Raleigh Environmental Award trophy in the grass and sunlight

Environmental Awards Program

Celebrate Sustainability: Nominate a Changemaker


Jump To:

 
2026 Environmental Awards Nominate a Changemaker Today Awards by Eligibility Must Live In or Operate Within the City of Raleigh Must Live In or Attend School in Raleigh Must Teach Students of Any Age in Raleigh Must Live in Raleigh or the Raleigh Water Service Area Open to All (Based on Entry Requirements) Eligibility Requirements and Evaluations

2026 Environmental Awards

The City of Raleigh Environmental Awards honor individuals, students, educators, businesses, and organizations making a positive impact on our environment. These awards recognize leadership, creativity, and commitment to building a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient Raleigh.

Presented during the Earth Day Celebration on April 24 at Dix Park, the awards highlight achievements in climate action, water stewardship, waste reduction, and community engagement. Whether you’re a student designing innovative solutions, a business championing green practices, or a volunteer driving conservation efforts, there’s a category for you.

Nominate a Changemaker Today

Submit your nomination by Feb. 22 and help us celebrate Raleigh’s environmental champions. We’re seeking to feature:

  • Public Transit Commuters
  • Artists and Designers
  • Middle and High School Students
  • Business owners
  • Nonprofits and volunteers

Scroll down to find your award!

The Environmental Awards are hosted by the City of Raleigh’s Environmental Advisory Board and organized in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability, Raleigh Stormwater, Raleigh Water, Solid Waste Services, Transportation, and the Office of Strategy and Innovation.

Awards by Eligibility

Must Live In or Operate Within the City of Raleigh

Award NamePresented ByWho It's ForWhat It RecognizesLearn More
Commute Smart AwardCommute Smart RaleighCommuters or organizationsPromoting or practicing sustainable commuting (e.g., biking, transit, carpooling)Commute Smart Award

Must Live In or Attend School in Raleigh

Award NamePresented ByWho It's ForWhat It RecognizesLearn More
Capture It! Stormwater Arts ContestRaleigh Stormwater8th-12th grade studentsCreative videos or artwork showing how nature-based solutions protect waterwaysCapture It! Contest 

Must Teach Students of Any Age in Raleigh

Award NamePresented ByWho It's ForWhat It RecognizesLearn More
Stormwater Smart Educator AwardRaleigh StormwaterTeachers, administrators, informal educatorsAdvancing stormwater education and watershed stewardshipStormwater Smart

Must Live in Raleigh or the Raleigh Water Service Area

(Garner, Knightdale, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, Zebulon)

Award NamePresented ByWho It's ForWhat It RecognizesLearn More
Future of Water Stewardship AwardRaleigh WaterMiddle school students (grades 6–8)Designing a reusable bag that promotes clean water and environmental careFuture of Water Stewardship Award
Dare to Be Green AwardStrategy and InnovationBusinesses, entrepreneurs, innovators    Bold, creative initiatives that drive environmental progressLeadership in environmental sustainability, equity, and economic resilienceEnvironmental Awards Program
Raleigh Environmental Stewardship Award (RESA)Office of SustainabilityIndividuals or organizationsLeadership in environmental sustainability, equity, and economic resilienceEnvironmental Awards Program
Climate Action AwardOffice of SustainabilityIndividuals or organizations  Leadership in climate action: energy, transportation, land use, waste reductionEnvironmental Awards Program
Business Innovation AwardOffice of SustainabilityBusinesses and enterprisesEnvironmental leadership through green products, recycling, or supply chainsEnvironmental Awards Program
Community Action AwardOffice of SustainabilityVolunteers, nonprofits, community leadersNatural resource protection, environmental justice, or community conservationEnvironmental Awards Program
Next Generation of Environmental LeadersOffice of SustainabilityMiddle school, high school, and college studentsStudent-led efforts in conservation, climate protection, or engagementEnvironmental Awards Program

Open to All (Based on Entry Requirements)

Award NamePresented ByWho It's ForWhat It RecognizesLearn More
Trashion Show CompetitionSolid Waste ServicesYouth, college students, adults Fashion made from 75% recyclable materials; judged by age categoryTrashion Competition

Eligibility Requirements and Evaluations

  • Applicants and nominees must be residents of or operate within the City of Raleigh, the Raleigh extra territorial jurisdiction (ETJ), the utility service area, or be students in the WCPSS.
  • Elected officials are not eligible while they are serving in public office.

Nominations will be evaluated based on the specific criteria. Projects will be evaluated as much as possible on the quantifiable results that positively affect the environment.

  • Effectiveness - List the goals and measures of success.
  • Innovation, Creativity and Originality - Discuss the methods, strategies, and innovative ideas.
  • Environmental Stewardship - Describe measurable increases in ecological resiliency or how the applicant has improved the capacity for our ecosystems to provide us with resources.
  • Leadership - Discuss how the applicant has demonstrated vision, foresight, and persistence.
  • Sustainability Elements - Describe how the applicant has improved social, economic, and ecological conditions.

Related Events

  All events