JACKSON, Wyo. — Energy Conservation Works is pleased to announce the fifth annual Andy Tyson Leadership Award in Sustainability and the opening of the award’s nomination process. This peer-based award recognizes outstanding individuals from the Teton region for their efforts in local, community-oriented environmental sustainability projects within the Teton’s built environment.
Recipients will be recognized each May at the Jackson Hole EcoFair, a regional event that Andy Tyson helped start in the early 2000’s.
Nominations may be submitted via a web form on the EcoFair website and must be received by May 11, 2022. The recipient will be announced at EcoFair on May 14, 2022, along with the 2021 recipient.
“These agents of change are often buried in work behind the scenes,” says ATLAS committee member Molly Tyson. “Please spread the word about recognizing their efforts and join us at EcoFair in May to celebrate their contributions to make the Tetons a leader in sustainability.”
Past recipients include:
Johnny Ziem, Assistant Director of Public Works, Town of Jackson
Dave Hudacsko, Founder/Owner, RAD Recycling
Ali Dunford, Founder, Hole Food Rescue
It is the hope of Tyson’s colleagues, friends, and family that this award will honor those who exemplify, in their own manner, Tyson’s commitment to furthering sustainability in the Tetons. A humble and ever generous man, Tyson relished the success of others. Therefore it is fitting to honor and recognize the contributions of community members in a place he cared so deeply about. The ATLAS committee looks forward to receiving applications for the 2022 EcoFair and providing the community with the opportunity to publicly recognize the efforts of citizens working hard to support sustainability in the Teton’s built environment.
“The ATLAS award, presented by Energy Conservation Works each year at EcoFair, is a powerful and celebratory way to recognize and raise awareness for the important sustainability work of leaders in our community,” said Phil Cameron, ED of ECW. “Please take a moment to nominate a leader whose work you’re excited to acknowledge.”
Tyson was a leader in ushering thoughtful and sustainable living into everyday life. His expertise was broad and his passion was infectious. He filled many roles including; a technical expert, a community organizer, a life-long learner, a passionate volunteer, and a caring friend, partner, and spouse.
A skilled craftsman, businessman, and leader, Tyson was a steady source of ideas that might help make the world a better place by building a sustainable energy future. As co-founder and owner of Creative Energies, a values-driven company that grew to be the region’s leading expert on renewable energy, he worked to elevate understanding of renewable energy technology with a cross-section of the people ranging from curious school groups to the Idaho Governor.
Not only an engaging, inspiring teacher and advocate but also an accomplished climber, Tyson completed solar projects in remote places like Antarctica and Mt. Everest Base Camp. But he took his dedication to the environment a step further by spending countless hours mentoring others and volunteering for sustainability initiatives like Eco-Fair, Teton Valley Community Recycling, the Charture Institute, Tetons for Tomorrow, and Yellowstone Business Partnership. He was a founding member of 1% for the Tetons, and Teton Valley’s Chance Meetings, and was the Co-chair of the Idaho Strategic Energy Alliance’s Solar Energy Task Force. On April 10, 2015 Tyson, along with three other community members, died in a plane crash while flying to a remote job site to plan a solar installation. His wide smile, mischievous laugh, and thoughtful, patient perspective is deeply missed (obituary).
