The Department of Environmental Protection is encouraging environmentally-conscious businesses and organizations to apply for the 2012 Governor's Environmental Excellence Award. Applications are due January 30.
"This award is a gem because it recognizes environmental innovation, which makes a business or organization more competitive and efficient," DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. "The winners are creating a brighter and cleaner future for all Pennsylvanians. We want to showcase them as role models and say, 'Thank you.'"
The award is open to any Pennsylvania business, government agency, educational institution, individual or farm that has created or participated in the development of a project that promotes environmental stewardship and economic development in the state.
Eligible projects include environmental technology innovation, clean energy innovation, pollution prevention and resource efficiency, community revitalization, environmental education or outreach, watershed stewardship, and mine safety, among others.
Projects will be evaluated based on applicants' demonstration of how their project will protect the environment, teamwork, public service, environmental education and outreach, pollution prevention, economic impact - including potential job creation, and the use of innovation technology.
The project must have been completed between August 1, 2010, and July 31, 2011. While each candidate may submit only one application for a particular project, companies with multiple facilities may submit an application for each facility.
Projects that have previously received a Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence are not eligible for this award, though past winners may submit applications for new projects for consideration.
Each project will be reviewed by a committee of DEP employees. Recipients of the award will be honored during an evening reception and the winning projects will also be listed on DEP's website.
For more information, visit the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence webpage. Projects should be submitted by email to: RA-EPgovenviroawards@pa.gov. For assistance with completing the application, please call 717-783-8727.