Each year, the City of Toronto, in partnership with Green Living Enterprises and media and corporate sponsors, recognizes environmental leadership in 9 award categories.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS Award
Each year, Torontonians join together in neighbourhoods and communities to take on a variety of projects that green our city. These projects are often as varied and innovative as the communities themselves.
The Community Projects Award recognizes the leadership of volunteers who green our neighbourhoods and communities. Examples of projects eligible for this award include community gardens; projects which preserve and/or restore local ecosystems and wildlife habitats; community clean ups; and activism to establish and sustain protected areas.
ENERGY CONSERVATION Award
Reducing energy consumption and the emission of greenhouse gases that result from the use of fossil fuels is key to creating a clean, green and sustainable Toronto.
The Energy Conservation Award recognizes leadership in energy conservation and efficiency resulting from new and improved operations, systems, technology and business practices, as well as projects which expand the use of renewable energy and/or alternate fuels.
Sponsored by Ontario Power Authority
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS Award
Raising our awareness of environmental issues deepens our understanding of the natural world and our connection to it, and creates an important foundation for action on the environment.
The Environmental Awareness Award recognizes leadership in environmental education through a variety of media including print, film and web, as well as environmentally-themed arts and cultural events.
Sponsored by Toronto Hydro
GREEN DESIGN Award
The essence of green design is in creating physical objects, the built environment and/or services which comply with the principles of sustainability. The award rewards leadership in architecture, infrastructure or industrial design.
Examples of projects eligible for the Green Design Award include those which reduce the environmental impact of buildings, design developments that promote the well being of people, green technologies or products, and improvements such as re-naturalizing parks.
Sponsored by Enbridge Gas Distribution
GREEN ROOF Award
Green roofs and living walls offer a multitude of environmental, economic and social benefits. Beautiful and functional, they add to the overall health and vitality of our city, increase energy efficiency, improve air and water quality, reduce stormwater runoff and more.
The Green Roof Award recognizes leadership in green roofs and living wall projects which deliver environmental, economic and social benefits such as gardening and food production, horticultural therapy, and recreational space for densely-populated neighbourhoods.
LEADERSHIP Award
Toronto’s environmental leaders are a driving force for change and positive action on the environment. Leading by example, they inspire, motivate and help forge the way to a greener, more sustainable future.
The Leadership Award rewards an individual or group that delivers environmental results above and beyond the norm. Whether an individual, an ENGO leader, an activist or company, the winner will have a track record of excellence and results.
Supported by the Toronto Community Foundation
LOCAL FOOD Award
Food is a commodity that’s vitally important to everyone, so it’s no surprise that the local food movement in Toronto is growing rapidly. Growing and eating local food brings many social, environmental, health and economic benefits. It reduces the greenhouse gas emissions associated with transporting, processing and packaging food, and it’s healthier.
The Local Food Award recognizes leadership in increasing food security by creating, administering and promoting programs that increase the availability of affordable food for neighbourhoods, communities and residents. Examples of projects eligible for this award include community gardens, education campaigns, food distribution programs and other initiatives that contribute to the local food movement. Local visionaries in the field may also be nominated.
WATER EFFICIENCY Award
Water is a precious resource, one that we must responsibly manage for future generations despite its apparent abundance. The Water Efficiency Award recognizes leadership in sustainably managing our water resources, reducing water use, and promoting water conservation.
Sponsored by Toronto Water
YOUTH Award
Toronto’s youth are passionately involved in a variety of environmental projects and initiatives across our city. In their schools, organizations and communities they demonstrate their commitment to a cleaner, greener Toronto.
The Youth Award recognizes the leadership of young people (18 years and under as of December 31, 2009). Examples of projects eligible for this award include school grounds naturalization, waste reduction and recycling programs, energy conservation, wildlife protection, fundraising, education and outreach.
Sponsored by TD Friends of the Environment
