FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – MARCH 26, 2021
EDMONTON, AB – Today, the Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF) kicked off their 30th anniversary with the announcement of the Emerald Awards Shortlist. They were joined by their special guest, longtime sponsor and three-time Emerald Award recipient, Syncrude Canada Ltd.
“This is always an exciting time of year for our Foundation,” says AEF’s Executive Director Gregory Caswell. “Not only do we get to reveal who our judges have selected to move forward for this prestigious award, it’s also a monumental year in our Foundation’s history. We’re grateful to have Syncrude at our side for this announcement as they have been a major supporter of our mission since day one.”
“Syncrude is proud to celebrate this landmark milestone of the Emerald Awards, which we’ve supported since they started 30 years ago,” says Mal Carroll, Syncrude’s Manager – Research & Development. “The Emerald Awards have set a high bar for the people, businesses and organizations in this province who strive to address local, regional and global environmental and climate issues. Their commitment to improve environmental performance is shared by Syncrude and its employees.”
Alberta is home to leaders and innovators, each demonstrating a unique approach to environmental stewardship. The Emerald Awards showcase our province’s environmental achievements. In doing so, a standard of excellence is set that inspires others in their own practices. Over the past three decades, the AEF has recognized nearly 400 recipients and 900 finalists through the Emerald Awards program.
In honour of the Emerald’s 30th anniversary, the AEF engaged in a community consultation to refresh the categories to reflect current environmental priorities, and the award to better support their recipients. In addition to a certificate, Emerald Award winners now receive profile through documentaries, a podcast, and speaking opportunities, as well as a $2,000 grant to support the continuation of their work.
This year, the AEF received nominations from all corners of the province, each sharing a unique approach to environmental stewardship. A third-party panel of judges was tasked to review all submissions and select the shortlist and recipients. The winners will be announced at the 30th Annual Emerald Awards on June 1, 2021 at 4 p.m.
The AEF is our province’s environmental good-news storytellers. What began as the Emerald Awards in 1992 has evolved into a 12-month conversation. They have expanded their capacity and programming into a robust communications strategy that showcases our province’s environmental achievements, and funding opportunities that educate and empower Alberta’s next generation. This progression allows for a larger positive environmental impact that benefits individuals and communities all across our province. This work is made possible through the generous support of sponsors and donors who are dedicated to creating a bright future for our province and planet.
For interview opportunities, please contact:
Gregory Caswell | AEF Executive Director
P: 780.905.0390 | E: gregory@emeraldfoundation.ca