Sustainability Awards

Nominate an Award Winner – nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Once a candidate has been nominated, they will be sent an application, which is due by by 11:59 p.m. PST on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Each year, Sustainable San Mateo County (SSMC) honors individuals, organizations and institutions whose work makes a significant contribution to a more sustainable future in our county. These awards celebrate efforts that address any or all of the three “E’s” of sustainability—a healthy Environment, social Equity and Economic vitality—while inspiring others to take action.

Award Categories:

• Individual (Adult)
• Nonprofit, club or group
• Business
• Government agency
• Education institution
• Individual (Youth grades 5 – 12) – judged separately

Judges will select three sustainability award recipients without regard to category, and one individual youth recipient. Nominators should select the awards category that is the best fit, and submit only one nomination per candidate.

Eligibility

• The candidate’s work must have a local impact within San Mateo County.
  • If the candidate is based outside the county but their work has a positive impact inside the county, they are eligible.
  • If the candidate is based in the county but their work has an impact only outside the county, they are eligible only if the work has clear national or global significance.
• Work that is solely the routine fulfillment of paid job duties may not qualify. To be eligible, candidates must show contributions that go beyond standard expectations through leadership, innovation or measurable impact.
• Past award recipients may be nominated again if they demonstrate significant new achievements or measurable improvements.
• Each candidate must provide two references. One may be the individual who nominated the candidate.

Criteria

Each candidate is evaluated on how well their work reflects the following criteria:

• SSMC Alignment: advances one or more of the three “E’s” of sustainability: a healthy Environment, social Equity and Economic vitality in San Mateo County
• Leadership and Accomplishments: initiative, vision and results
• Measurable Impact: how the candidate demonstrates results
• Ongoing Impact: sustained benefits or influence beyond one-time efforts
• Scope: geographical scope (at local, regional, state, national or global level) and the extent to which the candidate has inspired other people or organizations
• Integration of Sustainability (for businesses, organizations, education institutions): the extent to which sustainability is embedded in operations/programs (e.g., reducing environmental impacts; fostering partnerships; engaging employees and stakeholders in decision-making; promoting diversity, equity and inclusion; curriculum and/or student activities on environmental, economic or social equity topics)

Green Building Award

Apply for the Green Building Award – applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

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 3, 2026. 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