2008 Criteria

Applicants are evaluated on the basis of:
Leadership
Significant environmental benefits
Potential model for business community
Demonstrating program commitment
Collaborative efforts

2008 Categories

The following descriptions are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Feel free to submit an application for consideration if you feel that your organization meets some, but not necessarily all of the bulleted guidelines.

Acterra Award for Sustainability
This special award rewards sustainable businesses which implement aspects of all the other award categories and integrate environmental, economic and social equity factors.

Model Programs Strive To:
Create holistic programs and processes that respect and protect all stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, investors, local and global communities, customers, and the natural environment
Create products and services that contribute to a sustainable community
Implement processes that use natural resources efficiently and do not create hazardous or toxic wastes
Educate employees, suppliers and customers about actions they can take in their personal lives to reduce their own environmental impact
Conduct outreach to the local community through philanthropic, educational and other efforts
Protect and preserve any natural habitats

Commute and Transportation
Rewards efforts to reduce the environmental and social impacts associated with the transportation of people, products and resources.

Model Programs Strive To:
Promote alternative commute programs such as ride sharing, telecommuting & use of public transportation
Encourage the expansion of public transportation resources
Use optimal facility design and location to enhance proximity to markets, employees' residences and public transportation routes
Use communication technologies, telecommuting and teleconferencing
Use fleet vehicles which run on alternative fuels

Environmental Enterprise
Rewards a company, project or group for developing a new and innovative environmental solution, technology or product.

Model Programs Strive To:
Unique and innovative products or solutions that provide significant environmental and social benefit
Technical feasibility
Commercial viability

Environmental and Sustainability Education
Rewards educational programs designed to heighten awareness about environmental issues and promote actions that lead toward sustainability.

Model Programs Strive To:
Educational programs focused on building understanding and responsibility about living and working sustainably
Educational initiatives which primarily serve the local environment
Educational programs beyond those associated with internal environmental, health and safety compliance programs

Susanne Wilson Award for Pollution Prevention/Resource Conservation
Rewards programs which reduce the consumption of resources (water, materials and/or energy) and minimize the generation of toxic and/or persistent pollutants.

Model Programs Strive To:
Implement comprehensive and formalized policies, programs, systems and procedures beyond compliance
Use resources efficiently
Use environmental principles in the design of products, services, and processes
Implement reuse, remanufacturing, product stewardship and closed-loop recycling
Achieve measurable results & improvement in environmental performance
Thoroughly train all employees

Special Project Category
Rewards projects that meet the above Susanne Wilson Award criteria but are more limited in scope; addressing a specific area.

Sustainable Built Environment
Rewards designs that conserve natural resources and promote health and well-being for the occupants of buildings and other built environments.

Model Programs Strive To:
Incorporate green building design elements (energy efficiency, recycled and least toxic materials use, etc.)
Maximize use of existing structures/materials (incorporate deconstruction)
Use design features such as indoor and outdoor plants, natural lighting and pleasant aesthetics, which have shown to improve health and performance
Utilize materials and techniques that reflect sound environmental practices
Go beyond compliance with Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) standards
Reduce sprawl and create liveable cities
Incorporate sustainable interior furnishings and equipment