Environmental Recognition And Environmental Achievement Awards Programs

Environmental Recognition Awards Program

The Environmental Recognition Awards were developed to provide recognition of a company's dedication to continuous environmental improvement, as witnessed by the development and implementation of Environmental Management Systems (EMS). Four tiers are available to encourage EMS development through a stepwise approach. Tier I, II, II or IV awards are based on points assigned by responses to the program questionnaire and represent achievement of progressively more sophisticated environmental programs and EMSs. Program criteria are available here.

There is an $125 fee per plant for the Environmental Recognition Awards Program.

Eligibility:

1. Open to Meat Institute member types: General (Packer/Processor)
2. These are awarded per facility/establishment of a Company/Organization

Environmental Achievement Awards Program

The Meat Institute Environmental Achievement Awards are won by those member companies that go beyond environmental compliance by designing and successfully implementing an innovative plant upgrade or environmental program. These awards are categorized into:

1. Water Conservation: This category recognizes conservation practices that increase the efficiency of the use of water or that help protect natural resources through conservation.
2. Energy Conservation: This category recognizes conservation practices that increase the efficiency of the use of energy or that support conversion to more renewable sources of energy that help protect natural resources and reduce climate impact through conservation.
3. Emissions Reduction: This category recognizes exemplary strategical methods to reduce emissions.
4. Packaging and/or Food Waste Reduction: This category recognizes practices that reduce or eliminate food waste or solid waste.
5. Technological Innovation: Winning projects document the implementation of environmental technologies, software or upgraded software that may not necessarily meet the other categories’ criteria, but has helped the facility assure or maintain compliance.

To be considered for these awards, all participants must submit supporting data on natural resource, financial or other metrics to document the achievements claimed in the submitted application. Graphs, charts or photographs are also helpful.

Eligibility:

1. Open to Meat Institute member type: General (Packer/Processor)
2. These are awarded per facility/establishment of a Company/Organization
3. All applicants must have achieved and still be eligible for one of the four tiers of the Environmental Recognition Program Awards

For questions concerning the awards program, please contact Megan McCullough at 202-587-4241 or by email at mmccullough@meatinstitute.org.