Two organizations playing vital roles in St. Pete’s future are teaming up to recognize local business leaders and developers for their work in sustainability and climate resiliency. The Inaugural Sustainable Leadership Awards is a joint project between the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership and the Environmental Defense Fund meant to showcase the positive work being done for our environment throughout Pinellas County.

Applications are open now as the program aims to highlight exemplary efforts made to preserve and sustain our environment and natural resources by community leaders in business and development. From sustainable choices made at local restaurants to environmentally friendly materials used in massive construction projects, work is being done daily to create a better future for St. Pete and its residents.

The combined efforts of the Downtown Partnership and the EDF create a perfect pairing, as St. Pete’s growth and success is dependent on the coastal environment in which it thrives. As the announcement from the Partnership said, “what’s good for the planet, is great for business.”

Nominations from Pinellas County businesses of all sizes are welcome, now through August 30, and the Awards are specifically looking for “unique innovation related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, structural preservation, water conservation, water quality, electric vehicles, advocacy, affordability and access, as well as facilities with new construction or existing building certifications.”

EDF’s Florida Regional headquarters calls St. Pete home

Winners will be notified in September and invited to accept their award in-person at the Sustainable Leadership Forum in St. Petersburg on October 25th, 2022. And that forum is being held in the Sunshine City for good reason: EDF’s Florida Regional Headquarters is located right here in St. Pete, giving leadership and even more vested interest in the city’s climate health.

“Florida’s private sector leaders are essential to combating our growing climate challenges,” said Ali DySard, Florida Senior Policy Specialist, Environmental Defense Fund. “We are excited to highlight the business champions who are leading the way!”

The Environmental Defense Fund is one of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations. Creating transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 2.5 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia, and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn solutions into action.

The St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to thoughtful growth and urban redevelopment. The Partnership’s mission is to champion community prosperity through purposeful, transformative projects.

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