The IREC 3iAwards honor innovation, ingenuity and inspiration from the nation's best in both renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) announces its Call for Nominees for the IREC 3iAwards - a prestigious annual national search for innovative people, projects and programs that promote and accelerate the sustainable growth of clean energy. The IREC 3iAwards honor innovation, ingenuity and inspiration from the nation's best in both renewable energy and energy efficiency.

For the second year, the selection of IREC's award winners in several categories will be in the hands of the public, with open voting dates to be announced. The opportunity for a variety of stakeholders and the community at large to vote brings even greater awareness and acknowledgement of the applicants and awardees. All applications must be received online by June 26, 2015.

"Every year IREC recognizes those who have creatively developed new approaches to advancing clean energy, because changing the status quo requires determination, innovation and persistence," said IREC Board Chair David Warner. "With these awards, we honor the people who inspire us with exemplary projects and programs that increase renewable energy use and promote energy efficiency. And we encourage others to build on their successes."

IREC recognizes that renewable energy and energy efficiency play equally crucial roles in achieving a sustainable future. While traditionally government, energy industries and educational systems view them separately, with little collaboration between programs, IREC's awards are inclusive. And a specific award category for "Closing the Divide" seeks innovative examples of initiatives that help close the divide between energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Applications from or on behalf of extraordinary people, projects and programs in the clean energy arena will be accepted online through JUNE 26 in one of five categories.

* Community Renewables Project of the Year
* State and Local Government Initiative of the Year
* Closing the Divide Award - Integrating Energy Efficiency & Renewables
* IREC Accredited Clean Energy Training Provider of the Year
* IREC Certified Clean Energy Trainer of the Year

The IREC 3iAwards ceremony is Wednesday, September 16, 2015 - at Solar Power International 2015, at the Anaheim Convention Center, made possible by the generous support of IREC's corporate sponsors.