The Emerald Awards showcase the organizations, projects, and individuals across Alberta working to address environmental and climate change issues.
Since 1992, the Emerald Awards have showcased nearly 400 recipients and 900 finalists who are raising the bar in addressing environmental and climate change issues. These environmental awards are the only program in Canada to recognize environmental excellence across a diverse range of sectors.
Discover the recipients and finalists of the 33rd Annual Emerald Awards
Emerald award recipients receive:
- A grant to support the continuation of their work
- A custom trophy to commemorate their achievement
- A video feature in our Emerald Documentary Series
- A feature on our website
Nominations for the 34th Annual emerald awards open november 1, 2024
To nominate, you must meet the following requirements:
- Nominations must be first-party, with the exception of our Lifetime Achievement Award
- The nominated project, organization, or individual must be based in Alberta and/or benefit Albertans
- 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:
- Review the 15 Emerald Award categories (listed below) to determine which category aligns best with your organization or project
- Ensure you have at least one party who will provide you a third-party reference
- Start your nomination using our Submittable form. No need to finish it all in one go, you can save your nomination and access it later!
- Submit your nomination
Questions about the nominations process? Contact our Communications & Engagement Specialist, Sabrina!
What happens after you submit a nomination
All nominations are reviewed by a third-party panel of judges who choose a maximum of three nominations per category to be shortlisted, except for our Lifetime Achievement Award, where only one recipient is chosen.
Nominations are scored based on the following:
- Degree of environmental benefits and impact
- Degree of community impact
- Alignment with The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- Alignment with the Seventh Generation Principle
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.