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In the spirit of awards season, Harvard will be rolling out its very own carpet as it hosts an award ceremony—but this time, the carpet is in a peculiar shade of green.

The first annual Green Carpet Awards, to be held in Sanders on Apr. 23, aims to recognize both students and faculty who have done exceptional work in green projects and initiatives.

According to freshman Resource Efficiency Program representative Isabella A. Wechsler '13, “The awards were designed by the Office for Sustainability here at Harvard. They want to recognize people on campus who have made some kind of contribution this year in the area of sustainability, whether it be a type of infrastructure or student outreach.”

For the eco-friendly students and staff that have made the biggest impact, there is a wide array of awards available. Five different awards are given to teams and individuals may receive one of 50 total Individual Achievement Awards.

For the technology-savvy, there is also a Green Video contest. The winner, according to advertisements, will receive an impressive $700 in prize money—plenty of cash to spend on a shopping spree, in the Square, or even on late-night coffee (but only with recyclable cups) in Lamont Café.

Ultimately, the awards aim to shine a spotlight on the Harvardians most dedicated to sustainability and reduction of carbon emissions—an important cause considering the growing concern over global warming. These people, according to Freshman REP member Anne M. Baldwin '13, “would otherwise not be recognized.”

To highlight the importance of the event, the Office for Sustainability is pulling out the big guns. “They’re trying to get Drew Faust to be there,” explained Baldwin.

Now, if our very own President can find free time to trek down the green carpet and honor the sustainability cause, then you can surely do the same. At 3 p.m. on Apr. 23, check out the awards and stick around afterwards for a reception in the Queen’s Head Pub. “It’s a pretty big deal,” concluded Baldwin.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Paul Frederickson.