Belmont was recently recognized by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Matrineau as a 2017 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award recipient. The award recognizes exceptional voluntary actions that improve or protect the environment and natural resources with projects or initiatives not required by law or regulation. This is the second year in a row that Belmont has been honored with the designation.
“These organizations represent the spirit and drive that make the Volunteer State great,” Haslam said. “I thank all of the winners for their individual contributions to the environment and for keeping Tennessee a beautiful state in which to live and work and to visit.”
In its 31st year, the awards cover nine categories including Building Green, of which Belmont was recognized last year, Clean Air, Land Use and Materials Management, among others. This year Belmont was honored for the award’s Sustainable Performance category.
“I applaud all who were nominated and those who won for working to protect our state’s natural resources in an efficient, sustainable way,” Martineau said. “Voluntary actions are crucial to safeguard and improve our natural environment.”
The only higher education institution to be recognized among the state’s 11 recipients, the list of honorees includes:
- Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority – Hamilton County
- City of Lebanon – Wilson County
- Keep Knoxville Beautiful – Knox County
- Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization – Knox County
- Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority – Davidson County
- Nashville Fire Department Station 19 – Davidson County
- New Hope Christian Academy – Shelby County
- Sherwood Forest Project – Davidson County
- Suttree Landing Park – Knox County
- The Nashville Food Project – Davidson County
A panel of 22 professionals representing agricultural, conservation, forestry, environmental and academic professionals judged more than 89 nominations and selected this year’s award recipients based on criteria including on-the-ground achievement, innovation and public education. More information about the process can be found here.
Belmont will receive its award at a ceremony held in June.
