We welcome nominations, including self-nominations, for our Sustainability Awards as well as the Green Building Award, which is awarded jointly by SSMC and the American Institute of Architects San Mateo County Chapter. The Ruth Peterson Award is presented at the discretion of SSMC’s Board of Directors. Read on to learn more about the eligibility and criteria for each award. Nominations for both awards must be submitted by November 18, 2022.

Click here for eligibility and criteria for our 2023 Awards

Read our press release here

2023 SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS Click here for nomination form
2023 GREEN BUILDING AWARD Click here for nomination form

Peninsula Clean Energy is also accepting nominations for its 2023 All-Electric Leader Awards. Click here

Sponsor Sustainable San Mateo County’s 24th Annual Awards Program

Each year SSMC honors sustainability leaders who have made significant progress in protecting our people and planet through their work with local organizations, businesses and government. Historically, more than 300 attendees have joined our Awards Celebration to recognize our award winners.

Sponsorship opportunities range from $500 Friend to $10,000 Leader levels and come with many benefits, including tickets to our Awards Celebration this spring. Interested in learning more? Visit our Sponsorship Opportunities page, email advocate@sustainablesanmateo.org with “Sponsor” in the subject line or call 650-918-1992.

About SSMC’s Awards Program

SSMC has presented 166 awards to local sustainability champions since 1999. Our Awards Program is an inspiring celebration and “must attend” event that pays tribute to those working to make our region truly sustainable. We recognize leaders in the following categories:

• Ruth Peterson Award: This is Sustainable San Mateo County’s highest honor. It is awarded at the discretion of the Board to an individual who has contributed significantly to SSMC’s mission.
• Sustainability Awards: The work of Sustainability Award winners must have an impact in San Mateo County on the three E’s of sustainability: Environmental impacts, social Equity and Economic vitality. Nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, educational institutions and individuals are eligible.
• Green Building Award: This award is given to a bulding in San Mateo County that promotes green, sustainable design, construction and performance. It recognizes the architect, builder and owner of the building. SSMC has partnered with the American Institute of Architects, San Mateo County Chapter (AIASMC), to present this award every year since 2003.

In 2021, Peninsula Clean Energy presented the first All-Electric Leader Awards at SSMC’s Awards Celebration. PCE will present the awards for the third time at this year’s SSMC Awards Celebration.

In 2020, SSMC presented Reach Code Awards recognizing San Mateo County municipalities that have enacted progressive green building policies.