Emerald Awards for Environmental Excellence
The Emerald Awards showcase the organizations, projects, and individuals across Alberta working to address environmental challenges and build a more resilient and sustainable future.
Since 1992, the Emerald Awards have showcased nearly 400 recipients and 900 finalists who are raising the bar in addressing environmental challenges. These environmental awards are the only program in Canada to recognize environmental excellence across a diverse range of sectors. Whether you’re a business, nonprofit, or community group, the Emerald Awards offer the opportunity to gain recognition for your impactful work.
Nominations are now open for the 34th Annual Emerald Awards! Submit your nomination before February 10, 2025 at 11:59 PM MST.
Keep scrolling to learn more and how to submit a nomination…
Emerald Award Categories
Legacy
Celebrating individuals or organizations that have made a lasting impact through sustained excellence in addressing local, regional, or global environmental issues.
Business
Recognizing businesses that integrate environmental sustainability into their core operations, driving both economic success and positive societal impact.
Community Group or Nonprofit
Recognizing community groups and nonprofits that support a resilient and sustainable future by addressing environmental challenges.
Education
Recognizing educational organizations and institutions that inspire and empower learners to engage with environmental issues, cultivating environmental stewardship.
Government
Acknowledging government bodies that lead by example, implementing policies and initiatives that prioritize environmental sustainability, setting a standard for governance that benefits all communities.
Youth
Celebrating young leaders 25 and under who are driving environmental change through their voices and/or actions, helping to shape our collective future.
Lifetime Achievement
Honouring individuals who have dedicated their lives to advancing environmental causes, leaving a lasting legacy through years of innovation, leadership, and stewardship.
Project/Initiative
Showcasing projects and initiatives that demonstrate excellence in addressing and mitigating local, regional, or global environmental challenges.
Water
Recognizing projects and initiatives that steward, manage, and/or protect water, ensuring the resiliency and sustainability of this vital resource.
Air
Recognizing projects and initiatives that improve air quality by reducing emissions, contributing to cleaner and healthier communities.
Land
Recognizing projects and initiatives that improve the land through conservation, restoration, and/or responsible management practices.
Energy
Recognizing projects and initiatives that contribute to the positive transformation of our energy systems, promoting innovation, efficiency, and the adoption of sustainable solutions.
Waste Management
Recognizing projects and initiatives that demonstrate innovation in waste reduction and help contribute to the circular economy.
Infrastructure
Recognizing projects and initiatives that change the way we develop and design roads, buildings, and other critical infrastructure while balancing economic, social and environmental implications.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Recognizing projects and initiatives that protect, restore, or conserve natural habitats and/or wildlife, promoting biodiversity and fostering ecosystem resiliency
Public Engagement & Outreach
Recognizing projects and initiatives that actively engage, educate, and empower the public, providing the tools and knowledge needed to make informed environmental decisions and inspire collective action toward a more sustainable future.
Shared Footprints Award
Recognizing collaborative projects and initiatives between diverse groups or individuals to achieve positive environmental outcomes.
What Emerald Award Recipients Receive
As an Emerald Award recipient, you will be recognized as a leader in environmental excellence. Recipients receive:
- Provincial Recognition: Your work will be highlighted across Alberta through our website, social media channels, and at the Emerald Awards ceremony increasing visibility for your project or organization
- A Sustainable Trophy: Recipients are awarded a sustainable and locally crafted Emerald Award trophy
- A $1500 Grant: Recipients receive a grant to further support and expand their environmental initiatives or donate to the environmental charity of their choice
- A Feature in the Emerald Documentary Series: Your story of environmental excellence will be featured in the Emerald Documentary Series, highlighting the impact of your work
Eligibility Requirements
- Your organization, project, or initiative must be based in or directly impact Alberta
- Nominations must be first-party, except for our Lifetime Achievement Award
- For example: If you think ‘Non-Profit A’ is doing great work in the community and you want to nominate them in the Community Group or Nonprofit Category, you cannot do that, as it would be considered a third-party nomination. However, if Non-Profit A’ were to nominate themselves, that would be acceptable, as it would be considered a first-party nomination
- Nominations must include a third-party reference letter
- We define a third party as any group or person who is not directly involved in the administration or operation of a project or organization nominating for the awards. We encourage nominees to get references from people, groups, or organizations who have benefitted from your work and can speak to the impacts.
Nomination Timeline
Key Dates for the 34th Annual Emerald Awards:
- Nominations Open: November 1, 2024
- Nominations Close: February 10, 2025, at 11:59 PM
- Shortlisted Nominees Announced: March 21, 2025
How to Submit a Nomination
Please refer to our nomination guidelines for a comprehensive overview of eligibility requirements, the nomination process, and frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Choose your category: Review the award categories and select the one that best aligns with your organization, project, or initiative
- Fill out the online form: Get started on your nomination using our online form. You can save your progress and return later
- Gather your supporting materials: You can upload up to five attachments, such as photos, videos, or additional letters of support
- Upload your reference letter: A third-party reference letter is required to submit your nomination
- Submit your nomination: Once all sections are complete, submit your form 11:59 PM MST on February 10, 2025
What happens after you submit your nomination?
After you’ve submitted your nomination, it will be reviewed and scored by our third-party panel of volunteer judges.
After each nomination is reviewed and scored, the judges will choose up to three nominations to be shortlisted in each category.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the nomination process, please contact our Communications & Engagement Specialist, Sabrina