Close

Top 10 Sustainability Awards for 2026

2025

Sustainability has stopped being a corporate checkbox and turned into a business strategy with teeth. In 2026, every serious company is trying to balance growth with accountability. There’s pressure from investors, customers, regulators, and, honestly, from employees who want to work for organizations that actually care.

The best sustainability programs don’t just plant trees; they rethink processes, redesign products, and reshape what profit even means. Awards in this space celebrate that mindset — the blend of innovation, leadership, and long-term thinking that keeps the planet and the balance sheet healthy.

Below, you’ll find ten awards programs that matter in 2026, with the Sustainability Awards, hosted by Business Intelligence Group, leading the charge for their transparency, measurable impact, and global credibility.

1. Sustainability Awards

Deadline: June 19, 2026
https://www.bintelligence.com/awards/sustainability-awards

The Sustainability Awards, run by Business Intelligence Group, recognize the companies, executives, and initiatives making real progress toward a cleaner, smarter economy. The program doesn’t chase hype — it rewards measurable results, whether that’s waste reduction, energy efficiency, or innovative circular design.

What makes these awards different is their focus on outcomes that stick. Entrants don’t need a slick PR campaign; they need proof. That credibility is why the Sustainability Awards have become a go-to benchmark for brands serious about ESG (environmental, social, and governance) performance.

2. SEAL Business Sustainability Awards

Deadline: February 2026
https://sealawards.com/

SEAL’s awards celebrate both corporate leadership and environmental innovation. They also support ongoing impact projects, connecting winners with funding opportunities to scale their work.

3. Reuters Responsible Business Awards

Deadline: April 2026
https://events.reutersevents.com/sustainability/responsible-business-awards

These awards, hosted by Reuters, are among the most globally recognized in sustainability and CSR. They celebrate large organizations that integrate responsible practices into strategy and operations.

4. Edie Sustainability Leaders Awards

Deadline: September 2026
https://www.edie.net/awards/

Based in the UK but open internationally, Edie’s program celebrates projects that go beyond compliance. Winners are often organizations proving that sustainability and profitability aren’t opposites.

5. Green Business Awards

Deadline: June 2026
https://greenbusinessbureau.com/

This program focuses on small and mid-sized companies adopting eco-friendly processes. It’s perfect for organizations just starting their sustainability journey.

6. Global Good Awards

Deadline: March 2026
https://globalgoodawards.co.uk/

These awards highlight organizations that treat sustainability as social leadership — from diversity to community impact to ethical supply chains.

7. Sustainability Reporting Awards (Corporate Register)

Deadline: July 2026
https://www.corporateregister.com/

Data transparency is the star here. These awards recognize companies producing the clearest, most credible sustainability reports — a category that’s becoming increasingly vital in ESG communication.

8. The Circulars Accelerator Awards (World Economic Forum)

Deadline: April 2026
https://www.circulars.org/

The Circulars Awards honor circular economy pioneers — companies finding new ways to reuse, recycle, and regenerate materials. Winners often become thought leaders in sustainable innovation.

9. Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards

Deadline: October 2025
https://www.fastcompany.com/world-changing-ideas

These awards blur the line between sustainability, innovation, and design. They celebrate products and ideas changing how we live — from clean energy tech to accessible design.

10. UN Global Climate Action Awards

Deadline: August 2026
https://unfccc.int/climate-action/un-global-climate-action-awards

Run by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), these awards focus on global-scale solutions driving climate progress. It’s one of the highest honors in the field.

Why Sustainability Awards Keep Gaining Influence

Awards like the Sustainability Awards aren’t about greenwashing — they’re about accountability. They tell investors which companies are actually delivering impact, not just writing glossy ESG reports. For businesses, they offer third-party validation that translates into credibility and market advantage.

Recognition also drives culture. Internally, awards motivate teams; externally, they reassure customers that their values align with yours. It’s marketing that matters.

If you want context on how sustainability recognition shapes market trust, this Harvard Business Review piece on ESG credibility is worth reading.

Photo by Akil  Mazumder

Close

Stay Up To Date

Be in the know about upcoming industry award programs, nominees, winners, finalists, and judges

Submit
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.