The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is now accepting applications for the 2016 Environmental Excellence Awards program.  The awards program recognizes businesses, institutions, government agencies and non-profit organizations for outstanding, innovative and sustainable projects or programs that are contributing to a healthier environment and economy.

Eligible applicants include businesses (i.e., small, medium and large businesses, manufacturing, power generation, retail, agri-business, hospitality, sports, etc.); not-for-profit organizations; education, health care and recreational facilities; individuals, and local, state, federal and Indian Nation government agencies.

DEC has scheduled a webinar on Wednesday February 24, from 10 am to 11:30 am to provide details about the awards program and how to submit a competitive application. Participants will also hear from previous award recipients about the benefits of receiving statewide recognition. Those interested in learning more about the awards program and how to submit a competitive application must register online.

This year, DEC is especially interested in showcasing innovative projects that achieve significant environmental benefits through state-of-the-art: green infrastructure projects; initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; climate change adaptations; food waste reduction efforts; recycling and composting programs; “green tech” solutions; initiatives to “green” businesses, farms, schools, recreational, sports, health care and hospitality facilities; clean energy projects; creative natural resource/habitat protection or restoration efforts; energy efficiency improvements; education and training programs; manufacturing process improvements and creative urban forestry or farming practices, including programs to advance “farm to table.”

Completed applications for the 2016 awards must be post marked no later than Friday, April 8, 2016.  Information about the award program and the 2016 application materials are available on DEC’s website, by email to awards@dec.ny.gov, or by writing to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Pollution Prevention Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-1750 or by phone to DEC’s Pollution Prevention Unit at (518) 402-9469.