How to apply

1. Determine if you are eligible to apply.
2. Determine which category is applicable to your business, product/service or green building project.
3. Fill out registration form and download application by 4pm on Friday, February 12, 2010.
4. Complete application.
5. Submit completed application by 5pm on February 16, 2010.
6. Winners will be announced on April 20, 2010 at the annual BEST Awards Breakfast.

Eligibility

Location

Businesses with headquarters or operations located in the "Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, OR-WA Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA)" as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau may apply for BEST Awards. The PMSA includes these seven counties: Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill counties in Oregon and Clark and Skamania counties in Washington state.

Green building projects must also be located in the PMSA to be eligible for a BEST Award.

Non-profits & Governments

Non-profit and public agencies may apply for projects or programs that model market practices, encourage market transformation and/or are supported by revenue other than public funds or charitable donations.

Previous Applicants and Winners

Organizations that have applied for the BEST Award in previous years are eligible to reapply. However, past winners are excluded from reapplying for the same winning project or practice. Winners of the BEST Practices for Sustainability may not reapply in that category, but may apply in other categories for new innovations or practices.

Categories and Description

* Organizations can apply in only one category each year *

 

BEST Practices for Sustainability

• Very Small Business (1-10 employees)
• Small Business (11-49 employees)
• Medium Business (50-199 employees)
• Large Business (200+ employees)

The winning companies will model a comprehensive commitment to achieving social, environmental and economic sustainability in their day-to-day operations. These companies are taking action within their organization on a spectrum of sustainable practices, including energy and water conservation, alternative transportation, waste and pollution prevention, leadership in promoting sustainability to others, and advancement of social equity in the community.

Sustainable Products or Services
The winning company produces a product or service that offers significant social, environmental and economic benefits over traditional alternatives. The product or service should be sustainably produced. Companies also exhibit leadership in promoting sustainability to others, and are committed to the advancement of social equity in the community.

Sustainable Food Systems
The winning company’s practices, projects or products support social, environmental and economic sustainability in the local agriculture and food industry. Winning companies promote sustainable practices in growing, processing or serving food and/or expand availability of nutritious, affordable, culturally appropriate food. Companies also exhibit leadership in promoting sustainability to others, and are committed to the advancement of social equity in the community.

Green Building
The winning green building projects should meet the City of Portland and its partners’ objectives to advance green building, sustainable site development and social equity. The project should include measures that conserve water and energy, manage stormwater, enhance natural habitat, reduce pollution and waste, lower carbon emissions and improve the health and well-being of the community.

Please note: It is at the discretion of the BEST Awards judging panel to present more than one award or to present no awards in a given category.

Registration form

Registration for the 2010 BEST Awards is closed.

Submit your application

Submit your written response and images by 5 PM on Tuesday February 16, 2010.

Our preferred method is electronic submission.
• To submit electronically, use the "Send by email" button located at the top of your application, or save and email your application and photos to bestawards@bestbusinesscenter.org. You will receive a confirmation e-mail within two business days that your application has been received.


• To submit a hard copy, either mail or deliver a paper copy of your response with a CD of your images to:
  2010 BEST Awards
  City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
  721 NW 9th Avenue, Suite 350
  Portland, OR 97209

Questions?

If you have questions or problems with your application, please contact bestawards@bestbusinesscenter.org or call JoEllen Carothers at 503-823-4165.