April 5, 2012

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 2011 EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS

The recipients of the 2011 Manitoba Excellence in Sustainability Awards were honoured today by Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh.
“These awards are an important mechanism for change as they bring deserved recognition to champions of sustainability and inspire us all to take action,” said Mackintosh.  “We need to honour these individuals and groups, and the projects that have turned the province’s principles and guidelines of sustainable development into concrete and lasting achievements.”
The recipients were recognized at an awards reception at the Legislative Building.  They are:

•     Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability

The Marquis Project in Brandon is a community-based, non-profit organization committed to strengthening international development for over 30 years.  The Marquis Project educates Manitobans on economic, political and social issues at local and global levels, and actively participates in sustainable projects and partnerships to improve the quality of life in small, rural communities in developing countries.

•      Action on Climate Change, Air Quality and Energy Efficiency

Prairie Architects of Winnipeg uses green-building strategies in their building designs to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions, and improve indoor air quality.

•      Sustainability in Water and Natural Area Stewardship

The Rural Municipality of Dufferin has introduced the Dufferin Wetland Tax Credit Program to encourage wetland preservation and restoration.

•      Sustainability in Pollution Prevention and Product Stewardship

The Lake Friendly Campaign was developed by mayors and reeves from municipalities along the South Basin of Lake Winnipeg to help reduce nutrients entering the lake.  The campaign educates Manitobans about products that are the best environmental choice for reducing nutrients and improving Lake Winnipeg’s water quality.

•      Education for Sustainability

The Evergreen School Division in Gimli has implemented a comprehensive plan for sustainability in the division.  The plan focuses on increasing education for sustainable development and sustainability in governance, human resources, and facilities and operations.

•       Innovation and Research for Sustainability

The Netley-Libau Nutrient-Bioenergy Project examines how cattail plants capture and store nutrients, how harvesting the plants can reduce nutrients entering Lake Winnipeg and how the plants can be harvested for use as a low-carbon fuel source.  The project is a collaborative effort by Richard Grosshans, the International Institute for Sustainable Development, the University of Manitoba and Ducks Unlimited Canada.

•       Champion for Sustainability

Shane Johnston, co-owner of Dollar Wise Quality Cleaners in Winnipeg has increased sustainability by using an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional dry-cleaning chemicals, creating an eco-friendly laundry detergent, increasing energy efficiency, and using Enviro bag programs and green cleaning products in the company’s operations.
The annual Sustainable Development Scholarships assist students in Manitoba who are engaged in post-secondary studies and research that embrace the spirit and principles of sustainable development.  The 2011 recipients are:

• Megan Klassen-Wiebe, University of Manitoba (undergraduate), agriculture (agroecology); and
• Kayla George Orten-Lederhouse, Red River College (undergraduate), the Joint Applied Environmental Studies Program of Red River College and the University of Winnipeg.

The Manitoba Round Table for Sustainable Development is an advisory board that provides advice and support to the province on responsible resource management, land use and environmental, social and economic development.  The round table also selects the winners of the Manitoba Excellence in Sustainability Awards.
More information on the Manitoba Excellence in Sustainability Awards is available at: www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/susresmb/mrtsd/mesa.

- 30 -