Philadelphia – Awards season is still swinging in the Greater Philadelphia Region – but no stretch limos or designer gowns are required!

In response to the first-ever Philadelphia Sustainability Awards, 52 businesses, non-profits, government agencies, academic institutions and individuals throughout the region submitted nominations.

The nominated people, organizations, and projects get to the heart of sustainability. They represent solutions to some of our region’s most challenging environmental and quality of life issues – for example, how real estate development can be good for a community instead of a burden, how innovative transportation solutions are growing in the marketplace, how energy efficiency is the new focus for everyone and how stormwater management might just be the next great issue that needs to be tackled! All of these also represent strong commitments to community involvement, partnership building and economic feasibility.

The next step in the Awards process is the selection of the finalists and then the winners. Submissions will be examined by a panel of eminent experts from around the region and nation, each with intimate knowledge of Philadelphia or sustainability issues. The winners will be announced at the sustainable event of the year – a Green Carpet reception on April 26th.

“All of us behind the Awards were extremely happy to see the sheer volume and variety of the organizations that chose to participate,” said Spencer Finch, Director of Sustainable Communities for the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, the lead coordinating organization.

“The nominations show that sustainability is becoming more and more a focus for the region and that people are ready to start sharing their stories and their successes. We hope the Awards will be just the right stage to help them get recognition for the amazing work they’re doing. And hopefully will help set the stage for a more sustainable future for everyone in the Philadelphia region.”

The first-ever Philadelphia Sustainability Awards recognizes and honors our region’s progress towards becoming the most sustainable city in America - today and for generations to come. The Awards will celebrate our successes, disseminate the lessons learned, and make sure good ideas become the foundation of our great city and region.

Coordinating organizations include PEC, City of Philadelphia, Delaware Valley Green Building Council, PennFuture, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, The Reinvestment Fund, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, American Institute of Architects, and the Academy of Natural Sciences. The William Penn Foundation and The Reinvestment Fund have generously funded this project.

The Sustainability Awards web site is coming soon! The site will feature some of the nominations and provide details on the Awards event.

More information can be found at www.pecpa.org. Contact Spencer Finch (x105) or Jessica Anderson (x101) at 215-592-7020 if you have any questions.