Honoring the Change-Makers
Showcasing the state's leading sustainability projects
Arizona Forward’s Annual Environmental Awards Gala presented by SRP has been rescheduled – Save the Date – March 19, 2022.
This prestigious awards program has served as Arizona’s signature sustainability recognition event for over 40 years. Initiated in 1980, the environmental excellence awards program is a benchmark for economic and environmental accomplishment. Across Arizona, leaders and teams are taking their vision for a better Arizona and turning it into action.
Arizona Forward is pleased to honor all of the 2020-21 award finalists. Each month, leading up to the awards gala on March 19, 2022, we are highlighting finalists in each category. Award nominations address sustainability issues and highlight projects across the state of Arizona, and serve as inspiration for us all as we move forward together.
RSVP – Awards Gala – March 19, 2022
Partner with Us – Sponsorship Packet
Finalists
View the 2020-21 List of Finalists
Current Spotlight
Healthy Communities
Current Spotlight
Environmental Education & Communication
Award Category Showcase
Calendar of Finalist Spotlights
Arizona Forward Environmental Excellence Awards
Presented by SRP
For nearly 20 years, Arizona’s most prominent environmental awards program has recognized exemplary sustainability projects throughout the state. Initiated in 1980, the awards program is a benchmark for economic and environmental accomplishment.
About the Awards
RECIPIENTS
It’s About Recognition.
A panel of judges comprised of prominent leaders and experts in the community select projects to receive the coveted Crescordia Award and Award of Distinction.
- All qualifying projects are featured during the awards event
- Award recipients receive statewide recognition throughout the year
- Award-winning projects are among the most distinguished achievements in Arizona
JUDGING CRITERIA
It’s About Impact.
All projects are reviewed based on the sustainability impact to communities, cities regions or the entire state of Arizona—not on the size of the entity or budget.
Learn more about the project entry process
Our Presenting Sponsor
salt river project
SRP is a founding member of Arizona Forward and a presenting sponsor and partner in the awards program for the last 19 years. Paralleling nicely with the mission and vision of Arizona Forward, SRP has a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and is proud to support Arizona’s leading environmental and sustainability organization and this prestigious awards program.
Award Categories
2020-2021 Program
Governor’s Award for Arizona’s Future
Creative initiatives that foster the economic vitality and long-term sustainability of Arizona’s future. Encompass projects, public policies and/or collaborative efforts that make Arizona a better place to live, work and play.
Healthy Communities
Projects, policies or plans that promote the health and wellness of communities in rural or urban areas and could include neighborhood revitalization, community redevelopment and cross-sector collaborations.
Climate Action Solutions
Solutions-oriented actions to address climate risks in Arizona with a future-focused perspective that demonstrates measurable improvements in areas such as carbon reduction, heat island mitigation and water availability.
Art in Public Places
Creative works of art visually accessible to the general public that contribute to aesthetic appreciation, add to a sustainable-based culture and encourage sustainability (public or privately owned).
Buildings, Structures, and Landscape Design
Civic, commercial or institutional buildings, structures or landscapes that represent elements that preserve environmental quality, incorporate sustainability, integrate with the natural or built environment and create aesthetic appreciation.
Technology Innovation
Innovative products or processes that use technology to encourage sustainable outcomes and demonstrate an economic benefit to positively address environmental issues.
Site Development
Contributions that enhance the urban environment within large-scale commercial, industrial and public work sectors and could include projects related to waste or water treatment facilities, roadways, bridges, canals and other types of infrastructure.
Environmental Education and Communication
Achievements in education and/or communication that are designed for a wide audience and produce increased awareness, change in behavior or a deeper appreciation of sustainability initiatives.
Natural Environment Preservation
Improvements to the natural environment through projects such as hiking trails, riparian areas, preserves, trailheads, parks and habitat restoration.
Circular Economy Solutions
Best practices and/or programs that reduce waste and improve productivity of resources, enabling a circular system that achieves positive environmental and economic results.
Project submissions for the 2020-21 year are currently closed.