The Indiana Department of Environmental Management today announced it is taking applications and nominations for the 2024 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence.
This marks the 31st year the awards have been given to celebrate innovative projects with measurable environmental benefits.
“It is always an honor for IDEM to recognize Hoosiers who choose to go above and beyond to make a difference in Indiana’s environment and their communities,” Commissioner Brian Rockensuess said in a news release.
Presented annually since 1994, the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence has become one of Indiana’s most prestigious environmental awards.
In 2023, award winners included GM Fort Wayne Assembly, Red-Tail Land Conservancy, VA Northern Indiana Health Care System, Michigan City Sanitary District and Delta Institute, DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. and Carroll Elementary School – Flora.
This year, IDEM and Gov. Eric Holcomb’s office will present seven awards, one in each of the following categories:
- Energy Efficiency/Renewable Resources
- Environmental Education/Outreach
- Five-Year Continuous Improvement
- Greening the Government
- Land Use/Conservation
- Pollution Prevention
- Recycling/Reuse
Citizens, government agencies, businesses, organizations and educational institutions are invited to submit nominations on behalf of others. Self-nominations (applications) are encouraged. Eligible projects must have occurred in Indiana and been implemented in 2022 or 2023.
The deadline for nominations is March 1. Awards will be presented in September. A panel of conservation, environmental and academic professionals review nominations. The awards will be based on project innovation, measurable results and transferability.
Nomination forms and instructions are available online at idem.IN.gov/partnerships/