Arizona Forward’s 40th Annual Environmental Excellence Awards Honors Sustainability in Arizona

PHOENIX, March 20, 2022/PRNewswire/ More than 500 business leaders, elected representatives, and their guests attended the gathering. Saturday, March 19, 2022In anticipation of hearing who the recipients were for the prestigious Arizona Forward Environmental Excellence Awards presented by SRP, we gathered at the Arizona Biltmore Resort. A total of 81 projects were considered for the finals.

Arizona Forward is the state’s leading sustainability not-for-profit organization that has successfully worked on major environmental initiatives for Arizona since 1969. — Arizona Forward is the leading non-profit organization for sustainability in Arizona. Since 1969, it has been working with major environmental initiatives.

The biggest winner of the evening went to the Coconino County Forest Restoration Initiative. Jay SmithCoconino County Forest Director, John Grasso, was there to accept both the awards and receive them. The President’s AwardThe top honor of all project submissions is. Governor’s Award for Arizona’s Future. In 2017, the Coconino CountyBoard of Supervisors identified catastrophic Wildfires and Post Wildfire Flooding as the greatest public safety risk to the citizens and the natural environment. Coconino County. The Coconino County Flood Control District established a county-wide Forest Restoration Initiative to address the devastating effects of wildfires and subsequent flooding. This initiative is intended to protect the forests and economic vitality, as well as the safety and security of all citizens. This initiative could be a model for collaborative, forward-thinking state policy in action.

“After two-years of postponement, it was very inspiring to see over 500 guests join us as the event celebrated projects submitted between 2020 and 2021. The pandemic was not the only issue that affected sustainability and climate change. The award program recognized projects that demonstrated environmental excellence. best,” Lori SingletonPresident and CEO. “Three special awards were also given to recognize the long-standing history and achievements of Arizona Forward.”

On this page you will find a complete list of all the project nominations, as well as a summary for each. arizonaforward.org. The projects were reviewed by 13 judges headed by Gene D’Adamo President and CEO, Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

Recipients of this AwardCRESCORDIA AWARD The remaining categories are listed below.

COOL PAVER PROGRAM, City of Phoenix Street Transportation

Climate Action Solutions Winner

The key to the development and implementation of the program was the solution to urban heat island. This is a problem that affects quality-of-life in desert environments. City of Phoenix Cool Pavement Pilot Program. The summer of 2020 PhoenixA new asphalt seal coat technology was installed to provide relief from the urban heat islands effect. This technology was first used by the Los Angeles, CAIt reflects solar energy and lowers the daytime pavement temperature. The pilot resulted with 36 miles of Cool Pavement treatment across eight neighborhoods and one park in the city. All this has the potential for improving comfort and livability. Phoenix.

ARIZONA WASH BLUEPRINT ASU Kyl Center for Water Policy

Environmental Education & Communication Winner

The Arizona Water Blueprint addresses the need for accurate, non-partisan, comprehensive information about Arizona’s water resources and policies. It empowers informed and inclusive decision-making about Arizona’s water future. The Blueprint’s heart is an interactive map with 56 data layers. The Blueprint allows users to easily explore Arizona’s water infrastructure and water resources, download data specific in a particular geography, as well as visualize how different features or datasets relate. Blueprint provides unique opportunities for comparing data and geospatial info, and is being used in planning discussions both locally and statewide.

TRES RIOS WASTEWATER RECLAMATION FACILITY NUTRIENT RECOVERY PROJECT, Pima County – Regional Wastewater Reclamation

Technology Innovation Winner

The Innovative Water Conservation and Sustainability Partnership (IWCSP) focuses on cost-effective, innovative technology that can sustain agriculture and save water. N-Drip technology, low pressure, gravity-powered microirrigation combined with real-time soil moist management is used by the Partnership to support Colorado River Indian Tribes farm operations. N-Drip fields had 50% lower water deliveries and yielded slightly more crops than traditional flood irrigated fields. This protects soil health and doesn’t require additional infrastructure or pumping.

THE GRAND AT PAPAGO PARK Papago Park Center

Site Development Winner

The Roosevelt Dam Feature and Grand Canal Relocation and Multi-Use Path were each part of The Grand at Papago Park Center mixed-use development. They are meant to honor and celebrate Arizona’s two most important infrastructure projects: the Roosevelt Dam and Grand Canal. The projects are a demonstration of sustainability and encourage solutions that use minimal water. The Grand at Papago Park Center is a model that can easily be replicated by other communities to improve the Valley’s canal system.

FRAESFIELD & GRANITE MUNTAIN TRAILHEADS IN THE SCOTTSDALEMCDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE Scottsdale City Council

Civic Winner: Buildings, Structures and Landscape Design
Natural Environment Preservation Winner

Granite Mountain Trailheads and the Fraesfield Trailheads are part of Scottsdale’sMcDowell Sonoran Preserve were trailhead sites that had been damaged and needed restoration. Two distinct designs, which are complementary but not identical, highlight the unique characteristics each site. Trailheads restored the natural habitat, while expanding and facilitating access into McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This allowed the natural environment to guide sustainable amenities that provide shelter and shade.

HELIOS EDUCATION FOUNDATION CAMPUS & VINCE ROIG CONVENING CENTER, Helios Education Foundation

Commercial or Institutional Winners in Buildings, Structures, Landscape Design

The new campus will be a place for collaboration and creativity to discuss, debate, and debate reforms for and the advancement postsecondary education with Helios Foundation, their strategic partner, and policy makers locally as well as nationally. The campus uses multiple non-potable water sources, including site captured water for the landscaping. It also has a radiant cooling system and super insulated envelope to reduce energy consumption. The Campus is a modern version of the arid responsive garden office and is built to last generations.

GOOD TROUBLE BUCKET Joan Baron Gloria Martinez-Granados

Art in Public Places Winner

A 35,000 square foot warehouse space in downtown, built in the 1950s. Phoenix, AZ, two artists embarked upon a major mixed media art installation-performance piece. This was done to raise awareness on issues surrounding immigration reform, social injustice, and behaviors that inspire, create, and sustain lasting change that benefits and sustains life for all.

LIBERTY WILDLIFE NON EAGLE FEATHER RESPOITORY, Liberty Wildlife

Healthy Communities Winner

Native American communities have had a special relationship with animals throughout history, especially birds and feathers. Feathers are used in the celebrations of birth and the passage to manhood and womenhood, as well as the healing of the sick and acknowledging the end of the cycle. Liberty Wildlife is a conservation nonprofit and the only U.S.-approved organization. Fish and Wildlife Service is authorized to accept, keep, and distribute non-eagle birds to Native Americans for religious and ritual purposes. For every feather sent out one feather will be bought on the black market and one bird taken from the wild.

The following project is being considered FINALISTSReceived anAWARD OF DISTINCTION:

CONSERVE AND PROTECT GOLDEN ALICE, Mother Road Brewing CompanyGovernor’s Award to Arizona’s Future
FLAGSTAFF’S CARBON NEUTRALITY MAP, Flagstaff City Climate Action Solutions
AVONDALEDRIVE ELECTRIC PROJECT City of Avondale Environmental Education & Communication
ROBO RIDECITY OF PEORIAAUTONOMOUS VEHICLE PROJECT City of PeoriaTechnology Innovation
INNOVATIVE WATER CONSERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERSHIP Central Arizona ProjectTechnology Innovation
THE NEWTON DIVISION, Venue ProjectsSite Development
ASANTE BRANCH LIBRARY City of Surprise Civic: Buildings, Structures, Landscape Design
STUDENT PAVILION ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY, Arizona State UniversityBuildings, Structures and Landscape Design: Commercial or Institutional
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY HARDEN LIBRARY REINVENTION Arizona State UniversityCommercial or institutional buildings, structures, and landscape design
REHABILITATION AT THE CHARLES T. HAYDEN HOUSE LA CASA VIEJA Tempe CityBuildings, Structures and Landscape Design: Historic Preservation & Adaptive Recycling
USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL GARDENS AT SALT RIVER Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian CommunityLandscape Design: Buildings, Structures, Landscape Design
PARK CENTRAL Plaza CompaniesArt in Public Places
STUDENTS FROM ARIZONA RECYCLE USED TECHNOLOGY. AZSTRUT Circular Economy Solutions
THE PATH TO PROTECTION at OAK CREEK Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Natural Environment Preservation
U-HAUL HEALTHIER FOR YOU PROGRAMS U-Haul International, Inc.Healthy Communities

In addition to the three project winners, three additional awards have been given. Kinney Construction Services, Valley Metro, Cox Communications. These 50^Th Anniversary AwardsIn honor of Arizona Forward’s 50th birthday,^ThAn anniversary year, these awards recognize a long-standing commitment towards sustainability and are selected unbeknownst the recipients. Each organization was invited to accept the award.

Arizona Forward’s visionary partners are APS. City of Phoenix, Environmental Defense Fund. Freeport-McMoRan. Honeywell. Intel. SRP. Wells Fargo. These members are generous donors to Arizona Forward’s activities throughout the year.

Arizona Forward’s top sponsors for the gala this year are Scottsdale City CouncilCity of Mesa, Helios Education Foundation. City of PhoenixPublic Works.

About Arizona Forward
Arizona Forward is the leading non-profit organization for sustainability in Arizona. It has been working with Arizona’s major environmental projects since 1969. It leverages its collective power to form solid partnerships with Arizona business leaders as well as state and local education leaders. These partnerships help drive how Arizona can best grow its communities, stimulate its economy, and improve the environment. Arizona Forward is home to 150+ organizations from the private and public sectors that participate in events and serve on issue committees.

About SRP
SRP is a community-based and not-for-profit power utility. It is the largest provider of electricity within the greater region. PhoenixMore than 1,000,000 customers are served in the metropolitan area. SRP is also a major water supplier to the metropolitan area. It delivers approximately 800,000 acre-feet of water annually to municipal, agricultural, and urban water users.

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