Being a sustainable company is great for the environment, can appeal to customers and improve the bottom line, and even save money when it comes to more effective and efficient processes. It is a lot of hard work and can take a considerable amount of time and effort to reach targets and goals – and you want to make the most of what you’re doing, and that should include a PR and marketing initiative, after all – you’ve done something amazing, and your customers, investors, and other stakeholders should want to know what you’re doing as well!
Awards can be a great way of showcasing your efforts and giving a sense of importance and officiality to your actions. Of course, too much and too obviously paid for and you’re going to have the opposite effect, but reaching for established, trusted, and genuine acknowledgement for your efforts and being rewarded thusly, can be an effective strategy.
But – who do you go for? What awards are out there, and which ones are worth the time (and occasionally the entrance fee)? This is a brief look at some of the sustainability awards available in the USA, it is by no means an extensive list, but it’ll give you a good place to start!
SEAL Business Sustainability Awards (https://sealawards.com/)
The Sustainability, Environmental, Achievement and Leadership (SEAL) Business have been honouring and recognising businesses since 2017, and offer both business and journalism awards, as well as applications for research grants.
Their core belief is that environmental progress requires true leadership, and leadership deserves recognition – and that recognition is a form of accountability.
Some of their previous winners include:
- Microsoft
- Disney
- Samsung
- HP
- Bridgestone
- Apple
- Hilton Hotels
- Suez
Sustainable Business Awards (https://sustainablebusinessawards.com/)
Established in 2012 and held in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). the two key objectives of the Sustainable Business Awards are to recognise and applaud efforts made by companies in making the world a better a safer place, and to spread awareness – showcase best practice, instigate dialogue, and inspire others to do more.
Previous participants in the awards have included:
- Mondelez
- Nestle
- Banyan Tree Hotel and Resorts
- Maybank
- Ericsson
- Greenpac
- DSM
Responsible Business Awards (https://events.reutersevents.com/sustainable-business/responsible-business-awards)
Held by Reuters, the Responsible Business Awards seeks to recognise those that are challenging the status quo and leading the way in sustainability. The awards are given for:
- Business transformation
- Product innovation
- Sustainability Trailblazer
- Partnership of the Year
- Net Zero Transition
- Circular Transition
- Reporting and Transparency
- SDG Pioneer
- Social Impact
- Purpose-Driven Communications
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Biodiversity Champion
- Social and Human Capital
- Responsible Investor of the Year
- Responsible Business Honouree
