New and emerging energy technologies are revolutionizing the process and product of architecture. To celebrate these achievements in renewable energy technology, the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society proudly announces our First Annual Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards. The Awards honor innovative projects at every scale, from residental to large commercial building to community wide applications to innovative new products.
ELIGIBILITY
The awards are equally open to architects, designers of all disciplines, engineers, manufacturers, researchers, and students.
PUBLICATION
The winning entries will appear in the March 2010 issue of SOLAR FLARE, both in print and online.
DEADLINES
MRES will require electronic application submission by February 4, 2010. Not only will this save resources, but it will allow judges to review materials remotely.
To be eligible, projects must have been started after January 2007 and substantially completed by December 2009.
ANNOUNCEMENT AND PRESENTATION
Friday, February 19, 2010 at:
Minnesota Renewable Energy Society 30th Anniversary Gala Awards Presentation Crowne Plaza Hotel, St. Paul, Minnesota (for tickets visit: www.MRESgala.org)
FEES
First entry: $25 for MRES Members or $50 for non-members.You can pay online by clicking here. Or you can mail your check to: MRES, 2928 5th Ave S, Mpls, MN, 55408 and indicate which application the check is for. There is no fee for Individual Nominatons, only for Renewable Energy Installations.
PAPERWORK
Application forms and submission requirements are available by downloading: Application Form (word .doc)
CATEGORIES
Renewable Energy Installations
- Residential Renewable Energy Project of the Year (Single Family, Multifamily)
- Small Commercial Building Renewable Energy Project of the Year (10,000SF or less)
- Large Commercial Building Renewable Energy Project of the Year (over 10,000SF)
- Community Renewable Energy Project of the Year
- New Renewable Energy Product of the Year
The jury will consider new installations, products, and systems as well as unconventional uses of existing materials, products, and systems. Entries will be judged for their potential or documented innovation in design, building integration, installation, and performance. All entries will be judged according to their potential to advance the aesthetic, environmental, social, and technological value of integration of renewable energy sources in architecture and communities.
To submit a Renewable Energy Installation - Submit a Nomination Form.
Individual Awards
MRES will also honor individuals making significant contributions to the field of renewable energy and to the Society each year. Award winners will be recognized at the awards ceremony during the 30th Anniversary Gala Celebration February 19, 2010. Award Nominations are due February 4, 2010. There is no fee for individual Nominations.
Most Significant Contribution Award
The winner will have made a significant contribution to the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society or to the field of solar energy. No geographical limitations are imposed and the winner need not be a member of the society.
Solar Pioneer Award
Honors those whose pioneering in the solar energy field set the stage for others to follow. The recipient needs to have made a significant contribution to solar technology in any area. No geographical limitations are imposed and the recipient need not be a member of the Society.
Fellows of the Society
This title recognizes longtime MRES members who have provided exceptional service to the society. For information about how to nominate an MRES Fellow and a current list of fellows,
Volunteer of the year Award
This award recognizes special contributions to the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society. It honors those whose volunteer efforts on behalf of the society have significantly advanced MRES's ability to meet its mission.
Women in Solar Energy Award
This award recognizes a woman who has created a change toward promoting the use of renewable energy.
2010 Research Award
The recipient of this award/scholarship must be a graduate student or research fellow concentrating his or her program in the field of solar energy, and be a current member of the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society. The application must include an explanation of how the award might be used to advance development in the solar energy field.
Local Government Award
This award will recognize a government body that has worked to allow and encourage use of renewable energy technologies and removing market barriers to renewable energy.
To Nominate an Individual Submit a Nomination Form
ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION CRITERIA
1. The achievement should have had a positive impact by advancing the field of renewable
energy in Minnesota.
2. Nominations should describe activities or initiatives in progress after January 2007 and
substantially completed by December 2009.
3. Nominated individuals, businesses, groups and organizations must operate/reside within the
State of Minnesota.
4. Awards in all categories may or may not be given out each year, depending on nominations
received. The selection committee may issue additional awards in a category for non-profit,
for-profit and youth, or other subcategories.
5. Individuals, businesses, groups and organizations can nominate themselves or be nominated
by another party.
6. Preference will be given to nominees that are not directly affiliated with MRES.
7. Projects that have not previously won an award will be given preference; those who have
won an award from another organization are still encouraged to submit a nomination.
8. Nominees should be involved in meeting public needs and interests in the community,
including volunteer activities.
9. To submit an application, complete the nomination form. Please submit at least one digital
photo depicting some aspect of the project.
10. Where applicable, nominees may indicate more than one category.
All nominations should clearly:
1. Describe how the activity, initiative or individual advances field of renewable energy.
2. Encourage renewable energy and sustainable behaviors or actions. Preference will be given
to projects/individuals that have achieved positive change through action above and beyond
required operations (e.g., actions not minimum required by law, ordinance, or statute; not
completed by paid staff as required in a job description, etc.)
3. Demonstrate successful partnerships with other community or business stakeholders
wherever possible.
4. Be replicable, where possible, so that others can implement the activity.
SUBMISSION
E-mail completed the appropriate Nomination Form and supporting materials to Rick Person at 2persons@comcast.net no later than February 4, 2010. For more information about Minnesota
Renewable Energy Society, go to: www.mnrenewables.org/about-us
Renewable Energy Installation Form
Individual Award Nomination Form
JUDGING
The jury will consider new installations, products, and systems as well as unconventional uses of
existing materials, products, and systems. Entries will be judged for their potential or documented
innovation in design, building integration, installation, and performance. All entries will be judged
according to their potential to advance the aesthetic, environmental, social, and technological
value of integration of renewable energy sources in architecture and communities.
