Arizona Forward is currently accepting nominations for its 35th annual Environmental Excellence Awards program, the state’s oldest and largest competition of its kind. The event – known as the Academy Awards of the local environmental community – is presented in partnership with SRP and recognizes significant contributions to the sustainability of the Grand Canyon State.

This signature program now embraces projects throughout Arizona, with all categories dedicated to its expanded geographic focus.  In taking a fresh approach to the historical program, Arizona Forward is unveiling two new award categories, including the Governor’s Award For Arizona’s Future, as well as a Healthy Communities category. All categories are now open to entries throughout Arizona for the first time ever!

The association is requiring submissions be submitted electronically via its FTP site or by mail on a CD-ROM or flash drive. Nominations will be accepted through 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, in the following broad-based categories:

·         Governor’s Award for Arizona’s Future – NEW CATEGORY
·         Buildings and Structures
·         Healthy Communities – NEW CATEGORY
·         Energy and Technology Innovation
·         Site Development
·         Art in Public Places
·         Environmental Education/Communication
·         SRP Award for Environmental Stewardship

First-place winners in each of the 17 subcategories will receive the Crescordia award, named for the Greek term meaning “To grow in harmony.” Arizona Forward will also confer its most prestigious honor, the President’s Award, on an individual or organization that has had an exceptional impact on environmental quality.

Recipients will be announced at the awards gala on Saturday, September 12, 2015, at a brand new venue – the Chateau Luxe. More than 600 business and civic leaders typically attend.

Environmental Excellence Awards are highly sought by companies both large and small, government agencies, cities and towns, design professionals, educators, media representatives, artists, technicians and others.

Finalists will be notified prior to the gala; however, specific awards will not be announced until that evening. All winners will be asked to prepare a presentation board featuring their project, which will be displayed at the awards banquet and included in a year-long, museum-quality traveling exhibit.

Finalists will also be spotlighted in a special section featured in the Phoenix Business Journal and first-place Crescordia winners will be featured in a one-year museum-quality traveling exhibit to high profile locations throughout Arizona.