City reinstates Environmental Awards; Nominations accepted through March 1

The City of Austin is reinstating its annual environmental awards to recognize outstanding contributions toward the protection, conservation, and improvement of Austin’s natural resources. Nominations are being accepted through March 1 and winners will be recognized at the Austin City Council on Earth Day, April 22.

Nominations can be submitted at www.coolaustin.org/awards.htm.

Awards will be given to an individual, large business, small business, community organization/non-profit, school or educational program, governmental agency and a City of Austin department. The winners will receive an award developed by a local artist from recycled materials and also will be recognized through advertising and promotions.

The awards originally were hosted by the City’s Environmental Board beginning in 1983 and later by other citizen boards and commissions. The last awards were presented in 2001.

This year’s award recipients will be selected by a committee of seven individuals representing the Environmental Board, Resource Management Commission, Electric Utility Commission, Water/Wastewater Commission, the Solid Waste Advisory Commission, a Council Office and the Austin Climate Protection Program.

Judging criteria include whether the nominations are innovative, beneficial, measurable, educational/outreach oriented, a cooperative effort and by their greenhouse gas reductions.