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The annual District Sustainability Awards program recognizes outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations for understanding and responding to current environmental challenges and social disparities in DC to intentionally build and support equitable, environmental, social, and economic initiatives.
DOEE will be hosting the 2020 District Sustainability Awards on September 29, and as a part of that ceremony, will honor several DC businesses or organizations selected by our panel of judges, as well as one business or organization that receives the People's Choice Award for outstanding achievement in sustainability. The public is invited to vote for the People's Choice Award and register to attend the awards.
Candidates for the 2020 People’s Choice Award:
- Al’s Twin Air, LLC - 1914 Benning Road, NE
Al’s Twin Air, LLC (ATA) is a military veteran and family-owned business providing HVAC, plumbing, mechanical and low voltage electrical services for commercial and residential customers. Their services include preventative maintenance, green building assessment, and property management. Al’s Twin Air is addressing inequalities with strategic employment programs and agreements with agencies such as the DC Department of Employment Services (DOES). Al’s Twin Air supports the Empowerment Program and the On-Job-Training Program which creates jobs to bridge employment and income gaps. Vote>>
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ISTUDIO Architects - 1605 Connecticut Avenue, NW
ISTUDIO Architects is a DC-based architecture firm dedicated to the planning and design of artful, sustainable communities. ISTUDIO Architects designed the first DC Infrastructure Academy for green jobs training with DC Dept. of Employment Services in Ward 8. Their designs include daylighting, natural ventilation, passive cooling, rain harvesting, and rooftop gardens. ISTUDIO Architects has led the city on several sustainability “firsts” -- the first solar chimneys on a public school at the LEED-S Powell Elementary School, the first resilient hub at the LEED Gold-certified Marvin Gaye Recreation Center, and the first solar-powered city council chamber in Takoma Park. Vote>>
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Optoro - 1001 G Street, NW
Optoro’s mission is to make retail more sustainable by eliminating waste from returns. In 2019, Optoro added three new sustainability programs: 1) a composting program with Veteran Compost; 2) the elimination of single use plastics; and 3) their first greenhouse gas inventory. Optoro also published a new Sustainable Sourcing Policy for the office. Optoro is a member of the Pledge 1% movement - a commitment to give 1% of our time back to our communities. Each summer, Optoro hosts a day of volunteering and community engagement. In August 2019, Optoro staff prepared 1,000 meals at DC Central Kitchen, stuffed 500 backpacks with school supplies at Housing Up!, and collected 1,725 pounds of trash in the Anacostia Watershed. Vote>>
About the District's Sustainability Awards
The District Sustainability Awards highlight businesses, individuals, and organizations that are working towards a more sustainable DC. Awardees’ projects and programs support the Mayor’s Sustainable DC Plan, which aims to make the District the nation’s greenest, healthiest, most sustainable city; it encompasses equity, governance, education, built environment, climate, economy, energy, food, nature, transportation, waste, and water.
For more information about the District Sustainability Awards, please contact MaryLynn Wilhere at DOEE’s Urban Sustainability Administration at (202) 870-2924 or [email protected].