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 an organization or individual’s legacy of environmental excellence in addressing and mitigating the effects of local, regional, and global environmental issues.
Business
Showcasing an organization engaged in commercial, industrial or professional activities that has demonstrated a meaningful commitment to an environmentally sustainable future.
Community Group or Nonprofit
Recognizing associations dedicated to furthering a particular social cause or advocating for a shared point of view that have demonstrated a significant commitment to the environment through their actions.
Education
Acknowledging those that have raised the bar by showing leadership and creativity in educating students of all ages about environmental matters.
Government
Recognizing all levels of government whose ongoing commitment sets the example of environmental leadership and advocates sustainability as a major consideration in governance.
Youth
Recognizing people, 25 years of age and under, who have made meaningful contributions and have taken positive action to improve the environmental health of their community.
Lifetime Achievement
Celebrating environmental leaders who, throughout their lifetime, have made contributions of outstanding environmental significance.
Project/Initiative
Showcasing the Albertan environmental projects and initiatives that have addressed and mitigated the effects of local, regional, and global environmental issues by achieving excellence aligned to current environmental priorities.
Water
Recognizing projects and initiatives that demonstrate excellence through the monitoring, management and/or stewardship of water and watersheds.
Air
Recognizing projects and initiatives that improve air quality.
Land
Recognizing projects and initiatives that demonstrate excellence in sustainable land use.
Energy
Recognizing projects and initiatives that positively support the evolution of our province’s energy systems.
Waste Management
Recognizing projects and initiatives that innovate the repurposing, reduction, and disposal of waste in an environmentally-conscious way.
Infrastructure
Recognizing environmental advancements in the ways we design, build, and travel.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Recognizing projects and initiatives that protect and conserve natural habitats and wild species.
Public Engagement & Outreach
Recognizing programs and initiatives that educate and empower the broader public by teaching the necessary skills to make informed environmental decisions and take responsible action.
Shared Footprints Award
Recognizing those who have exemplified land and water stewardship, built shared knowledge, improved air quality, reduced land disturbances, and encouraged ecotourism.
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