Earth Day
  Earth Day Header for awards web page
 
Awards
 
  Purpose of Program
    Beginning in 2009, the S C Department of Health and Environmental Control will annually recognize people or businesses that have actively embraced the spirit of Earth Day through the implementation of sustainable, environmentally-conscious practices or programs that improve or protect our state’s environment. Four categories of awards will be given:
       
  • Large Business/Entity (50 or more participants)
  • Medium Business/Entity (11 to 49 participants)
  • Small Business/Entity (two to 10 participants)
  • Individual
    Winners will be honored for projects or programs implemented in the previous calendar year. Participation in this awards program does not preclude an entrant’s eligibility for participation in other DHEC awards programs.
   
   
  Eligible Projects
    Any South Carolina resident, family, business, school, group or agency may submit a DHEC Earth Day Award application. To be eligible for an award, an entrant’s project must have been implemented at any time during the calendar year preceding the year the award is to be given (i.e., the 2009 DHEC Earth Day Awards will be given for projects conducted during 2008). The project must visibly document how the entrant(s) brought about energy conservation, waste reduction, pollution prevention or otherwise encouraged environmentally-conscious practices. The project must also demonstrate sustainability in application such that the day-to-day dedication to the spirit of Earth Day is apparent. For group entrants, awards will only be presented those individuals directly involved with implementation of the project. DHEC employees are ineligible to apply for these awards.
   
  Judging
    All entries will be reviewed by the DHEC Earth Day Awards Committee and evaluated as to the degree the project or program supports the “making Earth Day every day” principle. The program or project must visibly document activities that result in energy/cost savings, pollution prevention, waste reduction and/or other measurable environmental improvements or protection. DHEC reserves the right not to present any awards depending on the quality and number of entries received. Provided that the quality and number of entries received are acceptable, DHEC may present awards to both overall winners and to award finalists. 
   
  Program Requirements
    In addition to a completed General Project Information Form, all entries must include the following three elements, each of which will comprise a portion of the overall score. These elements must be submitted in an acceptable, commonly used electronic or paper format. Entries that do not include all the required elements or that are not submitted in an appropriate format will be disqualified from consideration. For more details on formatting and submitting entries, please refer to the instructions included in DHEC’s Earth Day Entry Form (DHEC Form 1039), which can be found at:  http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/earthday/docs/d-1039.pdf.
         
      1. Project Summary (20% of overall score)
        The Project Summary should generally outline the premise and results of the project, program or practice.
       
      2. Project Essay (40% of overall score)
        The Project Essay should thoroughly detail the project and its results, indicate any measurable improvement or protection of the natural environment, and demonstrate sustainability or the ability to be replicated.
         
      3. Project Documentation (40% of overall score)
       

All projects must include visual documentation of the project’s implementation and results. A variety of visual documentation can be provided, including but not limited to graphs, charts, reports, spreadsheets, photos, movies, Web pages or sites and other related materials. There is no limit to the size or amount of supplemental materials that can be submitted as part of the Project Documentation. Should you have questions as to acceptable electronic file formats or other entry requirements, please contact the Earth Day Awards Committee at earthdayawards@dhec.sc.gov or (803) 898-3300.
         
  Recognition
    Winners will be formally recognized at an awards presentation (time and date to be determined, but ceremonies will be held regionally). Winners will be notified as to the time, date and place of the awards ceremony via phone or e-mail. Every effort will be made to select a date and location that will allow the awards recipients to participate in the ceremony honoring them for their contribution to improving or protecting the natural environment.
         
  Deadline for Entry
    The entry period for the 2009 Earth Day Awards begins Monday, Dec. 1, 2008, and ends Friday, Feb. 13, 2009. The General Project Information Form, along with the Project Summary, Project Essay and Project Documentation elements, must be submitted to DHEC during the entry period. Mail-in entries postmarked by Feb. 13, 2009, will be accepted; however, DHEC encourages applicants to submit their comprehensive packages electronically.
         
  Where to Send Entries
    Entries submitted electronically may be sent to: earthdayawards@dhec.sc.gov. Entries submitted by mail may be sent to: SCDHEC – Commissioner’s Office, Earth Day Awards Committee, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. For more information regarding the Earth Day Awards Program, please e-mail the Earth Day Awards Committee at earthdayawards@dhec.sc.gov. DHEC will make every effort to reply to your email within two business days of receipt.