Each business or individual selected as an EIA Award finalist or recipient undergoes a screening process that determines whether or not there is evidence of unethical actions, failure to address employee, customer or community concerns; or, evidence of a track record of non-compliance with laws and regulations, or of fines, penalties or convictions.

The Ethics Check does not require any effort by the applicants. The findings of the screening are presented to the EIA Selection Committee, which then uses this information as part of its selection process.

The Ethics Check is conducted using publicly available sources of information including the following: media sources, Better Business Bureau, labour and industrial relations boards, WCB, BC Government, Government of Canada, etc.