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RALEIGH – Finalists for the Second Annual Cleantech Innovation Awards have been announced by the Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster (RTCC), an initiative of business, government, academic and nonprofit leaders focused on accelerating the growth of the statewide and regional cleantech economy. The winners in each category will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony to be held on December 9th in conjunction with RTCC’s annual meeting.
The finalists for each category are listed below:
Diversity in Cleantech Award – Recognizes an organization or initiative for significant contributions to ensuring the cleantech workforce reflects all the people it serves, including efforts to expose underrepresented groups to cleantech career opportunities, and corporate efforts to hire and support underrepresented employees through mentoring and networking initiatives.
2020 Finalists:
- The Climate Service – DEI Council, Training Program and Hiring Process
- City of Charlotte – Renewable Energy & Efficiency Workforce (RENEW) Training Program
Water Innovation Award – Recognizes a water or wastewater project that uses innovative cleantech solutions to create a positive impact for the environment, economy, and residents of NC.
2020 Finalists:
- Town of Cary’s Floodwater Prediction & Monitoring System
- City of Gastonia/Two Rivers Utilities – Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Phase 1
Cleantech Community Award – Recognizes a local government or community which has completed an innovative project incorporating clean technology to create a positive impact for the environment, economy, and its residents.
2020 Finalists:
- City of Durham Building Analytics
- Wake Electric Eagle Chase Microgrid
Grid Innovation Award – Recognizes an electric utility or grid project that uses innovative cleantech solutions to create a positive impact for the environment, economy, and residents of NC.
2020 Finalists:
- Roanoke Electric Cooperative Upgrade to $ave/Community Solar Program
- Power Resource Group Carolina Poultry Power – Farmville
Cleantech Impact Award – Recognizes a cleantech organization that has accelerated economic growth in the region or state, including a cleantech business relocating to NC, an existing cleantech business expanding, or an organization that has enabled economic growth.
2020 Finalists:
- Honeywell Global Headquarters – Charlotte, NC
- Project Axis – Amazon RDU1
Cleantech Talent Initiative – Recognizes a program or initiative that supports or provides career development for people entering the cleantech industry, including corporate apprenticeship programs, community college cleantech certification programs, or K–12 cleantech curriculum.
2020 Finalists:
- Energy Literacy, Engagement, & Action Program
- IE Cleantech Corner Initiative
Transportation Innovation Award – Recognizes a transportation or mobility project that uses innovative cleantech solutions to create a positive impact for the environment, economy, and residents of NC.
2020 Finalists:
- City of Charlotte Fleet Policies
- City of Raleigh EVSE Sustainability Analysis Mapping Tool
Two additional awards will be presented at the virtual awards ceremony, with the winners announced at that time:
Cleantech Champion of the Year – Recognizes an individual who exemplifies commitment to supporting the cleantech industry, including an outstanding commitment to sustainability, business expansion or relocation, development of high-impact technology, or spearheading regional/cross-sector collaboration to drive innovation.
Cleantech Entrepreneur Award – Recognizes an individual who has created innovation with the potential to disrupt traditional industries, create a cleaner planet, and improve the quality of life for people around the world.
The awards are judged by executives from the cleantech industry and public sectors. All award finalists will participate in an invitation-only virtual reception to network with industry peers.
“Congratulations to all of the Cleantech Innovation Awards winners and nominees,” said Susan Sanford. “Any one of these projects or individuals could have been award winners this year, and I am excited for RTCC to be able to shine a light on the innovation that is taking place across North Carolina.”
Registration is open for the 2020 Cleantech Innovation Awards ceremony and RTCC Annual Meeting which will take place virtually on Wednesday, December 9th from noon to 1:30pm to recognize and honor the individuals and organizations driving cleantech innovation and deployment in North Carolina. In addition to the awards, a panel featuring executives from North Carolina will address the growing decarbonization effort taking place in businesses and governments across the globe.
About Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster (RTCC)
The Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster (RTCC) is an initiative of business, government, academic and nonprofit leaders working to accelerate the region’s cleantech economy through collaboration and partnerships that promote innovation and sector growth. For more information, visit www.researchtrianglecleantech.org.
