Sustainable San Mateo County’s annual awards are highly coveted by those committed to advancing sustainability. They recognize an extraordinary commitment to the long-term health of our planet, for ourselves and future generations.

Applications are now closed. Stay tuned! Winners will be announced in January.

2025 Sustainability Awards – 3 Awards

2025 Youth Sustainability Award – 1 Award

2025 Green Building Award – 1 Award

Sustainability Awards

(Applications due November 11, 2024 11:59 p.m. PST)

The work of Sustainability Award winners must address each of the three E’s of sustainability: Environmental impacts, social Equity and Economic vitality. Three awardees will be selected without regard to category. Please submit only one application. We reserve the right to change the category of your application. Available categories are:

• Individual
• Nonprofit
• Business
• Government agency
• Education institution

Youth Sustainability Award

The Youth Sustainability Award has a separate application process. One awardee will be chosen. Individuals and youth groups made up of individuals who live in San Mateo County or attend high school in San Mateo County are eligible.

Youth can watch this recording for tips on applying.

Eligibility for Sustainability Award and Youth Sustainability Award Applicants

• The nominee’s work MUST have a local impact within San Mateo County. A nominee who lives or is based outside the county, and whose work has an impact inside the county, IS eligible for an award.
• A nominee who lives or is based inside the county, and whose work has an impact ONLY outside the county, is NOT eligible for an award, unless the nominee’s work has a positive national or global implication.
• If the nominee has received a Sustainability Award in the past, the Awards Committee will determine if enough significant improvement has been made to be eligible for a new award.
• Nominees for the Youth Sustainability Award must live or attend school in grades 9-12 in San Mateo County. One youth must be designated as the liaison for a group.
• Two references must be submitted.

Criteria for Sustainability Award and Youth Sustainability Award Applicants

Each nomination is evaluated on how well the nominee’s actions reflect these basic sustainability criteria:

• Key accomplishments that address the three “E’s” of sustainability: a healthy Environment, social Equity and a Green economy in San Mateo County
• Demonstrated, measurable impact
• Unique or innovative work
• Partnerships and mobilization of others
• Resources and funding to ensure this work will be sustainable
• Recent awards and recognition
• If you have a physical location, efforts to reduce your environmental footprint
• If you have employees, practices that promote diversity, equity and inclusion

Green Building Award

(Applications due November 11, 2024 11:59 p.m. PST)

Sustainable San Mateo County (SSMC) and American Institute of Architects San Mateo County (AIASMC) have jointly presented the Green Building Award every year since 2003 to projects that promote green, sustainable design and construction and a commitment to electrification or decarbonization efforts. The award recognizes the architects, builders and owners of these green buildings.

Eligibility

The Green Building Award is open to any building constructed within the last five years that is located in San Mateo County, and has completed its final inspection by November 11, 2024. Remodels and additions are also eligible to apply for the award. Previous nominees may apply if their original projects have had additional substantial green improvements.

Required Submittals

In addition to submitting an application form, applicants must submit all Required Submittals and any Optional Submittals to greenbuildingaward@sustainablesanmateo.org. All submissions must be received digitally. Links to online documents are preferred over email attachments. If you require assistance, please call 650-918-1992 or email info@sustainablesanmateo.org. Note: By submitting the application, you authorize Sustainable San Mateo County and American Institute of Architects San Mateo County the right to use the submitted materials for any promotional purpose.

• Site plan with north arrow
• Floor plans
• Exterior and interior images, graphics and illustrations that fully depict the project
• Digital images of notable features or systems

Optional Submittals

• Energy bill (before and after, if remodel)
• Water bill (before and after, if remodel)
• Green building rating system results (LEED, CHIPS, Build it Green, etc.)
• Construction and demolition diversion rate
• Energy performance ratings
• Energy models
• Commissioning, HERS or third-party verification report(s)
• Percent on-site renewable energy generation
• Amount of salvaged, recycled or sustainably harvested material used