33rd Annual Emerald Awards | Celebrating Environmental Excellence

Since 1992, the Emerald Awards have showcased nearly 400 recipients and 900 finalists who are raising the bar in addressing environmental and climate change issues. These awards celebrate excellence across all sectors, making them unique not only in Alberta but also in Canada.

Discover the recipients and finalists of the 33rd Annual Emerald Awards, determined by our third-party panel of volunteer judges!

PLATINUM PARTNER

GOLD PARTNER

SILVER PARTNER

BRONZE PARTNER

Air

Award Recipient

Kathairos Solutions

Kathairos Solutions, based in Calgary, is dedicated to addressing methane emissions in the oil and gas industry, particularly in North America. Their mission is to eradicate the need for methane venting at remote well sites through the innovative use of liquid nitrogen technology. With a vision to significantly reduce methane emissions in North America’s oil…

Shortlist

There are no other finalists in this category.

Business

Award Recipient

Sustainable Projects Group

Celebrating 10 years in the energy efficiency industry, Sustainable Projects Group (SPG) is a leading design-build company committed to revolutionizing the built environment by providing actionable solutions for decarbonization. Their mission is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by empowering building owners with the tools and data required to achieve sustainability. SPG operates with a…

Shortlist

Circular Rubber Technologies: Becoming the First Devulcanization Facility for End-of-Life Mining Tires in the World

Circular Rubber Technologies

Circular Rubber’s mission is to positively impact the world by converting rubber waste into value, again and again, to be used in new high-performance rubber products. Rooted in sustainability, their vision aims for the infinite reuse of the world’s rubber, striving towards a circular future where rubber is continuously repurposed, contributing to a regenerative environment….

Explore Edmonton

Explore Edmonton epitomizes the essence of sustainable tourism development and community enrichment. With a mission to elevate Edmonton as a premier destination, their vision encompasses year-round transformational experiences for visitors while fostering economic prosperity and enhancing residents’ quality of life. Aligned with their commitment to sustainability, Explore Edmonton has embarked on comprehensive initiatives to mitigate…

Community Group or Non-Profit

Award Recipient

Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society

For over 30 years, Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society has been dedicated to conserving natural spaces and fostering community engagement, envisioning a sustainable future where the park enhances the quality of life for present and future generations. The society provides a range of services, including grassland area management, poplar regeneration, visitor information, and…

Shortlist

Nature Kids Program

Nature Alberta

For over five decades, Nature Alberta has been committed to preserving natural spaces and fostering community engagement, envisioning a future where Alberta’s natural heritage is cherished and safeguarded. Through their diverse outreach programs, they inspire Albertans to learn about, experience, and protect nature. One of their flagship initiatives, Nature Kids, is designed to cultivate a…

Alberta Bike Swap

Alberta Bike Swap is on a mission to revolutionize cycling accessibility and sustainability across Alberta. Their vision encompasses removing barriers to cycling by ensuring safe and equitable access to bicycles and bike education. Through a series of community-based bicycle buy, sell, and donate events, along with providing essential resources such as software, bike racks, and…

Education

Award Recipient

Alberta Envirothon

Alberta Envirothon is a provincial non-profit dedicated to cultivating knowledgeable, skilled, and environmentally conscious citizens among Alberta’s youth. Through its annual 3-day environmental competition, the organization challenges high school students to test their expertise in various domains including soil & land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, and current environmental issues. This initiative not only promotes…

Shortlist

Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association: Day on the Creek

Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association

The Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association (WBRA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting resilient landscapes and communities within the Waterton Biosphere Region (WBR). One of WBRA’s initiatives is Day on the Creek, an annual event launched in 2017, offering a unique outdoor learning experience for hundreds of students from rural areas, including those from the…

Future Energy Systems

Future Energy Systems (FES), a research program at the University of Alberta, funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, is committed to shaping a brighter energy future globally. Their mission is to foster a sustainable, economically viable, and equitable energy transition, harmonizing energy and the environment while meeting the needs of people and communities….

Energy

Award Recipient

The RenuWell Project

Municipal District of Taber, Irrigation Canal Power Co-operative Ltd., RenuWell Energy Solutions Inc., Iron & Earth, Medicine Hat College, SkyFire Energy Inc., and Canadian Solar

The RenuWell Project, a collaborative initiative involving seven organizations, aims to repurpose inactive oil & gas sites for small-scale solar photovoltaic installations. The project’s mission is to prove the feasibility, scalability, and transferability of this concept while considering various stakeholders’ interests. Key objectives of the pilot include increasing distributed solar generation, conserving land for agriculture,…

Shortlist

Eavor Technologies Inc.

Eavor is a Next Generation Geothermal technology-based energy company led by a team dedicated to creating a clean, reliable, and affordable energy future on a global scale. Eavor’s solution (Eavor-Loop™) represents the world’s first truly scalable form of clean, baseload or dispatchable energy (heating, cooling & electrical power). Eavor achieves this by mitigating or eliminating…

Salay Prayzaan at Métis Crossing

Métis Nation of Alberta

Salay Prayzaan “a gift from the sun” at Métis Crossing, formerly known as the Métis Crossing Solar Project, stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit between the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA), the Town of Smoky Lake, and Smoky Lake County. With a capacity of 4.86 MW, this community solar endeavor embodies the mission…

Infrastructure

Award Recipient

The Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association

The Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association (SSRIA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry towards a zero-carbon built environment. With a mission to accelerate the adoption of innovative low-carbon solutions for buildings, SSRIA provides support and growth opportunities for companies within Alberta’s AEC sector. Through demonstration project funding,…

Shortlist

Echo Haven project

Melcom Homes

Melcom Homes’ Echo Haven project is leading the charge toward sustainable living within Alberta’s major cities including Calgary and surrounding areas. Through innovative design and cutting-edge technologies, this project aims to redefine modern living by seamlessly integrating eco-consciousness with comfort and functionality. From inception to completion, Melcom Homes prioritizes eco-friendly practices at every stage of…

ENMAX Community Solar Fund

The City of Calgary and ENMAX

The ENMAX Community Solar Fund brings solar energy to local neighborhoods. It’s a partnership between The City of Calgary and ENMAX that has invested $5 million to create solar power systems on community buildings. These solar systems help reduce the costs of running these buildings and also cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. The program…

Land

Award Recipient

Land Management Program

Alberta Conservation Association

The Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) is committed to conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish and wildlife populations and their habitats for Albertans to enjoy, value, and use. Through its Land Management Program, ACA focuses on restoring damaged habitats and safeguarding healthy ones across its 237, 365 acres of conservation sites across Alberta. Conservation Sites are managed…

Shortlist

Ledcor Highway Maintenance Yard Upgrades

Ledcor Highway Maintenance Limited

Ledcor’s Highway Maintenance team provides services on long-term contracts covering 6700 kilometres of Provincial Highways in Alberta and is responsible for year-round, winter, and seasonal maintenance. One of the most notable aspects of Ledcor’s approach is its proactive stance on environmental protection. Through meticulous planning and investment in yard upgrades, they have implemented innovative measures…

Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program

University of Alberta

The Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program, led by Professors Scott Chang, Edward Bork, and Cam Carlyle from the University of Alberta, is dedicated to advancing sustainable land management practices in Alberta’s agriculture sector to combat climate change and promote agricultural sustainability. Their mission is to develop and test best management practices that enhance soil fertility,…

Lifetime Achievement

Award Recipient

Bill Wishart: A Lifetime of Contributing to Alberta’s Fish and Wildlife Management Community

Bill Wishart has dedicated over six decades to serving Alberta’s diverse communities and wildlife resources. Throughout his career, Bill has been a steadfast advocate for Alberta’s fish and wildlife, contributing to the development of hunting licensing and allocation strategies for over 40 years. His work has benefited recreational, commercial, and Indigenous hunters alike, addressing issues…

Shortlist

There are no other finalists in this category.

Waste Management

Award Recipient

Repair for Good Program

Goodwill Industries of Alberta

Goodwill Industries of Alberta is dedicated to fostering sustainability while advancing its core mission of providing employment and job training services to individuals with disabilities or barriers. Through initiatives like their Repair for Good program, Goodwill serves Albertans with disabilities in Edmonton and Calgary, providing employment and volunteer opportunities while championing sustainability. Repair for Good…

Shortlist

Backroads Reclamation

Built from a passion for reusing wood and sharing its story, Backroads Reclamation is turning Old Canadian Wood into new wood products to last another lifetime, saving as much lumber as possible while keeping it from the landfill or bonfire. Backroads Reclamation’s journey began in August of 2020 when founder, owner, and CEO, Jay Sanderson…

Violet Grove’s Constructed Floating Wetlands System with Aeration

Brazeau County

The Constructed Floating Wetlands system (CFWs) in Violet Grove, Alberta, aims to revolutionize wastewater treatment in colder climates. With a vision to enhance effluent quality and promote environmental sustainability, this initiative introduces innovative natural treatment processes, leveraging the efficacy of wetlands even in cold climate settings. Serving the Hamlet of Violet Grove in Brazeau County,…

Water

Award Recipient

Livingston Pond E Storm Park

MAGNA Engineering Services Inc.

MAGNA Engineering Services Inc. (MAGNA) is a civil engineering consulting firm committed to pioneering innovative wastewater and stormwater infrastructure design solutions for communities across Canada. Offering a comprehensive suite of services related to water management, community engagement, GIS mapping, and more, MAGNA delivers custom nature-based solutions that prioritize environmental resilience and community well-being. One of…

Shortlist

City of Calgary’s Drought Resilience Plan

City of Calgary

The City of Calgary’s Drought Resilience Plan (DRP) aims to prepare the city, its residents, and businesses for the challenges posed by drought, which stands as one of Calgary’s primary climate hazards. The plan’s overarching mission is to foster a future where Calgary’s people, ecosystems, and businesses can not only withstand and recover from drought…

The City of Calgary Riparian Monitoring Program

The City of Calgary

The City of Calgary’s Riparian Monitoring Program (RMP) embodies a steadfast commitment to the conservation and enhancement of riparian areas along water bodies. Initiated in response to key actions in The City’s Riparian Action Program, the RMP endeavours to translate strategy into action, fostering flood and drought resilience, water quality protection, and biodiversity preservation. The…

Wildlife & Biodiversity

Award Recipient

Cenovus Caribou Habitat Restoration Project

Cenovus

The Cenovus Caribou Habitat Restoration project has undertaken a significant endeavour to address the environmental challenges posed by development activities in the Boreal Forest of northern Alberta. This initiative aims to restore legacy seismic disturbances, which contribute to forest fragmentation, habitat degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions, particularly impacting caribou populations in the region. By utilizing…

Shortlist

WildEdmonton

The City of Edmonton and the University of Alberta Edmonton Urban Coyote Project

WildEdmonton, a collaborative initiative between the City of Edmonton and the University of Alberta Edmonton Urban Coyote Project (EUCP), aims to monitor wildlife presence and abundance in Edmonton’s open space network. Since its inception in 2018, the project has worked towards informing sustainable city design by integrating wildlife needs into land use decision-making processes. The…

Youth

Award Recipient

Alana Tollenaar

Backyard Birds Nature Shop

Driven by her remarkable passion for the environment and community, Alana Tollenaar, at the age of 21, opened Backyard Birds Nature Shop in 2021. Her shop aims to foster a deep connection between people and nature through high-quality bird-feeding products, nature-inspired gifts, and community-based activities. Founded with the vision of creating a vibrant community where…

Shortlist

Strathmore High School Community Greenhouse

The Strathmore High School Community Greenhouse stands as a beacon of sustainable education and community engagement. This unique project, nestled in Strathmore and Wheatland County, embodies a forward-thinking approach to environmental stewardship, education, and community development. At its core, the greenhouse serves as a free community space fostering mentorship between high school students and diverse…