CALGARY, ALBERTA – On June 8, environmental leaders from across the province gathered at Calgary’s Telus Spark for the announcement of the 25th Annual Emerald Awards. Presented by the Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF), the uniquely-Albertan award recognizes and celebrates environmental excellence in 12 cross-sectoral categories.
Earlier this year, the AEF received 70 nominations for the prestigious awards. A panel of knowledgeable third-party judges was tasked with reviewing all nominations and selecting three finalists with one recipient in each category.
“Over our Foundation’s quarter century, we have seen a great evolution in sustainable practices across all sectors in our province. We have witnessed the inspiring effect Albertan EcoHeroes have had on others, both in our province and around the globe,” says Andy Etmanski, Chair of the Board, AEF. “Each recipient represents a unique, positive, and innovative approach to sustainable practices. We are thrilled to share their stories with Alberta as we showcase their hard work and dedication to the environment.”
“The Emerald Awards further innovation in the province because they give publicity to new ideas,” says Brian Taylor of Echo-Logic Land Corporation, Small Business Emerald Award Recipient. “They encourage individuals and organizations to do things that will make a difference to our quality of life.”
“We are very pleased with the Reuse Centre’s accomplishments, and want to share our success story with Edmonton,” says Connie Boyce, Reuse Centre, Government Institution Emerald Award Recipient. “Over the last 25 years, there have been so many award finalists who have gone above and beyond towards making Alberta a cleaner and greener place to live, work, play and live.”
Hosted by Albertan theatre artists Jana O’Connor and Chris Bullough, the 25th Annual Emerald Awards celebration featured special presentations by the Tsuut’ina Nation, former Poet Laureate Derek Beaulieu, and past Emerald Award Recipient Kelcie Miller-Anderson. Providing greetings from the City of Calgary and Province of Alberta were Deputy Mayor Ward Sutherland and Minister of Environment Shannon Phillips respectively. The event was also attended by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, the Honourable Lois Mitchell.
In January 1992, the Honourable Ralph Klein (then Minister of Alberta Environment), joined forces with McLennan Ross and Deloitte and Touche to update their Environment Awards program. The AEF was created, and with it came the prestigious Emerald Awards. To date, over 290 recipients and 785 finalists have been recognized with an Emerald Award. The AEF has also developed a number of outreach initiatives, including Emerald Days and the Youth Environmental Engagement Grants program. For more information, visit www.emeraldfoundation.ca.
FIND OUT WHO TOOK HOME A 25TH ANNUAL EMERALD AWARD!
