2012 Award Categories

YOUTH

Recognizing young people (25 years and younger) for initiatives that contribute to the future environmental well-being of the province of Alberta. The finalists have taken innovative action and demonstrated commitment to address or substantially mitigate a local, regional or provincial environmental issue. They have also shared the results and lessons learned so that others might be inspired to undertake similar initiatives.  Recipients in this category will also receive a $1,000 cash award!!

COMMUNITY GROUP

Recognizing particular environmental initiatives lead by volunteers that demonstrate a community group's commitment to the environment and has produced measurable and sustained positive change.

EDUCATION: SCHOOL OR CLASSROOM

Recognizing classrooms, schools or school boards within the formal education system as well as formal educational curricula and programs. The category acknowledges those nominees that have gone beyond the normal practices and shown leadership and creativity in educating students about environmental matters.  

PUBLIC EDUCATION & OUTREACH

Recognizing individuals, organizations and on-the-ground local initiatives within the non-formal education system that demonstrate leadership and creativity in educating the broader public about environmental matters.

NOT-FOR-PROFIT ASSOCIATION

Acknowledging environmental achievement by a not-for-profit or professional association, this award recognizes particular initiatives that demonstrate commitment to the environment and produce measurable, positive change.

EMERALD CHALLENGE AWARD

Each year the AEF Board of Directors will select a topic of current importance to the well being of the Alberta environment. The selected topic will be one that will provide many challenges to all involved parties and where inspirational and environmental leadership is needed.

The theme for the 2012 Emerald Challenge Award is Alberta’s Oil Sands and is presented by Alberta Energy. This award recognizes excellence and leadership related to activities in Alberta’s Oil Sands. This category will recognize the leadership work of any group/individual/business relating to any aspect of any Oil Sands deposit located in Alberta.  The Emerald Challenge Award is open for individuals, groups, businesses and governments to nominate their work that demonstrate a significant ongoing commitment to the environment and exceeds normal practices or statutory duties. 

GOVERNMENT INSTITUTION

Recognizing all levels of government, Crown corporations, public institutions, agencies, boards, etc., that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the environment and exceed normal practice or statutory duties. This category includes universities, colleges and schools at the facilities or governance level (ie. facilities enhancements or policy changes). 

INDIVIDUAL COMMITMENT

Recognizing individuals committed to protecting the environment through personal initiative and/or within and through the organizations in which they work. Characteristics of nominees include: enthusiasm and resourcefulness in educating, inspiring and influencing others locally, provincially and/or more broadly. This category can be about lifetime achievement or something new and innovative with a particular “wow” factor.

LARGE BUSINESS

Recognizing businesses (of 101 employees or more) that demonstrate a significant ongoing commitment to the environment, social responsibility and exceed normal practices or statutory duties.

SMALL BUSINESS

Recognizing businesses (of up to 100 employees) that demonstrate a significant ongoing commitment to the environment, social responsibility and exceed normal practices or statutory duties.

EMERALD CERTIFIED - SHARED FOOTPRINTS AWARD, Established by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development and Presented by Encana

Launched in 2010 by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, the Shared Footprints Award celebrates excellence in Integrated Land Management.  Nominees must meet the standards of the Emerald Awards, plus support the eight principles of ILM.  For more information, please click here.