The City of Raleigh’s 2025 Environmental Awards program is now accepting applications, celebrating individuals and organizations dedicated to environmental stewardship and sustainability within the city. Applications are open until February 28, 2025, and awards will be granted across multiple categories, each recognizing exceptional efforts to protect and enhance the environment.

Award Categories:
Raleigh Environmental Stewardship Award (RESA): Recognizes individuals or organizations demonstrating leadership in environmental stewardship, equity, and sustainability.
Climate Action Awards: Highlights achievements in air quality, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, land conservation, or waste reduction.
Business Innovation for Environmental Stewardship: Rewards enterprises that integrate environmental practices into their operations, such as material reuse, green products, or recycling.
Community Action Award: Honors volunteers, individuals, or nonprofits working on conservation, natural resource stewardship, or environmental justice.
Next Generation of Environmental Leaders: Recognizes Raleigh students (middle school through college) making contributions in conservation, climate action, and community resilience.
Eligibility extends to residents, businesses, and students operating within Raleigh, its extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ), or utility service areas. Projects are evaluated on quantifiable environmental impact, innovation, leadership, and sustainability. Elected officials are not eligible during their time in office.

Award recipients will be chosen by a jury of City Board and Commission members. Winners will receive handcrafted awards made by local artisan Bill Wallace, symbolizing their commitment to environmental excellence.