And the Oscar goes to....

Tennant Company,was awarded with a 2010 'Noise Oscar'for Technology from the Noise Abatement Society (NAS) for its innovative Green Machines 500ze street sweeper.

The Green Machines 500ze is the world's first Lithium-ion powered vacuum street sweeper, and is suitable for sound-sensitive environments with significant pedestrian traffic.

In making the announcement, Gloria Elliott, chief executive of NAS, referenced the 500ze and Tennant Company as a shining example of how a major global corporation can contribute to the important issue of noise reduction; applauding the 500ze for its ground-breaking application of technology to achieve near-silent operation and zero emissions.