This award category in intended to provide recognition to organizations or facilities that can document the success of their sustainability program by providing evidence of:

• A culture of environmental sustainability;
• Recent accomplishments related to reducing their environmental footprint; and,
• A commitment to future sustainability-oriented actions.

DEQ considers sustainability to be meeting the needs of the present without compromising the environmental resource needs of future generations. Winners in this category will be those that have made sustainability an integral part of their organizational culture through leadership, innovation, and continual improvement. The sustainability award form provides applicants multiple ways to document that their organization is operating in a sustainable manner.

Judging Criteria for Sustainability Category:

Applicants should address each of the following criteria, making sure to include complete and concise answers that are responsive to the application questions.

• Breadth of Sustainability Program: [20 points maximum]
  • What is the scope of the program?
  • Why was it initiated?
  • What are its primary benefits?
  • What are the keys to its success?
  • Which environmental impacts are addressed by the program?
• Program Results: [40 points maximum]
  • Environmental Results:  How has the program reduced the facility or organization's environmental footprint? What quantifiable environmental results have been achieved by the program?
  • Economic Benefits:  What cost savings has the sustainability program achieved? What other, less quantifiable, economic benefits can be attributed to your organization having a sustainability program (e.g., increased market share, insurance discounts and favorable financing rates)?
• Participation and Involvement: [20 points maximum]
  • How have employees, partnerships, the community and key stakeholders been involved in the planning, development or implementation of the program?
• Leadership and Innovation: [20 points maximum]
  • How is (or can) the program be a model for others? What makes it innovative? How does (or can) the program positively contribute to promoting sustainability beyond your fenceline (e.g., in the community, regionally, nationally, etc.)?

Links:

Blank Sample Form

Application