The District Sustainability Awards, hosted by the DC Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE), recognize businesses, individuals, and organizations contributing to a more sustainable District of Columbia. These awards align with Mayor Bowser’s Sustainable DC Plan, which emphasizes environmental, economic, and social equity to make DC the greenest and healthiest city in the nation. Awards focus on initiatives that address equity, education, climate, energy, food, transportation, waste, and water.

Applications for the 2025 awards open on December 1, 2024, and close on January 24, 2025. Winners will be announced at Destination DC’s Sustainability Summit in March 2025. Award categories include individual, business, organization, and the Clean Energy DC Award. Applicants are encouraged to provide measurable data, such as energy consumption or waste reduction metrics, to demonstrate their impact.

The Clean Energy DC Award highlights innovative energy-related projects that achieve measurable energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions. Eligible projects must demonstrate innovation, replication potential, and alignment with sectors in the Clean Energy DC Plan, such as buildings, transportation, clean energy supply, and grid modernization.

Examples of sustainable activities include implementing energy-efficient technologies, comprehensive waste management programs, and eco-friendly infrastructure like green roofs or solar panels. Socially and economically sustainable efforts, such as hiring marginalized individuals, funding community organizations, and fostering inclusive decision-making, are also encouraged.

The awards spotlight contributions that make DC healthier, greener, and more livable. Interested applicants can contact MaryLynn Wilhere at marylynn.wilhere@dc.gov or (202) 870-2924 for additional information. Full details, including past award winners and case studies, are available on the DOEE website.