Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement award winners announced

Last night, the City Council meeting kicked off with recognition of nine area businesses and organizations that go above and beyond in the world of sustainability by adopting sustainable operating practices, finding innovative ways to conserve resources and becoming environmental stewards to make Columbia a better place to live and do business. They "walk the talk" for sustainability.

The Columbia City Council signed the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement in 2006. This is the first year of the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement (MCPA) awards.

"We established the MCPA award program to recognize excellence in sustainable practices demonstrated by local businesses and organizations and promote a culture of environmental responsibility," said Columbia Mayor Bob McDavid.

The winners of the inaugural Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement awards are as follows in four categories of awards:

1. Resource Conservation

Schneider Electric

Quaker Manufacturing, Columbia Plant

Main Squeeze Natural Foods Cafe

Columbia Art League

2. Pollution Prevention

Shelter Insurance

3. Environmental Stewardship

Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture

The Lawn Company

4. Innovative Best Practices

OHM Professional Offices: Home of Simon

Oswald Architecture and CM Engineering

Columbia Area Career Center - Repair it

Forward computer recycling program

A steering committee with representatives from the city's Office of Sustainability, REDI, Columbia Water & Light, Public Works, Columbia Chamber of Commerce and the Environment & Energy Commission was formed to collect applications and select winners."The steering committee was overwhelmed that we received so many nominations," said Sustainability Manager Barbara Buffaloe. "It really shows that Columbia has a business atmosphere where sustainability is a priority."

Lucky's Market sponsored the creation of the physical award -- glass pieces made by local artist Susan Taylor Glasgow. The Broadway Hotel and Logboat Brewing Company are generously hosting a reception event for the winners on Wednesday afternoon, where they will receive their awards.Applications for next year's awards will be available in August 2015.

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