The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) has opened its call for nominees for its 2018 3iAwards, an annual national search for innovative people, projects and programs that promote and accelerate the sustainable growth of clean energy. The IREC 3iAwards honor innovation, ingenuity and inspiration from the best in both renewable energy and energy efficiency. This year adds a new award for Young Clean Energy Innovator.
“For 25 years, IREC has recognized those who have developed new sustainable energy approaches, because changing the status quo is a never-ending process,” says IREC Board Chair Larry Shirley. “With these awards, we honor the people who inspire us with projects and programs that increase renewable energy use and promote energy efficiency.”
The newest award category, 2018 Young Clean Energy Innovator of the Year, will recognize a high school or post-secondary student in any academic or entrepreneurial discipline whose innate talents, depth and quality of studies, research and vision or hands-on action are emblematic of the next generation of innovators pursuing clean energy solutions.
Awardees are not limited to college graduates. Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Michael Dell, Mark Zuckerberg and others didn’t complete college, yet their vision and ideas continue to change our world. Nominations will be accepted from high school or post-secondary faculty in any academic discipline, current and past employers and mentors. Renowned experts representing government, education, entrepreneurship, policy, industry, technology and journalism will judge these individuals.
Applications from or on behalf of people, projects and programs in clean energy will be accepted online through March 26, 2018, in six categories:
- Community/Shared Renewables Project of the Year
- State and Local Government Initiative of the Year
- Regulatory Champion of the Year
- IREC Accredited Clean Energy Training Organization of the Year
- IREC Certified Clean Energy Instructor/Master Trainer of the Year
- IREC Young Clean Energy Innovator of the Year
All applications must be received online by March 26, 2018.
The 2018 IREC 3iAward winners will be honored at Intersolar North America in San Francisco, July 11, with the support of IREC corporate sponsors.