Sustainability Categories
These categories will recognize innovative achievements by individual women and women-led or -owned organizations in resource and environmental sustainability since July 1, 2024.
Nominations that won in the 2025 Stevie® Awards for Women in Business may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be submitted to the same categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.
Information to be submitted online for entries in these categories in the 2026 competition include
1. Written answers to the following questions, describing the nominated organization’s or individual’s achievements achievements since July 1, 2024, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:
a. Briefly describe the nominated organization or individual: history and past performance (up to 1,500 characters). Required
b. Outline the organization’s or individual’s achievements since the beginning of July 2024 that you wish to bring to the judges’ attention (up to 1,900 characters words). Required
c. Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization’s past performance (up to 1,900 characters). Required
d. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination. (up to 1,900 characters). Optional
2. Optional (but highly recommended), a collection of supporting files and web addresses that you may upload to our server to support your entry and provide more background information to the judges. These might be planning documents, press clippings, work samples, photographs, video clips, etc.
U01. Building Sustainable Supply Chains
This category recognizes innovation in the building of sustainable supply chains.
U02. Circular Economy Initiative of the Year (New for 2026)
This category recognizes innovative initiatives developed by women or women-led organizations since July 1, 2024 that advance circular economy principles. Examples may include product lifecycle redesign, waste reduction initiatives, circular production models, material reuse systems, or programs that transform waste into reusable resources.
U03. Climate Adaptation Initiative
This category recognizes campaigns that address sustainable adaptation to new climate conditions.
U04. Climate Hero of the Year
This category recognizes innovative individuals who have actively committed themselves to climate protection and combating climate change.
U05. Climate Protection and Sustainability Campaign of the Year
This category honors special campaigns or programs that are dedicated to climate protection and sustainability.
U06. Conserve Resources
Recognizing innovations to conserve resources in hardware and software development by making products more compact and continually improving technologies for consumables and printer drivers.
U07. Products in the Area of Sustainability & Climate Protection
Innovative products that improve sustainability, reduce emissions or are more environmentally friendly than standard alternatives on the market.
U08. Project of the Year in the Area of Nature & Biological Diversity
This category recognizes projects and campaigns that make important contributions in the area of nature and biological diversity - such as renaturation measures, promotion of biodiversity, etc.
U09. Reuse and Recycle
Recognizing innovations to extend the useful life of components, reduce parts that end up in waste, and develop products that make disassembly and reuse easier.
U10. Saving Energy
Recognizing initiatives to increase energy efficiency and make optimal use of savings opportunities through professional energy management in order to conserve resources and protect the environment.
U11. Sustainable Business Models
Business models that aim to act sustainably, for example by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
U12. Sustainable Innovation in Digital Solutions (New for 2026)
This category recognizes digital products, platforms, or services created by women or women-led organizations since July 1, 2024 that help organizations or individuals reduce environmental impact. Examples may include sustainability data platforms, climate analytics tools, environmental monitoring software, or digital solutions designed to support more sustainable business practices.
U13. Sustainability & Climate Protection Services
Services that improve sustainability, reduce emissions or are more environmentally friendly than market alternatives.
U14. Sustainable Technology Innovation of the Year (New for 2026)
This category recognizes innovative technologies developed by women or women-led organizations since July 1, 2024 that significantly advance environmental sustainability. Examples may include climate technologies, green software solutions, energy-efficient digital infrastructure, carbon reduction technologies, or other technological innovations that help reduce environmental impact.