Celebrating its 30th anniversary, The Alberta Emerald Foundation announces the recipients of the 2021 Emerald Awards
EDMONTON, AB – 32 hopeful shortlisted candidates, along with guests from across the province, joined the Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF) online for the 30th annual Emerald Awards today.
The Emerald Awards showcase those who raise the bar in addressing local, regional, and global environmental & climate issues. Over the past three decades, the AEF has recognized nearly 400 recipients and 900 finalists through the Emerald Awards program.
This year, the AEF received nominations in 13 award categories from all corners of the province. A third-party panel of knowledgeable judges with cross-sectoral experience rose to the challenge of narrowing down the brilliant examples of innovation and environmental achievement. Each of the uniquely Albertan awards is accompanied by a $2000 grant, a profile of the recipient’s work through the AEF’s Sharing Stories Communications Strategy, and much more!
This year’s awards ceremony was much different than years past, it featured a more robust and inclusive slate of categories that both celebrates organizations that have established a legacy of environmental stewardship, and projects that have achieved excellence in addressing and mitigating the effects of local, regional and global environmental issues. In addition to its refreshed categories, the 30th annual Emerald Awards marked the AEF’s most sustainable event to date; carbon emissions were saved through the elimination of travel to the event, food waste was nixed due to the absence of catering, and carbon offsets are provided by GreenShows at a rate of 1kg per hour per attendee.
“We’re excited to be celebrating our 30th anniversary, and in many ways, it feels like our work is just beginning,” says Gregory Caswell, Executive Director of the Alberta Emerald Foundation. “This year’s shortlist and recipients are prime examples of the inspiring environmental leaders and innovative work taking place in our province. We’re honoured to showcase their accomplishments through the Emerald Awards and our year-round programming.”
Hosted by Hunter Cardinal of Naheyawin, the 30th Annual Emerald Awards featured a performance of Vivaldi’s “Winter” by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and a spoken-word performance by Nisha Patel, the City of Edmonton’s Poet Laureate.
Find out who took home an Emerald Award this year!
For more information about the 30th Annual Emerald Awards or to arrange an interview with an AEF representative, please contact:
Sabrina Huot
Communications & Outreach Coordinator | Alberta Emerald Foundation
p: 780.616.1556 | e: [email protected]