BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Nominations are open for Pennsylvania’s top environmental honor — the 2024 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.
“We’re looking to uplift individuals and entities who have advanced environmental protection, education and justice in the commonwealth,” said Jessica Shirley, interim acting secretary of the state Department of Environmental Protection, in a Friday news release. “These awards highlight forward-thinking organizations that are changing the environmental landscape.
“I encourage all environmental stewards to apply. Nominating a person or an organization will help showcase the many ways Pennsylvanians are improving and protecting the environment.”
Less than a decade old, the award is open to any commonwealth business, farm, government agency, educational institution or nonprofit organization that has developed or participated in a project that promotes environmental protection and stewardship. The application is open through Jan. 3, with winners announced in the spring.
The DEP oversees the selection process, “evaluating projects on eight criteria: commitment to protecting the environment, partnership, environmental education and outreach, economic impact, innovation, climate change, sustainability and environmental justice,” officials said in the release. The governor’s office selects the winners.
To be entered, projects must have been completed between Oct. 11, 2022, and Oct. 31, 2023.Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
To be entered, projects must have been completed between Oct. 11, 2022, and Oct. 31, 2023.
Find more information on eligibility and the application on the DEP’s website.
Past winners
Twenty-one businesses, nonprofits, schools and agencies earned the 2023 award, including the Bethlehem Parking Authority.
The authority was recognized for its Park Green Program, a sustainability initiative which “aims to reduce environmental impacts by focusing on realistic and attainable goals targeting the organization's daily operations.”
Through the program, more than 50% of the authority’s fleet is made up of electric vehicles; there are electric vehicle charging stations in all city parking garages and several parking lots; all garages and lots have efficient LED lighting; and idle times at garage exits have been reduced through digital ticketing.
In addition, the authority has committed to building new garages using sustainable design standards, initiated a “Sustainable Idea” incentive program for employees; and partnered with the Bethlehem Area School District to lead after-school programs on sustainability.
