens the opportunities for recognizing efforts that benefit the environment and inspires others to use these models of outstanding environmental stewardship in their operations and programs. The Environmental Excellence Awards will become an integral part of our developing New York Environmental Leaders program."

Applications are being accepted for the 2004 Environmental Excellence Awards through Friday, July 15, 2005. [Please note: Deadline for application is Friday, July 1st as identified in the application package.] Applications can be submitted by businesses, non-governmental organizations, government/municipalities (local, State, federal and public educational facilities), and individuals. Award winners will be announced this fall.

DEC is seeking applications for projects that incorporate innovation, sustainability and partnership in efforts to go beyond regulatory compliance to protect the environment.

Innovation - those practices that exemplify outstanding creativity or introduce new approaches in developing technologies, programs or projects that are environmentally sound, economically feasible, and support future environmental benefits. Practices should serve as a model for similar efforts.
Sustainability - those practices that strive toward resource use that does not exceed the rate of replenishment and waste generation that does not exceed the rate at which they can be reabsorbed by the environment and that has a positive economic impact. The focus of sustainability is on implementing sustainable practices that provide for a better quality of life while maintaining or enhancing environmental quality, natural resource protection and profitability.
Partnership - those practices that demonstrate a relationship between two or more parties working together and making better use of resources to develop innovative or sustainable projects to achieve better outcomes and benefits to the partners and the environment.

Information about last year's award winners can be found on the DEC website. The types of projects eligible for awards this year include projects that address: pollution prevention, waste reduction and recycling, stormwater management, watershed planning, energy efficiency, brownfield redevelopment, habitat protection and restoration, land conservation, and other environmental protection initiatives. Criteria to be considered for the awards will include: overall environmental and economic benefits, economic feasibility, outstanding creativity, innovative technology, environmental justice, conservation of natural resources and habitat, process improvements, educational programs, level of management commitment, transferability to others, and the depth of partnerships that have been created as a result of the project or program.

In addition to the awards, DEC is developing the New York Environmental Leaders program to motivate businesses and organizations in New York to voluntarily implement environmental management systems (EMSs). DEC and partnering stakeholders are currently developing ways to provide recognition and incentives to organizations that are able to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to improved environmental performance. For more information about New York Environmental Leaders, go to the DEC website.

Environmental Excellence Award application materials can be obtained by writing to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Pollution Prevention Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-1750; or by contacting Michelle Hinman at (518) 402-9469 (phone) or (518) 402-9168 (fax); or on DEC's website.

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