The Illinois Sustainability Awards program is the longest running environmental award program in both the state of Illinois and the US as a whole. Since 1987, the Award, administered by the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC), has recognized private and public Illinois organizations which have implemented outstanding and innovative sustainable techniques or technologies, demonstrating a commitment to contributing to our environmental, social and economic health. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2017 awards, and may be submitted online at http://www.istc.illinois.edu/info/howtoapply.cfm. Email and paper submissions will not be accepted. All Illinois businesses and organizations which have implemented sustainable techniques or technologies that reduce or eliminate pollutants, toxicity and other environmental impacts, are encouraged to apply.
The deadline to submit applications is close of business (5 PM) on May 4th, 2017.
See www.istc.illinois.edu/istcawards for complete submission and eligibility requirements, as well as sample applications and judging criteria. Activities covered in your application must have been completed or have shown substantial progress by December 31, 2016 for consideration for the 2017 awards.
Applicant facilities may be visited for verification of reported activities. An organization must be in good standing with environmental laws and regulations to be eligible for an award. Applicants with current or pending violations of environmental laws and regulations from the U.S. EPA or Illinois EPA are not eligible to receive an award.
Applications are reviewed by ISTC staff and/or a panel of outside experts beginning in June. In July 2017, semi-finalists will be notified and on-site reviews will begin. Compliance checks occur in July and August, and in September, applicants that have been designated as finalists will be notified.
Mark your calendar for October 24, 2017! Winning organizations will be honored in a ceremony at the Union League Club in Chicago, IL. The program includes a morning technical session, industry-leading keynotes, luncheon and Awards trophy ceremony. Registration for the ceremony will be open in early August. We hope you can join us for this prestigious event.
Information on previous award winners, case studies on award-winning projects, and information on the impacts of the awards are available on the award program web pages. Questions regarding application requirements, general information about the program, or sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities for the ceremony, may be addressed to Debra Jacobson (djacobso@illinois.edu; 630-472-5019) or Irene Zlevor (izlevor@illinois.edu; 630-472-5016).
