Cause there’s an award for that...
Mayor Menino opens nominations for fourth annual Green Awards
Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced today that nominations are now open for the Mayor’s 2010 Green Awards, which recognize local sustainability and environmental awareness leaders in three different categories – Green Business Awards, Green Residential Awards, and Bike Friendly Business Awards. Constructing offices with recycled plastic bottles, providing a fleet of bicycles for commuting employees, and creating rooftop gardens are just some of the innovative approaches that businesses are taking to green Boston. Residents will be awarded for practices such as sustainable home renovations, pollution reduction, and sustainable landscaping methods. Nominations will be accepted until February 26, 2010 for the April awards ceremony.
“The City of Boston is regarded as one of the greenest in America, and engaging residents and businesses is crucial to our sustainable success,” Mayor Menino said. “What better way to say thank you and promote the best practices of tomorrow than by honoring the leaders of today. Whether you’re a homeowner dedicated to reducing waste or a large business implementing sustainable practices at your company, every contribution brings Boston closer to achieving our green potential.”
Mayor Menino launched the annual Green Awards in 2007 as part of his commitment to honoring businesses, residents and community leaders that are instrumental in furthering Boston’s ambitious sustainability goals.
Green Business Awards honor companies in Boston that implement exemplary sustainable business practices in their day-to-day operations. Businesses may apply in the following categories:
· Commercial
· Industrial
· Non-profit
· Academic, Cultural and Healthcare Institutions
Green Residential Awards will honor residents who incorporate sustainable practices in their homes and neighborhood. Awards will be presented to residents in four categories:
· Climate Action Leader Award
· Waste Reduction Champion Award
· Green Home Conservation/Renovation Award
· Sustainable Landscape/Green Roof
The Bike Friendly Businesses Program recognizes businesses that encourage bicycling among their employees by engaging in bicycle friendly practices. All companies engaging in nine bike friendly practices from the application receive recognition. In addition, there will be one special award for the “Most Bike Friendly Business” – the company that demonstrates the most bike friendly practices and is not part of the bike industry.
For more information or to download and submit nomination forms, please visit the City’s of Boston’s website at www.cityofboston.gov/environmentalandenergy/greenawards/. Nominations should be submitted by February 26, 2010. Mayor Menino will announce and honor this year’s winners during an awards ceremony in April.
The following staff is available to answer questions about the award categories:
· Green Business Awards, Galen Nelson, Galen.Nelson.bra@cityofboston.gov, (617) 918-4447.
· Bike Friendly Businesses, Nicole Freedman, Nicole.Freedman.bra@cityofboston.gov, (617) 918-4456
· Green Residential Awards, Nancy Grilk, Nancy.Grilk@cityofboston.gov, (617) 635-3425.
Green Award winners from last year include: Boston Green Building, Boston Sand & Gravel, City Feed and Supply, Equal Exchange Café, Hostelling International – Boston, Katsiroubas Bros. Produce, Lights Out Boston, Nitsch Engineering, OMBE, Studio G Architects, Urban AdvenTours, Landry’s Bicycles, the Colonnade Hotel, the Eliot Hotel, the Hyatt Regency, and the Westin Copley.