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 for the 35th Annual Emerald Awards open November 1, 2025

We’re Refreshing Our Categories!

Over the past 35 years, the Emerald Awards have recognized environmental excellence across Alberta in various areas, including Air, Land, Water, Energy, and more.

This year, in celebration of our 35th Anniversary, our categories are being refreshed to better reflect Alberta’s evolving environmental landscape and the challenges it faces. Stay tuned for the reveal on November 1, 2025, when nominations open!

Past Categories

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 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.

How to Submit a Nomination

1. Choose your category: Once they’re available, review the refreshed award categories and select the one that best aligns with your organization, project, or initiative
2. Fill out the online form: Get started on your nomination using our online form. You can save your progress and return later
3. Gather your supporting materials: You can upload up to five attachments, such as photos, videos, or additional letters of support
4. Upload your reference letter: A third-party reference letter is required to submit your nomination
5. Submit your nomination: Once all sections are complete, submit your form

Please note: Nominations for the 35th Annual Emerald Awards open on November 1, 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