The EPA is offering golf course managers two opportunities to receive recognition for their efforts, and more importantly, to help put golf's environmental momentum on the top of everyone's minds, including the golf industry, government, conservation organizations and the media.

Mark Johnson, GCSAA senior manager, environmental programs said, "Owners, architects, builders, and superintendents should look at the EPA's two new recognition programs. One of the programs is for green buildings, green components, policies, tools, and practices--the other is for businesses that have undergone environmental assessments, incorporated environmentally friendly designs, or other stewardship for environmental justice in their communities."

"Investing a small amount of time to explore these opportunities and submit an application could result in significant recognition not only for personal efforts, but for the game of golf and its promotion of the environment."

The "Lifecycle Building Challenge" is a national green design competition co-sponsored by EPA, the American Institute of Architects, West Coast Green and the Building Materials Reuse Association.

It is a Web-based competition that calls on the nation's architects and builders to create designs that facilitate material reuse and waste minimization. Students, educators, environmental advocates as well as architects, reuse experts, engineers, builders, and product designers, are invited to apply. Lifecycle designs are being sought in the categories of:

* Building (an entire building)
* Component (a single building assembly or connector)
* Service (a policy, tool, or practice)

For more, visit the entry process, registration, and awards.

The "Achievement in Environmental Justice" award will recognize U.S. industry organizations who undertake environmental justice initiatives to impact their communities.

To qualify, the organization must ensure that its business practices have not disproportionately and adversely exposed surrounding communities to environmental harm and risk, and that positive steps are being taken to improve the local community's environmental and public health conditions.

The nominee must have reached a significant milestone of accomplishment within the past five years (2001-2006), and meet the six criteria for innovation, corporate responsibility, public involvement, partnerships, integration, and sustainability. Entries must be post-marked by March 31, 2007. Information on how to enter the competition and the award details can be viewed at: www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/publications/ej/ej-achieve-flyer.pdf.