Thursday, April 16, 2015

Port of Seattle Seeks Environmental Award Nominees

By Mark Edward Nero

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 Marine Environmental Business of the Year, presented by the Port of Seattle and the Seattle Propeller Club.

The port is encouraging “companies that exemplify innovative and effective environmental programs” or projects that support the port’s efforts to become the “greenest and most energy efficient port in North America” to apply.

The winner will be announced at the Seattle Maritime Festival Luncheon on June 1 aboard Holland America Line’s Statendam at Terminal 91.

One award will be presented, but applications can be submitted in either of two categories. One is: Comprehensive Environmental Management Plan, which is designed to showcase a wide-ranging, all-inclusive environmental program that is part of the company culture and goes well beyond state and federal mandates.

The other category is: Environmental Initiative, which is designed to showcase a specific initiative, process and/or project. The project does not have to be completed, but must be underway, to be considered in this category. Companies eligible to apply must have maritime-related operations in Seattle, and nominated programs and projects must have taken place partially or entirely in the Puget Sound region during 2014.

A committee comprised of industry, community and regulatory representatives will review applications and select the award recipients. The port says applications will be rated based on: sustainable practices, innovation, leadership, commitment, air and water pollution prevention and regulatory compliance.

Also, the port says, applications will be considered based on: successful efforts to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices into overall maritime/industrial operations or a specific project or initiative; innovation, leadership and/or commitment toward environmental stewardship, especially air and water pollution prevention, with a particular emphasis on recent accomplishments that benefit the environment of the Puget Sound region and compliance with local, state and federal environmental regulations and requirements.

Each applicant is expected to describe the environmental practice(s) and results achieved using an online application form available at http://cdn1.assets.sites.launchrocketship.com/347d2f3d-2378-4e6c-a887-013c51415025/files/5e1aefc7-edc0-480d-b11b-4af0641edb70/meba_application.pdf.

Electronic copies of all applications are required and should be sent to: MEBAward@seattlepropellerclub.org. Additional documentation is encouraged but must not exceed four 8.5”x 11” pages.

All applications, supporting material and fees must be received by 5 p.m., Tues., May 5.