Applications are being accepted for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 2011 Environmental Excellence Awards program.

The program recognizes businesses, governments, not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, and individuals in New York State that are achieving environmental excellence through innovative and environmentally sustainable practices or partnerships.

DEC is especially interested in acknowledging projects that achieve significant environmental benefits through: innovative and cutting-edge pollution prevention technologies; manufacturing process improvements; initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; projects using green infrastructure practices; programs that make schools and businesses more “green;” energy conservation and green energy production efforts; waste reduction and recycling efforts; innovative approaches to stormwater management and watershed planning; environmental protection and restoration efforts; and land conservation.

Previous award winners have included The Golden Arrow Resort in Lake Placid. It instituted programs to reduce the environmental impact not only of the hotel, but also of the traveler. The resort features a "green roof" -- a rooftop expanse of native plants that provides wildlife habitat, reduces water runoff and helps keep the inn warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The limestone beach reduces the impacts of acid rain. Guest rooms feature in-room recycling, insulated windows, energy-efficient lighting and low-flow plumbing fixtures.

Applications for the awards must be postmarked no later than Friday, May 20. Information and applications are available at http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/945.html, or by writing to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Pollution Prevention Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-1750, by phone to DEC’s Pollution Prevention Unit at (518) 402-9469, or by email to eeawards@gw.dec.state.ny.us.