Eight innovative companies, organizations and individuals were selected as Atlanta’s most notable leaders in the sustainability and clean tech sector at the 2015 E3 Awards. The Metro Atlanta Chamber’s annual E3 Awards event honors those who are committed to positioning metro Atlanta as a place where the economy and environment connect for everyone.

Award finalists and winners were honored at a Sept. 24 breakfast event at the Loews Hotel.

“The E3 Awards are critical to our mission of improving and highlighting the quality of life in our region,” said Dave Williams, vice president of infrastructure and government affairs at the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “The innovative mindset of the companies and individuals honored today demonstrate their commitment toward creating a sustainable future for our region.”

The event winners by category are:

Liquid Assets – Companies or projects that make a difference for our sustainable water future.
 
The WaterHub at Emory University in partnership with commercial contractor Reeves Young, won for their innovative, on-site water recycling system. It utilizes ecological engineering processes using minimal energy and chemicals to clean wastewater for use in Emory’s steam and chiller plants and other non-potable uses. It is the first system of its kind to be installed in the U.S. and will save 146 million gallons of water annually. Finalists included The Coca-Cola Company and Water Research Center – Georgia Power.
 
Built Environment – Achievement in efficient building design, smart growth or urban planning.
 
Ponce City Market, a mixed-use development located inside a revitalized and underutilized historic building, was developed by Jamestown with sustainability in mind. The restoration incorporated green building practices for all residential and commercial space in the live-work-play community. Located on the Atlanta BeltLine, Ponce City Market connects to its surrounding neighborhoods. Finalists included Avalon and EarthCraft.
 
Clean Tech Innovation – Companies or projects that are creating sustainable solutions in any clean tech sector such as renewable energy, recycling, materials, etc.
 
Pull-A-Part has 28 do-it-yourself auto parts superstores and provides high quality scrap metal, fluids and plastics for recycling in 13 states. Its unique reclamation process prevents water pollution from mercury switches, batteries and other pollutants. Finalists included Soneter and Urjanet.
 
New Venture – Startup, small business or new business venture that advances sustainability through business solutions.
 
Rubicon Global, a leading provider of cloud-based waste and recycling solutions, works toward long-term sustainability goals by empowering independent haulers and recyclers to grow their businesses. Through its innovative platform, companies can reduce their operating expenses, divert waste from landfills, and track key metrics. Finalists included CHaRM – Live Thrive and Hannah Solar.
 
Moving the Needle – Companies or projects that reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, increase fleet efficiency or achieve other transportation benefits for metro Atlanta.
 
PATH400 is an achievement in smart growth, proving walking and cycling alternatives for commuters, residents and visitors to the Peachtree corridor. The greenway’s first phase was completed in January 2015, and will eventually connect to the Atlanta BeltLine and trails in Sandy Springs and Fulton County, providing a key link in the regional trail network. Finalists included ORION – UPS and Cycle Atlanta – Georgia Tech.
 
Community Strong – Non-profit or university program that promotes collaboration and community involvement in making metro Atlanta more sustainable.
 
The Atlanta Regional Commission’s Green Communities Program is designed to encourage local government to demonstrate leadership in environmental sustainability. Certified Green Communities voluntarily set an example and earn points by restoring the community’s natural resources. The program was the first regional “green” certification in the country and has certified 12 cities and six counties to date. Finalists included Grants to Green and Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation.
 
Trident Award – Recognizing a member of the metro Atlanta community that has brought vision and leadership to sustainability efforts.
 
Pete Marte, CEO of Hannah Solar, was recognized for his efforts in promoting clean energy adoption in Georgia. He serves as vice chair of the Georgia chapter of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and has built consensus and support for solar within the state by working with many stakeholders including the Public Service Commission, local utilities and the state legislature. Finalists included Bill Strang, TOTO USA and Kim Cobb, Georgia Tech.

Lifetime Service Award – Kurt Kuehn, retired CFO of UPS, was honored with a special E3 Lifetime Service Award for his contributions to environment and sustainability initiatives in metro Atlanta. He was the driving force behind many aspects of UPS’s sustainability commitment, including UPS’s first sustainability report in 2002, and the company’s commitment to adopting alternative fuel vehicles and technologies. Kuehn was also chair of MAC’s Environmental Policy and Sustainability Committee from 2010-2013, and supported the Chamber’s work in air and water quality issues.