• 2012
• 2011
• 2010
• 2009
• 2008

Lexington Medical Center was honored for Outstanding Business. This health facility established a "Spare the Air" initiative that resulted in a reduction to its carbon dioxide footprint by approximately 21 percent (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008).

The initiative included programs such as replacing four 8-cylinder vehicles with four Hybrid Prius vehicles, implementing a Bike Patrol for Public Safety officers to help reduce emissions, replacing 90 percent or more of its cleaning products to green products, and establishing a carpool program. The Medical Record's Department currently has over 65 employees telecommuting from home (saving approximately 93 Tons of CO₂). An Energy Star purchasing program was also implemented to use Energy Star appliances whenever possible and the facility began using only recycled paper for printers and copier paper.

Lexington Medical Center also conducted a week long educational program during "Earth Week" to inform the staff of the impact the hospital has on the environment, with an emphasis on air quality. They were the first LEED certified healthcare building in South Carolina, and the first hospital in the state to be a member of the SC Environmental Excellence Program

Synithia Williams, Environmental Coordinator with Lexington County Public Works, was recognized for Outstanding Individual. Mrs. Williams is described as a true steward of the environment. She has dedicated her time and energy to improve and maintain air quality in the Midlands. Her excellent guidance and involvement in Lexington County's outdoor burning ordinance produced noticeable improvements. Her active participation and leadership in the Richland/Lexington "Lawn Mower Exchange" resulted in the replacement of 246 gas powered mowers with clean electric mowers with a potential reduction of 1,400 pounds of hydrocarbon emissions, 31 pounds of nitrogen oxides, 47 pounds of particulate matter, 5,900 pounds of carbon monoxide or nearly 7,500 pounds of air pollution yearly.

Tom Falvey, was recognized as the Outstanding Volunteer for his contribution to the 2008 Richland/Lexington County "Lawn Mower Exchange" success. He was instrumental in securing the location at the State Museum, posting announcements on the State Museum’s website, helping plan traffic routes that proved to be effective and efficient, and stored the lawn mowers before the event and moved them with a forklift as needed. Tom also coordinated the "Lawn Mower Exchange" with other "Earth Day" activities at the State Museum for a comprehensive environmental opportunity for participants.

Furman University was recognized as Outstanding University for their "…commitment to the environment by promoting sustainability through educational programs, campus operations/construction practices and public awareness initiatives." Furman revamped its curriculum, requiring all students to take a course entitled "Humans and the Natural Environment." Their recycling efforts now include furniture, food, and computers. Students interested in sustainability are given an opportunity to reside in the Eco Cottage and gain applied knowledge about alternative energy sources, recycling. All new construction at the university is built to LEED-certification standards and the Furman's Hipp Hall is the only Gold-certified building in South Carolina.

Lexington County Council and Fire Service Division were honored for their "Outstanding Community Air Quality Improvement Campaign" efforts in amending the county's ordinance for open burning and the subsequent development of a plan to inform citizens of this new ordinance. Lexington County has led the way and is now a prime example to other counties who are in need of guidance and direction pertaining to this type of ordinance. As a result of these efforts, the county experienced a reduction in wildfires by 20 percent and outdoor burning by 51 percent during the 2007/2008 fiscal year.