Awards and recognition
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Recognizing excellence in urban sustainability and innovation
The Sustainable Cities Network and Project Cities program foster sustainable development and resilience within urban communities. These initiatives drive innovative solutions to urban challenges through collaborative partnerships with universities, local governments, and community organizations, promoting sustainability in infrastructure, policy, and community engagement. The efforts of the Sustainable Cities Network and Project Cities have garnered significant awards and recognition, highlighting their impactful contributions to creating greener, more livable cities. Their achievements underscore a commitment to environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic vitality, setting a worldwide benchmark for sustainable urban development.
Department of Energy Clean Cities Coalition
2023 Coalition Stakeholder Excellence
In 2023, the Network and its director, Anne Reichman, were nominated by the Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition for supporting the coalition and innovative work bringing Arizona communities together to address sustainability issues. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognized the Network at the 2023 Clean Cities Stakeholder Summit, an assembly of the entire Clean Cities Coalition Network, including coalition leaders and stakeholders, DOE representatives, and national laboratory staff.
American Planning Association – Arizona Chapter
Greater Phoenix Green Infrastructure Handbook: Low Impact Development (LID) Details for Alternative Stormwater Management
In 2019, the Sustainable Cities Network, the City of Scottsdale, and additional member communities were recognized for their resource, Greater Phoenix Green Infrastructure Handbook: Low Impact Development (LID) Details for Alternative Stormwater Management.
2012 President’s Award for Sustainability
In 2012, the Sustainable Cities Network was recognized with the prestigious President’s Award for Sustainability. The President’s Award for Sustainability acknowledges ASU teams that have demonstrated excellence in fostering the successful development, implementation, and promotion of sustainability principles, solutions, programs, and services in the University’s teaching, learning, research, and business missions.
Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management
2017 Ponderosa Pine Partnership Award
The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management awarded the Sustainable Cities Network and partners with the department’s first Ponderosa Pine Partnership Award for the Regional Tree & Shade Summit 2.0: Branching Out One Community at a Time.
The Ponderosa Pine Award is one of the Urban Forestry Awards presented at the celebration, given “to increase the recognition of outstanding urban forestry projects in Arizona.” It is presented for the innovative, strategic and/or pioneering collaborative efforts of organizations. It recognizes a project for the exceptional involvement of multiple organizations that was implemented during the past year.
Environmental Protection Agency Pacific Southwest Region
2012 Green Government Award
On March 4, 2012, Jared Blumenfeld, the EPA’s Region 9 administrator and former San Francisco Department of the Environment director, presented the Network’s program manager, Anne Reichman, with the Pacific Southwest Region’s 2012 Green Government award. The Sustainable Cities Network is recognized for its efforts in educating and promoting sustainability throughout the state.
Valley Forward Association
2011 Award of Merit for Regional Tree & Shade Summit
On September 17, 2011, the Regional Tree and Shade Summit received a merit award from Valley Forward’s annual Environmental Excellence Awards program in the Environmental Education/Communication: Public Sector category. The awards recognize outstanding environmental achievements and projects that promote environmental initiatives.
Affiliated Awards
FWA Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award
The Network’s long-time thought partner and collaborator, Nalini Chhetri, was selected as a recipient of the ASU Faculty Women’s Association (FWA) 2024 Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award. The award recognizes outstanding faculty who have demonstrated thoughtful mentorship and leadership to students and other ASU faculty and staff.
Throughout Chhetri’s illustrious career at ASU, she has held various roles, including Associate Director for International Initiatives of the School for the Future of Innovation Society (SFIS), Affiliated Faculty for the Center for Asian Research, and Senior Global Futures Scientist of the Global Futures Laboratory. From being an immigrant to the US to becoming a citizen, her journey has shaped her unique perspective and sensitivity towards others’ circumstances. This personal growth has laid a strong foundation for her exceptional mentorship abilities.
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