Q: How many awards are given in each category?
A: Only one applicant will receive the award in each category (except in rare circumstances where two applicants are equally outstanding). However, in any given category, the judging committee may elect to give multiple awards differentiated by company size. The judging committee also reserves the right NOT to give an award in any given category if none of the applications received are determined award worthy.

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: How long will it take to complete the application?
A: Historically it has taken applicants anywhere from 2-4 hours to complete the Application depending on the nature of the project and the size of the organization.

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 a 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 Committee Chair 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, the Acterra Award for Sustainability is quite comprehensive and judges for this category 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 (question #5) but will not be included in the judging of environmental benefits (question #3).

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.