Examples of award-winning applications

2007 Acterra Award for Sustainability:
 Stanford Dining

2007 Environmental and Sustainability Education Award:
 Marin Farmers Market Association

2007 Susanne Wilson Award for Pollution Prevention - Small Company:
 Sun Light and Power

2007 Sustainable Built Environment Award (Special Commendation):
 Earth Bound Homes

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My project is in the planning or early implementation stage, can I still apply?
A: Judges will be looking for measurable benefits, so programs that are fully developed and have a track record of results will be the strongest applications. If your program is in the planning or early stages, you may want to wait a year to apply.

Q: My project was implemented by a consultant (e.g. a facilities management company or PR firm); can my company still apply for the award?
A: Yes, your company can apply for a program even if you hired outside experts to help implement it. If the program was instigated as a joint effort you may consider applying jointly for the program. If the program was spearheaded by the consultant, and commitment to the program is stronger within that company, it may be more appropriate for the consultant to apply for the award.

Q: What are the qualifications of the judges who will be evaluating my application?
A: Each category is adjudicated by at team of 3-4 environmental professionals from the business, government and nonprofit sectors and includes at least one individual who has developed expertise or judging experience in that specific category. Additionally, each category is headed by a Team Captain who has served as a Business Environmental Awards judge in previous years and is familiar with the best practices in that category.

Q: What other aspects of my company aside from the program I’ve applied for will the judges evaluate?
A: For all categories the judges will evaluate and award only the program for which you are applying, not the company as a whole or the individual in charge of the program (although one individual is asked to receive the award on behalf of the program). Evaluating and awarding a company in its entirety is beyond the scope of the BEA (and, therefore, it is important for award winners to identify the actual program for which they have won an award.) Of course, both the Acterra Award for Sustainability and Pollution Prevention/Resource Conservation awards are quite comprehensive and judges for those categories do evaluate all the areas outlined in the category description.

Q: What else will the judges be looking for?
A: In addition to the specific criteria laid out in the application, the judges will be looking for evidence that your program goes beyond compliance and, in the case of nonprofit organizations, goes beyond fulfilling you mission.

Q: The environmental benefits of my program reach beyond the Bay Area, will these be considered by the judges?
A: Environmental benefits that occur outside the Bay Area can be included in your application to indicate corporate commitment (criteria #4) but will not be included in the judging of the environmental benefits criteria.

Q: If my program is selected as a finalist what should I expect on the site visit?
A: If you are selected, the team captain of the judging team will contact you to schedule a site visit. If you don’t have anything to show judges at your site and would prefer to schedule a program presentation at the Acterra offices in Palo Alto, you may request this of the team captain. Your visit will last approximately 2-3 hours. This is your opportunity to provide more detailed information about the program components outlined in your application and to show any visual program aspects, as well as the judges’ opportunity to ask for additional information or clarification on information provided in your application.

Q: My company is a consulting/architectural firm that has completed numerous green projects. Can I submit multiple projects, or just one?
A: It is helpful for the judging process if consultants submit applications for a particular project as it is difficult for them to compare applications that include multiple projects with those focusing on a single project. Again, other projects can be referenced to demonstrate corporate commitment.

Q: How many companies are awarded in each category?
A: Only one applicant will receive the award (except in rare circumstances where two applicants are equally outstanding). However, the judging committee may elect to give multiple awards differentiated by company size.

Q: It appears as though my program is relevant to more than one category – what is the best one to submit to? Can I submit my program to more than one category?
A: You may submit your program to only one category. The following examples may help you decide which category is most relevant to your program. (Please feel free to contact the Awards Program Manager if you need additional assistance in selecting the category)

Environmental Enterprise vs Pollution Prevention
A company sells solar panels and runs their operations in a sustainable manner; for example their installation trucks are run on natural gas, they recycle extensively at their office, and offer their employees numerous commute options. This company should apply in the Pollution Prevention/Resource Conservation category because the noteworthy aspect of their program is the way in which they conduct their business. Environmental Enterprise is intended for businesses that have developed a unique and innovative product or solution (solar cells are a noteworthy but not innovative environmental product).

Pollution Prevention vs Sustainability
Sustainability is the next step up from a comprehensive pollution prevention program and is largely distinguished by the additional commitment to social equity in all business operations. Companies who have adopted – and succeeded – in achieving triple bottom line success – economic, environmental and social – should consider applying to the Sustainability category. Please see the Sample Project Descriptions for further insight into the distinction between pollution prevention and sustainability programs.