Green Award

GREEN AWARD

In a world increasingly affected by climate change and the depletion of natural resources, the transition to a green economy is no longer just an option but an urgent necessity! AmCham Moldova is launching Green Award 2025 – a competition dedicated to those advancing the vision of a sustainable economy and actively contributing to combating climate change. Why participate in the Green Award? - Make your sustainable initiatives known and inspire change! - Be a role model for best practices in the environmental community and a leader in the green economy. - Build valuable partnerships that will support the development and expansion of your innovative solutions. Be part of the change! Sign up now to turn green ideas into sustainable realities!

NOMINATIONS FOR THE CONTEST

The Green Award includes the following nominations:

1

Nomination “Excellence in Green Financing”

This category recognizes the efforts of organizations/institutions that have provided funding for projects related to environmental protection, sustainable development, energy efficiency, or the implementation of sustainable solutions. Eligible projects may include private or public initiatives for carbon emission reduction, renewable energy, green infrastructure, waste management, or other environmental protection activities. APPLY HERE

2

Nomination “Excellence in Circular Economy”

This category honors companies that have successfully implemented circular economy principles, minimizing waste, maximizing resource reuse, and creating sustainable business models. APPLY HERE

3

Nomination “Excellence in Energy Efficiency”

This category is dedicated to organizations that have adopted energy-efficient measures, contributing to reduced energy consumption and cost savings through innovative technologies and practices. APPLY HERE

4

Nomination “Excellence in Water Consumption Management”

This category recognizes companies that have implemented solutions for managing and reducing water consumption, including water recycling and efficient use of water resources, thus protecting the environment. APPLY HERE

5

Nomination “Excellence in Innovation in Green Technologies and Start-Ups”

This category awards innovations that have significantly impacted environmental protection through the adoption (or development) of new technologies or processes addressing environmental challenges creatively and effectively. APPLY HERE

6

Nomination “Excellence in Biodiversity Projects”

This category celebrates efforts to protect and restore biodiversity through projects that support ecosystem conservation and engage communities in biodiversity protection initiatives. APPLY HERE

7

Nomination “Excellence in environmental education and campaigns”

This category is dedicated to organizations that have conducted public awareness campaigns on environmental issues, pollution reduction, and recycling, involving diverse audiences and using innovative communication strategies to promote sustainability. APPLY HERE

8

Nomination “Excellence in E-Mobility”

This category recognizes companies that have adopted sustainable transportation solutions, contributing to carbon emission reductions and promoting green mobility through initiatives such as electric vehicles or eco-friendly public transportation. APPLY HERE

9

Nomination “Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture”

This category acknowledges innovative and sustainable agricultural practices that reduce environmental impact, improve soil health, and support food security, thereby contributing to more responsible agriculture. APPLY HERE

10

Nomination “Excellence in Environmental Leadership/Ambassador”

This category highlights individuals or organizations demonstrating strong leadership in promoting and implementing environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives, influencing policy changes and corporate practices toward environmental preservation. APPLY HERE

11

Nomination “Excellence in Combining Green Practices”

This category honors economic agents that have successfully integrated diverse green equipment, showcasing a comprehensive approach and significant environmental impact of funded projects. APPLY HERE

Meet the Green Award Jury

Grigore STRATULAT

State Secretary, Ministry of Environment

With 20 years of professional experience, Mr. Grigore Stratulat, currently State Secretary at the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Moldova, is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of environmental policies and initiatives in the areas of circular economy, waste management, chemicals management and sustainable use of mineral resources. Mr. Stratulat provides strategic leadership and guidance to the various departments within the Ministry, ensuring effective management of environmental resources and promoting sustainable development practices. Before joining the Moldovan civil service, Mr. Stratulat managed multiple donor-funded programs at the international level and coordinated local projects in the Republic of Moldova.

Carolina NOVAC

State Secretary, Ministry of Energy

Carolina Novac is the State Secretary on Decarbonisation covering renewables, energy efficiency and energy transition at the Ministry of Energy. For the past year she was the Energy Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova in the midst of the country's biggest crisis. She holds experience in European energy public affairs and over eight years of experience. Previously, she was the EU Policies and Regulations Manager at National Grid in Brussels. Before she worked at ENTSOG (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas) as a Policy Advisor, Weber Shandwick – top consultancy in Brussels, the European Commission at the Directorate General for Research and Innovation, energy think-tank Energy Policy Group.

Rodica-Iordanca IORDANOV

Executive Director, AO EcoContact, Former Minister of Environment

Iordanca-Rodica Iordanov is the Executive Director of Public Association EcoContact in the Republic of Moldova since July 2024. With an extensive background, Mrs. Iordanov is an Associate Professor at the State University of Moldova's Law Faculty, specializing in teaching Environmental Law and European Environmental Law since 1998. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Law from the Academy of Science of Moldova and possesses over 25 years of experience in the field. Having held the position of Secretary of State since August 2021, and previously serving as the Minister of Environment from November 2022 to March 2024, Mrs, Iordanov is highly regarded as an expert in various aspects of Environmental Law. Her expertise includes the integration of the national legislation into the European Union for environmental protection and sustainable nature management, handling public interest environmental litigations, environmental assessment, legislation on air, water, and waste management (including hazardous waste and chemical substances) public participation, civil society engagement, and the management of natural protected areas. Additionally, Mrs. Iordanov chairs the Task Force on Access to Information under the Aarhus Convention Secretariat and is a member of the PRTR Compliance Committee. Furthermore, she is the co-chair of the OECD Task Force on Green Economy.

Iuliana CANTARAGIU

Environmental Consultant, Former Minister of Environment

Environmental leader with over 25 years of expertise in environmental governance, policy development, project management, and financial resource mobilization. Former Minister of Environment and Presidential Advisor on Environment and Climate Change. She has initiated, promoted, and secured funding for the country's afforestation through the National Afforestation Program under the aegis of the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu.

Tatiana ȚUGUI

Executive Director, Asociația Experților Pro-Mediu

Ms. Tatiana Țugui is the Executive Director of the Association of Experts Pro-Environment and a passionate ecologist with over 30 years of experience in the environmental field. She specializes in waste and chemicals management, climate change, sustainable development, and the promotion of a circular economy. As an international environmental expert, Ms. Țugui has managed an impressive portfolio of projects, including developing national policy documents such as those on waste management, the Green and Circular Economy Promotion Program, and the Low Emission Strategy. Her outstanding contribution includes drafting several framework laws, including the Waste Act and the Chemicals Act, as well as secondary legislation supporting the implementation of an integrated waste management system. Ms. Țugui strongly advocates the principle of extended producer responsibility, contributing to the transition from a linear to a circular economy. Currently, Ms. Tatiana Țugui plays an active role in the assessment and preparation processes for Moldova's accession negotiations to the European Union under Chapter 27, "Environment," with a focus on waste management and the promotion of a circular economy.

Mila MALAIRAU

Executive Director, AmCham Moldova

Mila Malairau is the Executive Director at the American Chamber of Commerce in Moldova (AmCham Moldova). Mila joined AmCham in 2007 as a Project Manager and was promoted to Executive Director in 2008. Under her ambitious and responsible leadership, AmCham continues to grow and now encounters more than 180 member companies, engaged in 8 active Committees – a proven tool for the fulfillment of the AmCham mission and members' needs. She got extensive training and experience in the fields of policy research, improving the business regulatory environment, and institutional strengthening. Mila is a member of various working groups and forums where business meets government authorities and policy makers. From 2016, Mila is leading the working group on the elimination of constraints in entrepreneurial activity within the Economic Council to the Prime-minister of RM. Mila has graduated from the Academy of Economic Studies in Moldova and, later on, received her Master's Degree in Law at the State University of Moldova.

Viorica COJUHARI

Senior Consultant, Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization

Viorica Cojuhari is an economist and experienced professional with a rich background in both the banking sector and public administration. As a jury member for the Green Award 2025, she brings a unique perspective shaped by her expertise in economics and her commitment to fostering sustainable development. Over the past five years, Viorica has served within the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, contributing as a public servant to advancing environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and good governance principles (ESG). Her work is dedicated to driving meaningful change and building a resilient, inclusive economy. Beyond her professional endeavors, Viorica is deeply committed to creating a better future as both a citizen and a parent. She strives to improve the environment and champion initiatives that foster a sustainable and equitable society for generations to come.

Ion MUNTEAN

Director, National Center for Sustainable Energy

Ion Muntean holds a PhD in Energy Management and serves as a university lecturer at the Faculty of Energy and Electrical Engineering at the Technical University of Moldova. He is certified by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Potsdam, Germany, as a European Energy Manager and has completed numerous professional training and development courses in energy efficiency and renewable energy, both domestically and abroad. For over 10 years, he has worked as an associate expert in the energy field at the Institute for Development and Social Initiatives "Viitorul" and as an expert in various national and international projects implemented by financing and development institutions in the field, such as UNDP, GIZ, UNIDO, USAID, and others.

Alexandru GOZUN

AmCham Moldova President, PwC Moldova Office Lead

Alexandru is a Director at PwC Moldova and has 20 years of professional experience. Since 2004, he has been actively involved in developing and implementing public policies, including those relevant to the European integration process of Moldova. His tasks during various positions in the Ministry of Economy and Government of Moldova included inter alia initiating, implementing, and reporting results on various policies, impacting investment climate (regulatory reform, SMEs development, fiscal and budgetary policies). During his activity in PwC Moldova, since 2011, Alexandru has been actively involved in projects designed to attract foreign investments in the Republic of Moldova, public policies development in various areas, including in the position of program lead for the UK Good Governance Managed Fund in Moldova, as well as drafting feasibility studies and participating in transformation programs of foreign and local private clients, etc. Alexandru is a Board member of AmCham Moldova and the European Business Association in Moldova. Alexandru has a bachelor's degree in Psycho-sociology and a mini-MBA diploma. PwC

Marcela LEFTER

Green Transition Committee Chair, CEO, Sedera Green

Marcela LEFTER is an energy professional, experienced in energy sector for about 25 years, including power distribution and renewable energy. Marcela Lefter is the CEO and founder of Sedera Green.   Sedera Green (www.sedera.green) is providing high-level assistance to international and local companies, interested to invest, develop, or extend their energy businesses. The business areas are development of the utility scale renewable energy projects, EPC for commercial use PV plants, distribution of the renewable energy equipment.   Sedera has under development in Romania & Moldova more than 600MW of renewable projects most of them wind.   Board Member & Chair of Green Transition Committee in Amcham Moldova.   In Amcham Sedera & Marcela Lefter is acting on behalf of Qair International & CWP Global.

CONTEST TIMELINE

Discover the essential steps of the contest, from registration to the announcement of the winners.

01

December 9, 2024

The launch of the contest

02

January 31, 2025

Deadline for submitting participation forms

03

February 3-25, 2025

Evaluation of nominations by the jury

04

March 13, 2025

Award ceremony

COMING SOON