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Award Selection Criteria
Nominated chemistry technologies must fall within the scope of the program. Technologies that meet the scope will then be judged on how well they meet the following criteria:
- Science and innovation
The nominated chemistry technology should be innovative and of scientific merit. The technology should be, for example:
- Original (i.e., never employed before).
- Scientifically valid. That is, can the nominated technology or strategy stand up to scientific scrutiny through peer review? Does the nomination contain enough chemical detail to prove its scientific validity? Has the mechanism of action been thoroughly elucidated through sound scientific research?
- Human health and environmental benefits
The nominated chemistry technology should offer human health and/or environmental benefits. The technology might, for example:
- Reduce toxicity (acute or chronic) or the potential for illness or injury to humans, animals, or plants.
- Reduce flammability or explosion potential.
- Reduce the use or generation of hazardous substances, the transport of hazardous substances, or releases to air, water, or land.
- Improve the use of natural resources, for example, by substituting a renewable feedstock for a petrochemical feedstock.
Quantitative statements of benefits are more useful to judges than are qualitative statements.
- Applicability
The nominated chemistry technology should have a significant impact. The technology may be broadly applicable to many chemical processes or industries; alternatively, it may have great impact on a narrow range of chemistry. Commercial implementation can support the applicability and impact of a technology. Nominations for pre-commercial technologies should discuss economic feasibility. The nominated technology should offer at least the following:
- A practical, cost-effective approach to green chemistry.
- A remedy to a real environmental or human health problem.
- One or more technical innovations that can be transferred readily to other processes, facilities, or industry sectors.
IMPORTANT
To make the strongest presentation of your technology for the judges, you should include as much nonproprietary detail as possible in your nomination. The judges will pay close attention to the specifics of your chemistry, including detailed reaction pathways, comparisons to existing technology, toxicity data, quantities of hazardous substances reduced or eliminated, degree of implementation in commerce, and other technical, human health, environmental, and economic benefits. The judges recognize that some sponsors will not be able to conduct a full lifecycle analysis, but like to see a discussion of impacts across the lifecycle. In addition, EPA strongly encourages you to compare the cost, performance, and environmental profile of your technology with any competing technologies. This may help you demonstrate the broad applicability of your technology.
Read on about How To Enter the competition.