For the past 25 years, the Emerald Awards have recognized and celebrated the outstanding environmental achievements of large and small businesses, individuals, not-for-profit associations, community groups, youth and governments.
Uniquely Albertan, the Emerald Awards are the only award of their kind in our country, showcasing environmental excellence across all sectors.
Each year from November until February, the Alberta Emerald Foundation receives Emerald Award nominations in ten established categories.
A panel of knowledgeable judges with cross-sectoral experience carry out an independent evaluation based on established criteria and select the finalists and recipients.
The Emerald Awards are presented every June, coinciding with Canadian Environment Week. The 26th Annual Emerald Awards will be presented on June 6, 2017 in Edmonton.
By showcasing the ingenuity, dedication and hard work of our recipients and finalists, others will follow; the innovative will become the norm, resulting in a healthier and cleaner environment.
NOMINATIONS
Do you know an individual, group or business that has raised the bar in environmental excellence? Someone who has gone “above and beyond” in the protection of the environment? Celebrate their achievement with a 26th Annual Emerald Award nomination.
Nominations for the 26th Annual Emerald Awards are now open. The deadline for nominations is February 17, 2017.
2017 AWARD CATEGORIES
Business
Recognizing large businesses (of 101 employees or more) and small businesses (of up to 100 employees) that demonstrate a significant ongoing commitment to the environment, social responsibility and exceed normal practices or statutory duties.
Large business category presented by Enbridge
Education (school or classroom & post-secondary)
Recognizing classrooms, schools or school boards within the formal education system, formal educational curricula, and programs as well as post-secondary programs. The category acknowledges those nominees that have gone beyond the normal practices and shown leadership and creativity in educating students about environmental matters.
School or classroom PRESENTED BY ABCRC
POST-SECONDARY PRESENTED BY CONOCOPHILLIPS CANADA
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.
Community Group or
Not-For-Profit Association (Grassroots [annual budget < $750K] & Large Organization [annual budget > $750K])
Acknowledging environmental achievement by grassroots community groups, volunteer initiatives, not-for-profits and professional associations, this award recognizes particular initiatives that demonstrate the group’s commitment to the environment and has produced measurable positive change.
Large organization PRESENTED BY SYNCRUDE
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 (i.e. facilities enhancements or policy changes).
PRESENTED BY ATCO
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.
Youth
Recognizing young people 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.
PRESENTED BY SHELL CANADA
Emerald challenge award: innovation
Recognizing an individual or organization who has developed a new method, idea, or product that positively impacts the environment. This category recognizes ground-breaking concepts that are currently in development that will be a catalyst for growth and success.
SPONSORED in part BY GE energy, CN and NEXEN
Shared Footprints Award
The Shared Footprints Award recognizes and celebrates projects that go beyond normal land management practices to have a positive impact on the environment. Recipients of the Shared Footprints Award have demonstrated land and water stewardship, built shared knowledge, improved air quality and reduced land disturbances.
Presented by Alberta Real Estate Foundation