Department of Environment & Conservation
Robert Martineau, Commissioner

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» Environmental Education and Outreach - Schools

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» Materials Management  

» Natural Heritage  

» Sustainable Performance   

» Robert Sparks Walker Lifetime Achievement

 

recognizes significant innovation in siting, structure design and use, deconstruction and construction techniques, supply chain and materials sourcing, operational efficiency (water use, energy efficiency), longevity, flexibility of use, protecting occupant health and productivity, and reduction in overall carbon footprint. Special consideration will be given to use of in-fill, brownfields, and repurposing of existing structures.

recognizes significant improvements to the air quality of Tennessee by demonstrating measureable progress in reducing hazardous air pollutants, volatile organic compounds, acid rain precursors and greenhouse gases, outdoor exposure to toxic air contaminants, and air deposition loading to land and water. (Cap and trade activities will not be considered.) Nominations may include programs and projects that incorporate input change, product reformulation, production process redesign, implementing conservation techniques, and reuse of materials.

recognizes programs and projects that that further the widespread use and adoption of alternative fuels; conservation strategies; innovative devices, techniques and strategies; and creation of domestic fuel sources.  Nominations may include programs and projects that increase the energy efficiency of buildings or equipment, the use of environmentally-benign energy production technologies, developing advanced energy technologies, and using renewable energy resources and the use of innovative technologies that will reduce dependence upon traditional fossil-fuel-based energy sources.  Special consideration will be given to nominations that demonstrate a comprehensive approach and highlight the relationship between the environmental benefits and the associated social and economic benefits.

recognizes outstanding education and/or outreach programs that promote environmental stewardship, increase citizen awareness and results in enhanced environmental protection.  Nominations may include demonstration projects, awareness campaigns, programs that allow citizens and communities to address environmental issues such as non-point source pollution, classroom curricula and demonstration projects.

recognizes outstanding education and/or outreach programs that promote environmental stewardship, increase citizen awareness and results in enhanced environmental protection.  Nominations may include demonstration projects, awareness campaigns, programs that allow citizens and communities to address environmental issues such as non-point source pollution, classroom curricula and demonstration projects. (Higher Education and K-12 only)

recognizes projects that incorporate innovative and effective methods or practices to preserve or improve land use in Tennessee. Nominations may include the revitalization of underutilized or contaminated land, the preservation of green space, the reduction of sprawl, brownfield’s redevelopment, creative reuse and/or preserving farmland. Special consideration will be given to nominations that demonstrate significant progress in furthering the protection or development of Tennessee’s greenways; involvement of neighboring communities; and collaboration with regional or statewide initiatives.

recognizes exemplary achievements in conserving and protecting natural resources and reducing costs through waste prevention, reducing toxicity, reuse, recycling, composting, environmentally-preferable purchasing, supply chain dynamics, as well as product design and stewardship.  Nominations may include programs and projects addressing input change, product reformulation, and production process redesign, conservation techniques, material reuse and beneficial land application.  Special consideration will be given to nominations that demonstrate a comprehensive approach and highlight the relationship between the environmental benefits and the associated social and economic benefits.

recognizes achievements in protecting, preserving, restoring or enhancing Tennessee’s natural landscape and native flora and fauna.  Nominations may include programs and projects that address Tennessee’s natural, geologic or ecological resources including open space, viewsheds, wetlands, estuaries, biological diversity, and endangered species.  Special consideration will be given for integrated efforts relating to adjacent land use and nominations that focus on particularly significant river corridors, scenic trails, and other areas of cultural value.

recognizes entities that have implemented holistic approaches to achieve sustainability and integrate environmental values and conservation of natural resources into comprehensive, long-term decision making and management of businesses and facilities. Nominations must demonstrate achievement in multiple operational areas such as facility lifecycle, supply chain management, community engagement, employee involvement, and product or service design and delivery.

recognizes an individual who has devoted at least 25 years of effective and valuable service to Tennessee’s environmental protection or conservation stewardship; posthumous awards not made. Notable personal achievements in areas such as natural resource management, conservation, education, public service, and political support toward Tennessee’s conservation and/or environmental protection.