About the Award

The IAAP Sustainability Award recognizes an IAAP member mining or processing facility, or an associate member company, that has implemented innovative and effective sustainability practices. This award celebrates companies that demonstrate leadership in environmental responsibility, community engagement, and industry advancement.

To simplify the application process and encourage more participation, the award process now includes a site visit and interview in place of a written application. One award recipient will be selected annually based on the information gathered during this in-person evaluation.

​Eligibility

• Open to any IAAP member mining or processing facility or an associate member company whose operation applying for this award is located in Illinois. 
• This operation shall be involved in the aggregates industry and have implemented an innovative solution with proven results.

Award Entry Packet

​Nomination Deadline:
June 30, 2025

Award Winners

2020 - Thelen Sand & Gravel 
​2022 - VCNA Prairie Aggregates
2023 - West Side Tractor

How It Works

1. Nominate your company by contacting [email protected] or (217) 241-1639.
2. IAAP’s Sustainability Committee will schedule a site visit.
3. The site visit will consist of two parts:
   1. Company representatives will take committee members on a tour of their facility to show off their sustainable accomplishments
   2. Company representatives will answer a standard set of questions. (Interview questions are listed below.)
4. Judges will use a standardized rubric to score each visit based on responses and observations.
5. The award winner will be announced at the IAAP Annual Convention.

Interview Questions
1.     Vision & Drivers:
        What inspired your company to pursue sustainability?  Was there a specific challenge, value, or opportunity that drove          your efforts?
2.     Innovation:
        What sustainability efforts has your company implemented that go above and beyond regulatory requirements?  What          makes them innovative?
3.     Implementation & Impact:
        How were your sustainability practices put into action, and what results have you seen – environmental, operational,              or otherwise?  How do you measure success?
4.     Leadership & Engagement:
        How does your leadership team support sustainability, and how are employees involved in the process?
5.     Industry & Community Involvement
        Are you working with outside organizations or contributing to broader efforts within the industry or community on              sustainability?

Help with determining if what my company is doing, or has done, is “sustainable”

• The IAAP’s Self-Assessment Guide to Sustainable Commerce (available for download HERE) has been tailored for the mining industry and can be used as a guide and part of your award application.
• Other guides and examples of sustainability are available on the IAAP’s website HERE, HERE and previous award winners on this page.
• You may also request assistance and perhaps a site visit by Sustainability Committee members who can provide some help putting together your award application.

Need Help?
If you're unsure whether your company qualifies or want help preparing for your site visit, the Sustainability Committee is available to offer guidance and support. Contact [email protected] or (217) 421-1639 with any questions or concerns.