Earth Awards Frequently Asked Questions

The following are frequently asked questions regarding entries into the awards competition:

• Q. What is the Earth Awards and how is it different from the "TOBY" program?
  A. The Earth Award honors those who have made environmental considerations a part of the way they function and do business to conserve the earth's natural resources. On the other hand, the "TOBY" Awards Program recognizes quality in office buildings and office building management.

• Q. The Earth Awards is a new program and I'm really not sure how this program works…
  A. Like the TOBY Awards Program, the Earth Awards Program functions the same way. Participants submit an entry at the local level and only one winner is advanced to the regional level and so forth. The International winner is announced at the annual convention in June.

• Q. How do I go about entering the Earth Awards Building?
  A. Contact your local chapter for entry information, dates, time and location of competition, or contact BOMA International's Communications department at (202) 326-6354.

• Q. Can I enter more than one building?
  A. Yes. We encourage you to enter as many buildings as you wish.

• Q. Am I allowed to approach a non-member and entice them into becoming a member because I think the building has a good chance of winning the competition?
  A. Yes. In fact, many associations use the awards program as a membership recruitment vehicle. Companies must join BOMA prior to the International judging in May.

• Q. How can I submit an 11" x 14" photograph when the portfolio is only 8 1/2" x 11"?
  A. The large photo is for display purposes at the BOMA International Convention. It should not be bound in the entry notebook but be sent along with it.

• Q. I have a beautiful, matted photograph of the building, should I send it?
  A. No. The photographs are dry mounted on foam core and hung with Velcro on display panels.

• Q. Will the enlarged photograph be returned?
  A. No. After the convention, they are displayed at BOMA International headquarters.

• Q. Does BOMA International keep a library of the winning portfolios for others to use as a reference?
  A. No. The winning portfolios are displayed at the Convention and then returned to their owners. If you are interested in seeing them, you should call the winner directly and ask if you could borrow the portfolio. If you need clarification or samples of what should be in each section of the portfolio, call BOMA International.