In recognition of campuswide Sustainability Month activities, Cornell will present its second Partners in Sustainability Award to the Tompkins County Climate Protection Initiative (TCCPI), a collaborative effort to mobilize county resources to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy.

Kyu Whang, vice president for facilities services, will present the award to TCCPI Chair Peter Bardaglio in a ceremony at 9 a.m. Friday, April 29, at the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce.

"The Tompkins County Climate Protection Initiative has been transformative in bringing together sectors of our community, including businesses, higher education, nonprofits and government, to figure out the most productive ways to reduce carbon emissions and enhance the economic development of our region," said Dan Roth, Cornell's sustainability manager.

The TCCPI's primary focus is on major energy efficiency projects that will significantly decrease electricity consumption and produce economic and environmental benefits. The initiative is supported by the Park Foundation.

The Cornell Partners in Sustainability Award is given annually to one or more recipients who have made significant contributions to sustainable development in New York through collaboration with Cornell. Potential recipients are evaluated in research, regional stewardship, education and public engagement. Last year's award went to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

The award ceremony is one of dozens of events marking the second annual Sustainability Month on campus.