NSW Award Categories

Award Categories

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NSW AWARD CATEGORIES

2026 NSW Sustainability Awards are open for entry.

The NSW Sustainability Awards celebrates and honours trailblazers and innovators who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable future for NSW. It is an opportunity to showcase your remarkable efforts and contributions towards sustainability. The NSW Sustainability Awards reflect the goals of the Banksia Foundation and NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

Minister’s Young Climate Champions Award

The Minister’s Young Climate Champions Award recognises student-led teams of four or more members, aged 18 years and under, who are working together to develop and deliver practical projects that contribute to a more sustainable future. Projects may be undertaken through a school, youth organisation or community group and must align with at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Please note: entry to Minister’s Young Climate Champion Award is FREE

ENTRIES CLOSE 23 SEP

Built Environment Award

The Built Environment Award recognises outstanding projects that are transforming the places where we live, work and connect through sustainable design, construction and operation. It celebrates leadership in creating buildings, infrastructure and public spaces that deliver positive environmental, social and economic outcomes.

ENTRIES CLOSE 23 SEP 

Circular Economy Award

The Circular Economy Award celebrates excellence in circular product innovation and/or incorporating circularity in sustainable business leadership. Successful entrants will be selected based on their tangible efforts to drive a more circular system and/or their successful implementation of technologies, initiatives, projects, or partnerships that have effectively unleashed circular solutions.

ENTRIES CLOSE 23 SEP

Climate Innovation Award

The Climate Innovation Award recognises outstanding innovations that accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. It celebrates organisations, businesses, start-ups, researchers and partnerships that are developing and implementing innovative products, technologies, services or business models that deliver measurable climate outcomes.

ENTRIES CLOSE 23 SEP

Large Business Sustainable Leadership Award

The Large Business Sustainable Leadership Award celebrates exceptional commitment and achievements in integrating sustainable practices across its operations. It sets ambitious sustainability goals, implements innovative strategies, engages stakeholders, reduces environmental impact, promotes social responsibility, and contributes to a more sustainable future working towards its SDG targets.

ENTRIES CLOSE 23 SEP

Marketing and Communications for Impact Award

The Marketing and Communications for Impact Award celebrates initiatives that demonstrate exceptional creativity and innovation in marketing and/or communication while effectively conveying sustainability messages. The entries must successfully engage stakeholders and drive behaviour change, ultimately generating positive environmental and social impacts.

ENTRIES CLOSE 23 SEP

Nature Positive Award

The Nature Positive Award recognises outstanding leadership, innovation and collaboration that protect, restore and regenerate nature. It celebrates projects and initiatives that are creating measurable improvements in the health, resilience and connectivity of ecosystems while supporting sustainable economic and community outcomes.

ENTRIES CLOSE 23 SEP

Net Zero Action Award

 

The Net Zero Action Award celebrates organisations driving net zero action through embodying a comprehensive sustainability approach within their organisation. This award recognises achieving emission reduction across scopes 1-3, resource conservation and waste management, honouring those showcasing urgency, transparency, and meaningful investments in achieving a net zero future.

ENTRIES CLOSE 23 SEP

Regional Sustainable Development Award

 

The Regional Sustainable Development Award recognises outstanding initiatives that are driving sustainable development and creating lasting environmental, social and economic benefits for regional communities across New South Wales. It celebrates organisations, businesses, local governments, community groups, educational institutions and partnerships that are delivering innovative solutions to build stronger, more resilient and prosperous regional communities.

ENTRIES CLOSE 23 SEP

SME Sustainable Leadership Award 

The SME Sustainable Leadership Award recognises exceptional achievements by small and medium enterprises that integrate sustainability principles and practices into their business activities. Whether for-profit or purpose-driven, this award celebrates the alignment of business values with the SDGs and showcases the positive outcomes of sustainable practices.

ENTRIES CLOSE 23 SEP

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Sustainable Tourism Award

The Sustainable Tourism category recognises outstanding organisations, destinations, and businesses in the tourism industry that prioritise environmental conservation and have demonstrated a commitment to minimising their ecological footprint, promoting responsible travel and visitor education, supporting local communities, and preserving natural and cultural heritage.

ENTRIES CLOSE 23 SEP

 
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