For Release: Tuesday, May 25, 2004
DEC Accepting Applications for Environmental Excellence Awards
Commissioner Crotty to Recognize Environmental Sustainability and Innovation
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today announced DEC has established an awards program to recognize organizations, businesses, local governments and individuals in New York State that excel in innovative and sustainable environmental practices. The awards will also highlight efforts to establish partnerships to develop constructive solutions to environmental challenges and the creation of tangible environmental benefits.
"The Environmental Excellence Awards program has been designed to broaden the opportunities for recognition of efforts benefitting the environment," Commissioner Crotty said. "By recognizing innovative and sustainable environmental practices by our partners in environmental management, we hope to inspire others to use these models of outstanding environmental stewardship in their operations and programs. The Environmental Excellence Awards will also be used to recognize outstanding performance demonstrated by organizations through the New York Environmental Leaders program."
Applications are being accepted for the 2004 Environmental Excellence Awards through Wednesday, July 15, 2004. Applications can be submitted in the areas of innovation, sustainability and partnerships and will be accepted by businesses, non-governmental organizations, government/municipalities (local, state, federal and public educational facilities), and individuals. Award winners will be announced this fall.
The innovation category will recognize 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.
The sustainability category will recognize those practices that strive toward resource use that does not exceed the rate of replenishment, waste generation that does not exceed the rate at which they can be reabsorbed by the environment, and 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.
The partnership category will recognize 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.
Examples of the types of projects eligible for awards include those 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.
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 via DEC's website at www.dec.state.ny.us
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