Applications for the 2026 District Sustainability Awards have closed. We anticipate opening applications for 2027 in December 2026.
About the District's Sustainability Awards
The District Sustainability Awards highlight businesses, individuals, and organizations in the community that are working toward a more sustainable DC. Award winners are selected based on projects and programs that support the Sustainable DC plan, which aims to make the District the nation’s healthiest, greenest, and most livable city for all residents.
About the Clean Energy DC Award
The Clean Energy DC Award is a category within the District Sustainability Awards recognizing a person or organization that has executed an energy-related project or initiative that advances the District’s clean energy vision, as detailed in the Clean Energy DC plan. Award winners are selected based on demonstrating new and innovative technologies that result in measurable energy/fuel savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and that have significant replication potential.
About the Wilhere Award
Named in honor and memory of Mary Lynn Wilhere, the DOEE staffer who launched the sustainability awards and led them for more than 15 years, the Wilhere Award is a plaque made from local reclaimed wood in the shape of the District of Columbia given to winners. Mary Lynn Wilhere's passion was giving recognition to the businesses, individuals, and organizations that strive to improve the wellbeing of the District through sustainable means. Recipients of the Wilhere Award have gone above and beyond to create a green future for their corner of the District of Columbia.
Why Apply
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Receive a custom engraved wood plaque that is presented at an annual awards ceremony
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Receive recognition by your colleagues, employees, government representatives, and the general public
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Establish your business or organization as a sustainability leader in your industry
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Be featured in the Sustainable DC monthly newsletter, a press release, and case studies posted on the DOEE website
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Receive custom graphics for use on printed materials, website, etc.
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Potentially attract new customers by promoting sustainable operations and efforts to support the local community
Note the awards do not include a monetary prize.
Requirements
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Applicants must nominate themselves.
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Applicants with an office or other physical location must have a primary residence, “place of business,” or physical location in the District (a PO Box mailing address does not count). A company’s or organization’s headquarters may be located outside the District.
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Applicants without an office or other physical location must be primarily active in the District.
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Applicants tentatively selected for an award must submit a Clean Hands Certificate.
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Applicants tentatively selected for an award must agree to have a DOEE staff member conduct a site visit to verify activities noted in the application and take photos and videos for communications materials.
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DOEE will run a compliance check on the portfolio of any company or organization tentatively selected for an award; this compliance check will include all buildings, all sites, and all projects that are linked to the applicant’s name, address, and ID.
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Companies with multiple locations in the District must identify one site or location for DOEE’s compliance check and possible site visit.
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Award winners must be willing to share their case study and photos on the DOEE website. Winners will be given the opportunity to approve the information before it is published.
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Applicants cannot be a District Government employee (unless they’re applying for an initiative done outside of their work), a District Government agency, or a District public or public charter school.
Example Initiatives
Environmentally sustainable operations or activities could include:
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Installing new equipment or developing new incentives to encourage behavior that improves energy and water efficiency.
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Starting a comprehensive waste management program which includes recycling, composting, waste reduction, and/or donation.
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Installing solar panels, a green roof, rain gardens, or pervious pavement.
Socially and economically sustainable operations or activities could include:
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Hiring people of color who represent historically marginalized communities or increasing the economic and social empowerment of employees.
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Providing funding to community organizations based in historically marginalized communities.
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Creating methods of decision-making that include diverse community members affected by your business or organization, in ways that distribute power.
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Tackling root problems by engaging directly-affected communities to find solutions, organize against oppression, and create mechanisms for change.
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Final decisions about which applicants are selected to receive an award are at the discretion of the DOEE Director.
Award Winner Case Studies
Learn about the winners through case studies.
The 2026 District Sustainability Award Winners
Read the 2026 award winner case studies.
- DC Greens: DC Greens is a District-based nonprofit with a mission to advance health equity by building a just and resilient food system in Washington, DC. Its flagship site, The Well at Oxon Run in Ward 8, is a community farm and wellness space that brings residents together through urban farming, fresh food distribution, and hands-on education to promote sustainability and community health.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington, DC Convention Center: Embassy Suites DC Convention Center invests heavily in energy efficient upgrades, waste reduction, and water saving practices while supporting equitable workforce development. Its green operations, community partnerships, and inclusive employment model advance a more sustainable and resilient District.
- Erin Palmer: Erin Palmer is a former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, who, for more than seven years, has advanced community-led sustainability through hands-on cleanups, stormwater management, intergenerational community building, and local advocacy. Her service has created cleaner streets, stronger community ties, and a lasting culture of environmental care.
- To Go Green: To Go Green helps District restaurants replace single use takeout containers with reusable, trackable options that cut waste and costs. Partnering with 13 District eateries, To Go Green supports zero waste goals and reduces litter in disproportionately impacted neighborhoods, advancing a more inclusive circular economy.
- VMDO DC: VMDO DC delivers high performance, community-centered architecture, completing more than 531,000 square feet of net-zero energy projects in the District metro region. Through efficient design for carbon and energy use, healthy materials, and engagement with local communities, the firm is helping to advance the District's sustainability, equity, and climate goals.
- Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF): WACIF expands economic opportunity for underinvested local entrepreneurs by providing capital, advisory services, and green economy support. Its Sustainable DC Project and Green Growth Fund help small businesses adopt sustainable practices, cut costs, and access climate aligned markets, prioritizing communities of color and people with low incomes.
2026 Clean Energy DC Award
- American University: American University’s Meltzer Center is a fully electrified, net-zero energy athletic facility powered by geothermal and solar energy. Designed for LEED Platinum and International Living Future Institute Zero Energy, it pairs high performance systems with inclusive design and community access to advance the District’s sustainability and equity goals.
Questions?
For more information about the District Sustainability Awards, please contact the District Sustainability Awards team at DOEE’s Urban Sustainability Administration at (202) 329-0740 or [email protected].