Solar Decathlon Takes First Place in Government Communicators Competition
Tuesday, June 17, 2014By Carol Laurie
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013 won first place in the special events category in the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Awards Competition. The award was announced last week during a reception and banquet at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
Wrote competition judge Cheryl V. Chambers of the U.S. Census Bureau: “This entry was flawless—a well-executed and interesting event, and a top-notch overall entry. Very comprehensive and impressive. Congratulations on the coverage, participation, and great metrics.”
Solar Decathlon 2013 gained the attention of millions through worldwide media coverage and attracted 64,000 visitors, who toured the solar-powered houses and learned about their energy-saving features.
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013 attracted 64,000 visitors and gained the attention of millions through worldwide media coverage. The 2015 event will be held at Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California, Oct. 8–18. (Credit: Richard King/U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon)
The NAGC Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Awards Competition, held in conjunction with the NAGC 2014 Communications School, salutes superior communications efforts of government agencies.
This joins a growing list of awards the Solar Decathlon has received over the past several years. These include:
- 2013 OC Metro magazine’s Green Team Award
- Harvard Kennedy School Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, 2012 Bright Ideas in Government Award
- Public Relations Society of America, 2012 Silver Anvil Award, Government Events, More Than Seven Days category
- PR Daily’s Digital & Social Media 2012 Award for Best Government Social Media program
- National Building Museum 2010 Honor Award.
Carol Laurie is the communications manager of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.