As we came together at the La Crosse Distilling Co., the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement to honor all the nominees and reveal the winners of the 2024 Inspiring Sustainability Award. The evening was truly delightful, fostering connections and showing appreciation.
The Inspiring Sustainability Award was first introduced at Coulee Partner's for Sustainability's Harvest Dinner in 2010. Annually, Coulee Partner's acknowledged individuals, businesses, organizations, and projects that demonstrated sustainability in our region.
In 2018, the Sustainability Institute continued this award through the Inspiring Sustainability Awards. To us at the Sustainability Institute, the Inspiring Sustainability Award represents recognition for outstanding leadership in sustainability...leadership that inspires others within our community and beyond. (See past winners)
Eleven nominations were submitted by our community this year, all of which were worthy of the award. Congratulations to all the nominees!
Out of these exceptional nominations, the Sustainability Institute Executive Board faced the challenging decision of selecting only one individual and one organizational winner for 2024.
Without any more delay, let's announce the recipients of the
2024 Inspiring Sustainability Awards!
We are excited to announce that the individual winner for the 2024 Inspiring Sustainability Awards is….Andrew Ericson.Â
As the Sustainability Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Andrew has not only embraced his role but has truly excelled, emerging as a passionate leader in our community's climate action and sustainability initiatives.
Andrew has worked to expand awareness and understanding of sustainability issues among students and faculty alike. Through innovative events and programs, he has inspired countless individuals to engage actively in sustainability efforts, making a lasting impact on the UWL campus and beyond.
His commitment extends far beyond the university. As a member of the city’s Climate Action Plan team and its steering committee, Andrew has played a crucial role in shaping policies that drive meaningful change. His involvement with the 1000 Friends of Wisconsin Community Transportation Academy reflects his dedication to practical solutions; his proposal for improving bike infrastructure has garnered attention from the La Crosse Area Planning Committee, setting the stage for increased bicycle commuting in our region.
Andrew embodies the spirit of sustainability not just by highlighting challenges, but by proactively seeking and implementing concrete solutions. His energy, passion, and unwavering commitment to fostering a sustainable future make him an invaluable asset to our community.
Next, it is our pleasure to announce the winner of this year’s organizational Inspiring Sustainability Awards: Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region. This remarkable organization has not only dedicated itself to addressing critical housing needs for decades but has also taken bold strides toward fostering sustainability within our community.
In recent years, Habitat for Humanity has expanded its impact through innovative programs like the ReClaim initiative, which empowers homeowners to enhance the efficiency of their homes. Their leadership in the Renew the Block initiative exemplifies their commitment to revitalizing neighborhoods, ensuring they are not just places to live, but vibrant, sustainable communities.
This year, Habitat has made significant strides in sustainability, tackling new challenges head-on. Their collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse on the Dumpster Diversion project has successfully diverted an impressive 16,000 pounds of materials from the landfill, showcasing their dedication to waste reduction. The upcoming Hillsboro Development will see the construction of ten homes equipped with solar energy and storage solutions, further exemplifying their commitment to climate-positive housing.
In addition to these initiatives, Habitat has launched a robust aluminum recycling program with new collection points across two counties and has partnered with local Parks and Recreation to create spectacular seasonal events that showcase sustainability and community engagement.
Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region exemplifies what it means to be a leader in sustainability. Their creativity, dedication, and passion for building a better future inspire us all. Please join me in celebrating their incredible achievements and commitment to sustainable development!
Kahya Fox, Executive Director and Amy Smith, Sustainability Director, accepted the award on behalf of Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region.
Once again, we would like to extend our congratulations to the winners and express our gratitude for the inspiring work they do that motivates us to continue on our path towards sustainability.
Media Coverage - Inspiring Sustainability Awards highlight community projects for positive change in La Crosse | News | news8000.com
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