Awards

National Park Service (NPS) successes in sustainability and environmental stewardship are a collaborative effort, with regions, parks, partners, and visitors all helping to green the country’s most treasured natural, historical, and cultural resources. On this page, learn more about awards recognizing environmental successes across the agency.

The ESPC made projects like this solar PV carport at the National Mall and Memorial Parks maintenance yard possible.

Photo: Marcey Frutchey, NPS.

Award-Winning Energy Savings Program in National Capital Region
In September 2014, the NPS National Capital Region (NCR) awarded Siemens Government Technologies the first of a multi-phased Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC). The NPS awarded the second phase in July 2016.The ESPC allows the NCR to meet energy reduction, renewable energy, and water conservation goals, and make significant reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.The project is funded by energy and water cost savings generated through the implementation of more than 80 newly installed energy conservation measures, which include:

• Upgrades to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components
• Interior and exterior lighting upgrades
• Boiler replacements
• Programmable thermostats
• Recirculating systems for fountains
• Low-flow plumbing fixtures
• Irrigation system with intelligent controls
• Installation of a new solar photovoltaic (PV) project

As a result of this ESPC, NPS NCR facilities will optimize operational efficiency and reduce GHG emissions by more than 4,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO₂e), water consumption by 74 million gallons, and facility energy use by nearly 20,000 MMBtu each year.

NPS NCR ESPC award recipients pose for a group photo. From left: David Friedman; Elizabeth Klein; Tracey Crockett; Karel Morales; Monta Baskerville; Phil Selleck; Olivia Ferriter; Debra Sonderman; Dr. Timothy Unruh.

Photo: Charles Watkins, DOE.

The NPS NCR ESPC has received the following awards:

• Department of Energy (DOE) - Federal Energy and Water Management Award - Contracting (2016)
• National Park Service - Environmental Achievement Award (2016)

NPS Environemental Achievement Award
Since 2002, the NPS has awarded Environmental Achievement Awards to recognize excellence in environmental protection at national parks. The annual award honors NPS teams and partners who achieve outstanding accomplishments in support of NPS environmental preservation, protection, and stewardship goals.

The NPS grants Environmental Achievement Awards for the following areas:

• Green Innovation
• Lean, Clean, and Green
• Good Neighbor
• Green Dream Team
• Building the Future
• Environmental Stewardship
• Climate Champion