The Sustainable Scottsdale Awards program recognizes those spearheading significant environmental advancements in Scottsdale. This award spotlights the innovative "change makers" that have made a positive environmental impact in our community, motivating and inspiring actions that enhance the quality of life in our city and making Scottsdale a more livable and eco-friendly city.
Applications will be assessed using two main benchmarks:
The application process will have two rounds. For the first round, applicants will submit a brief impact statement that tells their sustainability story. Finalists will be selected using the assessment benchmarks and will be asked to respond to no more than four additional questions. Supporting materials may be needed to provide sufficient detail for the Scottsdale Environmental Advisory Commission to select the honoree(s), who will be announced in April 2025.
Who's eligible? Our aim is to celebrate environmental achievements across the entire spectrum of Scottsdale's community. No matter your size, sector, or scope - if you're making a green difference in Scottsdale, we want to hear from you!
Notes:
Optional Extras: Feel free to add data, photos, or videos. They're not required, but they can really help your nomination stand out (please no more than five additional pages of information)!
What's in Store? Honoree(s) will be announced during Earth Week. This award is our way of saying 'thank you' and spotlighting the incredible efforts that make Scottsdale a more sustainable and vibrant place.
Applications are now closed. Stay tuned for more information!
Monday, Sept. 9, 2024
Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 at 5 p.m.
The program recognizes major environmental contributions in Scottsdale by individuals, businesses, associations, educational institutions, and organizations.
It honors eco-champions, encourages sustainable collaborations, and inspires positive changes in Scottsdale.
Applications can focus on a range of areas: water conservation, sustainability, renewable energy, clean air and water, recycling, waste reduction, energy efficiency, environmental education, community impact, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, and planning.
Note: Sorry, but facilities or programs directly hosted by the City of Scottsdale are not eligible. Also, impact has to be local to Scottsdale. Businesses or organizations headquartered elsewhere that have a local impact are eligible to apply. Those that are located in Scottsdale with no direct impact in Scottsdale are not eligible.
Honoree(s) will be recognized during Earth Week, when their efforts will be highlighted for making Scottsdale more sustainable.
Yes, both self-nominations and nominations for others are welcome.
The Scottsdale Environmental Advisory Commission reviews applications and selects the honoree(s) at their March 2025 meeting.
Absolutely! We love seeing joint efforts.
During Earth Week 2025.
Yes, if you have new, impactful work.
Nominations describing measurable success, creativity, and inspiring stories shine the brightest.
Staff Contact:
Lisa McNeilly, Sustainability Director
Email Lisa McNeilly
480-312-2831
R.City (2024)
R.City has been collecting food waste from Scottsdale residents and businesses for 10 years and has diverted millions of pounds of food waste from landfills to be used in local farming. They collect food waste from residents and businesses to produce compost on their farm, which means they can grow produce without the use of chemicals or pesticides. As part of their services, they also offer local, organic produce to Scottsdale's doorsteps.
Witnessing Nature In Food (2019)
Witnessing Nature In Food is an all-organic catering company led by Chef Jennifer Johnson. The company set a >93% landfill diversion goal, uses only reusable, compostable, or recyclable food containers, and offers classes like 'healthy eating on a budget.'
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch (2016)
The Hyatt demonstrates that financial success and environmental stewardship are interrelated and mutually achievable goals. The choices the resort has made were designed, engineered, cost analyzed and then approved by business executives because the return on investment made sense. As Hyatt Regency Scottsdale exemplifies, businesses do not have to choose between the environment and their bottom line.