Recipients of the 2017 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence have been announced and will be recognized at a ceremony at the State House on August 4th. Environmental excellence awards have been given since 1993 to recognize efforts and actions of Vermonters to conserve and protect natural resources, prevent pollution, and promote environmental sustainability. To date, more than 200 efforts have been recognized.
“The Governor’s Awards are a longstanding tradition in Vermont to highlight the value of actions that go above and beyond what’s required by law. The actions taken by the recipients represent a culture of commitment to doing the right thing environmentally” said Kim Greenwood, Director of the Environmental Compliance Division of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.
The Awards Ceremony will be held on Friday, August 4th, from 9-11 AM, in the Cedar Creek Room at the Vermont State House.
This year’s recipients include:
2017 Governor’s Awards for environmental Excellence
Agri-Mark (Middlebury)
The highlighted project assessed and optimized the energy usage required to make compressed air, identified and fixed compressed air leaks and improved overall efficiencies in plant-wide air usage.
City Market
City Market’s South End expansion project is an innovative land use management and planning project that supports economic development, provides multiple environmental benefits and serves a critical need for local residents.
Global Foundries
The project focused on reducing chemical usage and costs while increasing manufacturing productivity in the Chemical Mechanical Polish Operation.
GS Precision
As part of their Continuous Improvement Plan, the company worked with a vendor to develop a less volatile parts washer blend which resulted in reduced air emissions and chemical purchases.
Lewis Creek Association
The project titled, Ahead of the Storm, combines data collection, planning, implementation and education to help communities change the way stormwater is managed on a range of property types.
Maple Grove Farms
In 2014, Maple Grove Farms began a 5-year project to reach a waste reduction goal of 92% diversion form the landfill. In 2016, a diversion rate of 92% was reached two years ahead of plan.
Mt. Tabor/Danby Historical Society
The project goal was to restore shade trees to the two towns. Working with town officials and individual landowners, 12 trees were planted in 2016 with up to 40 more planned for the next two years.
Youth Award
UVM Extension/Teens Reaching Youth (TRY) for the Environment
TRY for the Environment is a teen-led environmental education program designed to teach environmental literacy and responsibility to younger youth.
Honorable Mention
Select
An innovative reconstruction and renovation of a historic building. The project exceeded required standards of compliance and represents a best-in-class approach to design, sustainable processes and environmental commitment.