2018 Award Winner

Elizabeth Marks receives EMC’s Good Earthkeeping Award

Elizabeth Marks of Valatie received the Columbia County Environmental Management Council’s Good Earthkeeping Award during its May 21, 2018 membership meeting. This award commends individuals, agencies, businesses and/or organizations that have made a real contribution to the preservation, improvement or increased public awareness of the environment in Columbia County. Ms. Marks was nominated by Ann Birckmayer of Kinderhook.

Marks has worked since 2005 with the USDA's Natural Conservation Service located in Columbia County. She has served as the Hudson Mohawk Resource Conservation and Development Coordinator and later as a biologist. Her main area of focus is working with local farmers and landowners to improve soil health, biological diversity and wildlife habitat, and farm profitability.

In 2016 she completed construction on her home, a NYSERDA certified Net-Zero dwelling that she designed and for which she provided construction oversight. The house is so efficient that last year it generated an excess of 11,300 kWh saving a total of 17,500 pounds of carbon. Thirty-five solar panels provide all of the house’s year-round electrical and hot water needs. Green building components include spray foam insulation, an insulated concrete foundation, Energy Star windows and appliances, LED lights, an energy recovery ventilator, and an electric air source heat pump. Due to the water efficient plumbing fixtures, the house uses less than one-third of the average daily American water consumption. In addition to being net-zero, the 10-acre property is managed to improve wildlife habitat.

Passionate about the issue of climate change, Marks seeks to educate builders and homeowners about how to easily build an energy efficient home and regularly speaks about her experience. She volunteers for, and is a member of, Chatham’s Climate Smart Community Committee and is working on reducing the town’s energy coming from fossil fuels.

Nearly 70 agencies, individuals, groups and businesses have received this prestigious honor since 1982. Last year’s GEK recipients were Colleen Lutz of Ancram and the Columbia- Greene Chapter of Trout Unlimited. For more information about the EMC and/or the Good Earthkeeping Awards, contact Chair Ed Simonsen at kinderhooked@earthlink.net.

Columbia County 2018 Good Earthkeeping Award Winner; Pictured: Recipient Elizabeth Marks and Michael O'Hara (EMC member).