Gaithersburg, MD (January 18, 2023) Nominations are now being accepted for the City of Gaithersburg 2023 Environmental Awards. This annual program recognizes individuals and groups for their commitment to the environment.

City residents, businesses, neighborhood associations, and organizations within Gaithersburg’s City limits are eligible. Schools and entities whose student body or membership is comprised of at least 10 percent City residents may also apply. Individuals or organizations that do not meet the requirements listed above but have provided a significant benefit to the residents of the City of Gaithersburg are eligible for a Green Friend of Gaithersburg category of awards.

Award winners will have demonstrated outstanding efforts to improve Gaithersburg’s environment. Achievement Awards are given for new voluntary initiatives and/or certifications within calendar year 2022. Appreciation Awards recognize continuing efforts beyond regulatory requirements.

Winners are selected by the City of Gaithersburg Environmental Affairs Committee (EAC). This year the EAC is particularly interested in learning how groups have been working to expand their efforts from one year to the next by building on past successes.

Other examples of environmentally friendly initiatives include but are not limited to:

-Activities that demonstrate commitment to environmental stewardship by overcoming challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic

-Projects that aim to enhance environmental justice

-Use of integrated pest management to minimize the use of chemicals

-Pollution prevention and green purchasing

- Expansion of source reduction, reuse, and recycling efforts

-Implementation of bicycle and sidewalk projects

-Expansion of green space for natural and recreational uses

-Protection and enhancement of urban wildlife and associated habitats

-Energy and water conservation measures

-Tree planting and management

-Invasive species management projects

-Stream monitoring and restoration programs

- Encouragement of community discussion regarding neighborhood stewardship of local natural resources

- Composting and food recovery initiatives

-Environmental education programs

-Creation of baseline information on quality and quantity of natural resources

-Promotion of green building in public and private development

-Environmental Management System implementation, including ISO 14001 certification

-Greenhouse gas emissions reductions

-Generation or purchase of alternative energy

- Demonstration of the interconnectedness of sustainability with equity and public health

-Other innovative environmental enhancement ideas or projects

Nomination forms are available online at www.gaithersburgmd.gov.The deadline for submission is 4 p.m. on Friday, March 10, 2023. Early submission is encouraged.

If it safe to do so in-person, a ceremony celebrating our winners from 2020 – 2023 will be held during April as part of our Green Month activities. Our 2023 winners will also be celebrated on social media. Subscribe to our Green in Gaithersburg newsletter to stay up to date on all our events, get tips from neighbors and see all the ways our community gets greener.

For more information contact the Environmental Services Division of the Gaithersburg Department of Public Works at 301-258-6370 or e-mail [email protected].