Our mission is simple: We exist to elevate sustainable choices globally by recognising and rewarding the most environmentally responsible organisations, products and services.

What is the Sustainability Award?

The Sustainability Award is an internationally recognised environmental awards program based in Australia. We honour organisations that demonstrate the highest sustainability standards within their industry, as well as products that lead in sustainability within their category. By recognising and awarding organisations making a positive impact, we aim to support and accelerate the growth of sustainable businesses. Our goal is to contribute to global transformation, sector by sector, by setting a higher standard for environmental sustainability.

What types of businesses can apply for a Sustainability Award?

The awards are open to all business types globally – product or service-based, physical or digital – that are leading the way in their industry and making an impact. This includes organisations that are physical or virtual, service-based or product-based, and individual products.

What award types are there?

There are two main award types and two additional awardee levels:

Award placement

The Organisation and Product Award should be displayed differently – the Organisation Award can be used anywhere on a website and in general marketing for the organisation as a whole. The Product Award can be used on the winning products only. Read more.

Apply for a sustainability award

Register to be notified when award applications open.

How are organisations and products assessed?

Applicants are assessed on their commitment to environmental sustainability aligning with the six UN Sustainability Goals listed below. The overall benchmark of each industry, product or service is considered.

Considerable measures must have been taken to be as sustainable as reasonably possible aligned with the six UN Sustainable Development goals outlined below. How the goals are met depends on the organisation or product type. Organisations must demonstrate multiple eco-friendly measures where possible and relevant such as carbon mitigation, no single use plastics, renewables, reclaimed materials, natural and organic ingredients, closed loop systems, regeneration, etc.

While products and businesses need to be among the best environmental choices in their category to win, they are not required to be 100% perfect in every way sustainability-wise. We are, however, particularly strict on plastic. If plastic is being used where a more sustainable material could easily be used, we will not consider an application.

Products and services should be of high quality and comply with relevant regulations in the industry and countries of operation.

The awards are intended for active businesses, products and services with existing customers, an online presence, reviews and a registered business. We don’t include concepts or prototypes. 

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

We focus on the following six environmental United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in our assessment criteria:

Not sure if your product or service is eligible or have other questions or suggestions?

Take the Sustainability Award Readiness Quiz.

Contact us with any specific questions at [email protected].

Sustainability Award process

1. Application Form Applicants first pay the assessment fee, then complete the application form to outline how their products or services are environmentally sustainable. This takes 2 – 5 minutes depending on the type of business and level of detail.
2. Evaluation Each application is assessed using the information provided, and by researching information on the website, social media, reviews, media, certifications and other awards. Applicants are benchmarked against other organisations globally in their industry, not just against other award applicants. Further information may be requested via email.
   Product-based businesses send products to be assessed. We have evaluators in Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK, Germany and South Korea. (If products can’t be sent due to location, value or timing, they can be reviewed virtually if they have sufficient customer reviews.)
3. Outcome Applicants are notified on whether they have won a Sustainability Award via email within 15 business days of applying. Most applications are turned around in less than a week.
4. Promotion A fee applies for winners to license the digital award seal. See all options and fees here.

Why apply for a Sustainability Award in 2026?

Awards build customer confidence, credibility and sales. Research shows despite environmental concern being high, consumers lack clarity and trust in purchase choices. However, they are willing to pay a premium for sustainability, even with the cost of living crisis:

Awards impact brand awareness, trust, perceived quality & purchase intention.

• 83% of consumers say awards impact brand awareness, image and perceived quality.
• 77% are influenced by awards when it comes to purchase intention and trust.
• Award-winning businesses can see a 37% sales boost.

Sustainability continues to drive buying decisions

• 80% of consumers say they are willing to pay more for sustainable goods.
• Consumers are willing to pay a 9.7% sustainability premium, even with cost-of-living and inflation concerns.
• Consumers are 5x more likely to purchase, protect & champion purpose-driven companies.*

Our purpose-driven award scheme is focused solely on environmental sustainability, awarding only best-in-class. We have a simple, easy, customer-focused process with affordable options accessible to businesses of all sizes. As we service businesses globally, there are no deadlines and no award ceremonies. Applications are processed within 15 business days. Our award scheme is designed to be inclusive, straightforward and fair; the product or service is assessed on whether they are one of the best most sustainable available.

Who are the Sustainability Award team?

The Sustainability Award team and panel are passionate eco-minded professionals with experience in the environmental sector, environmental certification and accreditation, sustainable fashion, skincare, energy / renewables, packaging, design and interiors, food, tech, healthcare and transport. Our HQ is in Sydney, Australia and we have evaluators in the US, UK, Germany, New Zealand and South Korea. We care about helping genuinely eco-oriented businesses grow.

Core Team

Expert Evaluation & Advisory Panel

How was the Sustainability Award established?

The Sustainability Award was founded by Anna Chatburn in Australia in 2024. Anna has two decades of experience in environmental and professional services marketing and founded her own closed loop business in 2018. After winning some awards, she realised there wasn’t an award solely focused on sustainability that was rigorous yet easy to apply for. Many organisation types, like serviced-based businesses were missing out on being recognised. Anna and her partner Bobby worked with leading environmentally focused brands and organisations including Lush, UpCircle, I’m Plastic Free & True Green to set up the Sustainability Award, and it has quickly gained pace.

Where is the Sustainability Award based?

Our HQ is in sunny Sydney Australia and we have evaluators in the the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Spain and South Korea. As a modern, digital-based award scheme, we represent and reward eco friendly organisations across the world.

Register today

Get recognised for your leading environmental responsibility

Get notified when the next award round opens.

*Statistics Sources: Journal of Business & Economic Policy Vol. 3, No. 1, Hendricks & Singhal of the University of Western Ontario and Georgia Institute of Technology, Zeno, PwC 2024 Voice of the Consumer Survey.