Successful applicants will be recognized in one of three categories:

• Achievement Awards: Presented to individuals and organizations based within City limits or with at least 10% of their students/members located in the City. These awards honor new initiatives launched in 2024 that contribute to environmental improvement in Gaithersburg.
• Appreciation Awards: Presented to individuals and organizations based within City limits or with at least 10% of their students/members located in the City. These awards recognize the continuation, in 2024, of programs that were initiated in previous years and contribute to environmental improvement in Gaithersburg.
• Green Friends of Gaithersburg Awards: Presented to individuals and organizations that provided environmental benefits to Gaithersburg and/or its residents in 2024, even if their primary location or at least 10% of their students/members are not based in the City.

Examples of environmentally friendly programs and projects include, but are not limited to:

• Use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Minimizing the use of chemicals to protect the environment.
• Pollution Prevention and Green Purchasing: Reducing pollution and promoting sustainable procurement practices.
• Source Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling: Expanding efforts to minimize waste and maximize resource recovery.
• Bicycle and Sidewalk Projects: Implementing initiatives to enhance sustainable transportation.
• Green Space Expansion: Increasing natural and recreational areas for community use.
• Urban Wildlife Protection: Enhancing habitats to support urban wildlife.
• Energy and Water Conservation: Implementing measures to reduce consumption and improve efficiency.
• Tree Planting and Management: Supporting urban forestry and canopy development.
• Invasive Species Management: Controlling invasive plants and animals to protect native ecosystems.
• Stream Monitoring and Restoration: Conducting programs to protect and improve waterway health.
• Neighborhood Stewardship: Encouraging community discussions about managing local natural resources.
• Composting and Food Recovery: Promoting initiatives to reduce food waste and create compost.
• Environmental Education: Raising awareness and knowledge about environmental issues and solutions.
• Baseline Information Creation: Developing data on the quality and quantity of natural resources.
• Green Building Promotion: Encouraging sustainable practices in public and private developments.
• Environmental Management Systems: Implementing frameworks like ISO 14001 certification to manage environmental performance.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction: Taking steps to lower carbon footprints.
• Alternative Energy Initiatives: Generating or purchasing renewable energy sources.
• Sustainability, Equity, and Public Health: Demonstrating the interconnectedness of these principles in projects.
• Innovative Environmental Enhancements: Developing creative approaches to improve the environment.
• Native Landscaping: Transitioning traditional landscaping to native plantings to support biodiversity.

These examples showcase a wide range of activities that contribute to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

• Separate Applications: Please use a separate application form for each nomination.
• File Naming for Email Submissions: If submitting your application via email, save the attachment as NameOfNominee_EnvAwards_2025.
• Encouraged Early Submission: Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on February 28, 2025, but early submission is highly encouraged!

How to Submit Nominations

Via Email

Send your application to Environment@gaithersburgmd.gov.

By Mail or In Person

Address submissions to:

ATTN: Environmental Awards
800 Rabbitt Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Please allow 1–2 business days for staff to confirm receipt of your application.

The Environmental Affairs Committee (EAC) will evaluate applications based on program effectiveness, innovation, and endurance. The EAC is particularly interested in how groups have built on previous successes to expand their efforts year after year.