The city is accepting nominations to celebrate the environmental contributions and advancements that positively impact the Scottsdale community through the 2026 Sustainable Scottsdale Awards.
The awards program recognizes innovative individuals, businesses, associations, educational institutions and organizations that demonstrate exceptional sustainability efforts directly enhancing the quality of life in Scottsdale and contributing to an environmentally friendly city.
Nominations are due Oct. 31.
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 on our community, motivating and inspiring actions that enhance the quality of life in our city and making Scottsdale a more livable and environmentally friendly city.
Applications will be assessed using two main benchmarks:
There are two rounds to the application process. 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 2026.
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.
Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025
Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 at 5 p.m.
The program recognizes major environmental contributions in Scottsdale by individuals, businesses, associations, educational institutions, and organizations.
It honors environmental 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.
Finalists will be notified in December and asked to answer additional questions about their efforts.
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 2026 meeting.
Absolutely! We love seeing joint efforts.
During Earth Week 2026.
Yes, if you have new, impactful work.
Nominations describing measurable success, creativity, and inspiring stories shine the brightest.
Staff Contact:
Tim Conner, Environmental Policy Manager, Planning & Development Services
Email Tim
480-312-7833
Echo Canyon School (2025)
Scottsdale Unified’s Echo Canyon K-8 School engages students with sustainability activities. Students tackle food waste by participating in hands-on experiences cultivating, harvesting, and preparing sustainable whole foods. The school has implemented Mill Food Recycler bins that compost school food waste which is then used to enrich the soil in the campus gardens. Student Culinary Cultivators assist all grade levels in planting food and native plants and local chefs harvest the food and prepare delicious dishes for students and their families. The school even has an in-house worm farm, cared for by students, that helps break down waste and fertilize the gardens.
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.
Last Updated: Sep 11, 2025
