The U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce is proud to launch the 2025 Chambers of Commerce Sustainability Awards, a prestigious recognition program that honors outstanding environmental and social sustainability initiatives within chambers of commerce across the country.

Why This Award Matters

By creating this award program, we aim to celebrate and elevate the most dedicated chambers of commerce that are setting the standard for sustainability. Our goal is to recognize and reward those who are making significant strides in environmental and social responsibility while inspiring others to follow suit. A greener future is a shared commitment, and this award serves as a beacon for innovation and leadership in sustainability.

Benefits of the awards include:

  • Free and easy application: A straightforward process with no cost to apply.
  • Boost your chamber’s reputation: Gain recognition as a leader in sustainability.
  • Increased visibility: Be featured in our national communications and at the awards ceremony

How to Submit Your Application

Chambers interested in participating must complete the online application by the November 2025 deadline. Submissions should include a detailed description of the sustainability initiative (or a link to your program’s page), supporting documents, and any relevant data demonstrating its impact.

Award Categories & Descriptions

These awards spotlight a diverse range of sustainability initiatives, ensuring that chambers of all sizes and regions receive well-deserved recognition:

  • Most Sustainable Chamber of the Year: Honors a chamber that demonstrates excellence across multiple sustainability categories.
  • Outstanding Rural Chamber Sustainability Program: Recognizes a chamber for outstanding efforts in tackling rural sustainability challenges..
  • Outstanding Urban Chamber Sustainability Program: Recognizes a chamber for outstanding efforts in tackling urban sustainability challenges.
  • Excellence in Social Sustainability: Rewards chambers excelling in social sustainability through policy advocacy, events, and networking.
  • Excellence in DEI Leadership: Recognizes chambers fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in sustainability efforts.
  • Best Green Business Initiatives: Showcases chambers supporting green businesses.
  • Excellence in Green Certification: Honors the best green business certification program among chambers.
  • Best Green Community Impact Program: Awards chambers with impactful green community initiatives.
  • Best Green Policy Programs: Recognizes chambers advocating for impactful environmental policies.
  • Best New Sustainable Chamber: Celebrates new sustainability initiatives launched in the past year.

Award Timeline & Announcements

  • September 2025 – Interest Webinar
  • November 2025 – Application Deadline
  • December 2025 – Finalist Notifications
  • January 2026 – Finalists Announced 
  • Mid-January 2026 – Winners Revealed at the U.S. Green Chambers of Commerce Award Show

Award Committee & Judges

A panel of distinguished business leaders and sustainability experts, will oversee the judging process. Judges are selected based on their expertise in environmental and social sustainability, ensuring a fair and credible evaluation.

Submissions will be evaluated based on:

  • Impact: The measurable effect of the sustainability initiative.
  • Innovation: The creativity and uniqueness of the program.
  • Scalability: The potential for the initiative to be replicated or expanded.
  • Commitment: The chamber’s long-term dedication to sustainability.
  • Integration: How well sustainability is embedded into the chamber’s operations.

Building Credibility

To establish the credibility of these awards, we ensure:

  • Transparent judging criteria
  • Renowned industry experts as judges
  • Formal endorsements from chambers and sustainability leaders
  • A structured, impartial selection process
  • A strong legacy backed by the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce’s achievements

Join the Movement

By participating in the 2025 Chambers of Commerce Sustainability Awards, chambers not only gain well-deserved recognition but also enhance their credibility and influence. Stay tuned for application details and be part of the journey toward a more sustainable future!