“Sustainability is about balancing the environmental, economic, and social needs of the District of Columbia today as well as the needs of the next generation, and the one after that.” - Mayor Bowser
About the District's Sustainability Awards
The District Sustainability Awards highlight businesses, individuals, and organizations that are working towards a more sustainable DC. Awardees’ projects and programs support the Mayor’s Sustainable DC Plan, which aims to make the District the nation’s greenest, healthiest, most sustainable city; it encompasses equity, governance, education, built environment, climate, economy, energy, food, nature, transportation, waste, and water.
If you are considering applying for an award based on environmental impact, we recommend that you provide available data (e.g., energy consumption, water usage, recycling, and waste reduction) for your building or office space.
About the Clean Energy DC Award
The Clean Energy DC Award recognizes a person or organization that has executed an energy-related project(s) that demonstrates a new and innovative technology, strategy or model; and/or, has significant replication potential. The project should result in measurable energy/fuel savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to business as usual. The project should fall within one of the four sectors covered by the CEDC Plan:
- Buildings (new and existing; residential and commercial),
- transportation,
- clean energy supply,
- and, grid modernization.
The 2026 District Sustainability Application
DOEE expects to open the application for the 2026 awards in December 2025. Please check back for more information.
Criteria to apply
- The nominated applicant (individual. business, or organization) must have a primary residence, “place of business,” or physical location in the District of Columbia. A Post Office Box mailing address will not meet this requirement. DOEE does not review out-of-state facilities.
- A company’s or organization’s headquarters may be located outside the District.
- A business and organization will be asked to submit a Clean Hands Certificate before the awards ceremony. The Scoring Committee will notify you if you have been tentatively selected for an award and a Certificate is required.
- DOEE staff may ask for a site visit to verify environmental activities and take photos for the case study.
- Winners must be willing to share their case study and photos on the DOEE website. Winners will be given the opportunity to approve any information made public.
- Companies with multiple locations in the District must identify one (1) site or location for DOEE’s compliance check and possible site visit.
- DOEE will run a compliance check on the company’s portfolio within the District; this compliance check will include all buildings, all sites, and all projects that are linked to the applicant’s name, address, and ID.
Why should we apply for a District Sustainability Award and/or DC Clean Energy Award?
Winners receive the following benefits:
- Receive a custom engraved wood plaque that is presented at an annual awards ceremony.
- Recognition by your colleagues, employees, government representatives, and the general public.
- Establish your business or organization as an environmental leader in your industry.
- Winners will receive public recognition in the Sustainable DC monthly newsletter, a District press release, and case studies permanently posted on the DOEE website
- Winners will receive custom graphics for use on printed materials, website, etc.
- Business may attract new customers by promoting their sustainable operations and efforts to support the local community.
Examples of what qualifies
- Environmentally Sustainable Operations or Activities:
- Install new equipment or develop new incentives to encourage behavior that improves energy and water efficiency in your building.
- Start a comprehensive waste management program which includes recycling, composting, waste reduction, and/or donation.
- Install solar panels, a green roof, rain gardens, or porous pavement at your building or as a part of your offered services.
- Socially and Economically Sustainable Operations or Activities:
- Hire people of color who represent marginalized communities or increasing the economic and social empowerment of your employees.
- Provide funding to community organizations based in marginalized communities.
- Create methods of decision-making that include diverse community members affected by your business, in ways that distribute power.
- Tackle root problems by engaging directly-affected communities to find solutions, organize against oppression, and create mechanisms for change.
Past Award Winners
Award winners are each doing their part to make the District the healthiest, greenest, most livable city for all residents.
The 2025 District Sustainability Award Winners
- Ama - Ama is a mission-driven restaurant dedicated to sustainability, nourishment, and non-toxic dining. They prioritize regenerative agriculture, installed a fully electric kitchen, and have a commitment to being single-use plastic-free and free of polycarbonate plastics.
- Electrify DC - Electrify DC is a non-profit organization that focuses on promoting building electrification, renewable energy adoption, and professional and community education to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Washington, DC and the region.
- OurFarm DC - OurFarm DC works to create more sustainable and equitable local food systems and has partnered with the covenant house of Greater Washington to install a 320 sq. ft. hydroponic container farm and an organic garden at their community resource center in southeast dc. OurFarm DC hired three previously incarcerated native Washingtonians to manage the day-to-day operations of their farm through run hope work.
- Leonina Arismendi - Ms. Arismendi works to make environmental justice accessible to Latin American and the LGBTQ2+ communities. Through the art, storytelling, and advocacy, they helped a lot of initiatives like Lead Free DC and amendments for environmental justice with city council. Ms. Arismendi led a project called “up in the air” that supported Ward 5 neighbors fight for clean air.
- Roderick West - Mr. West is a Riversmart homes ambassador for residents of Ward 7 and Ward 8. He is also a UDC Master Gardener and volunteers with the Anacostia Watershed Society, the Mayor’s Office, ANC, and neighborhood clean-up events. Mr. West is also a block captain with the non-profit DC natives.
2025 Clean Energy DC Award
- A-Peace LLC - A-Peace LLC is a DC-based property management and development company which addresses the needs of residents in undervalued neighborhoods. They have converted 50% of their multifamily portfolio to all-electric and installed solar panel roof systems on 50% of their multifamily portfolio. Their Stu-Ward program advances education in the green sector while providing attainable housing.
Questions?
For more information about the District Sustainability Awards, please contact MaryLynn Wilhere at DOEE’s Urban Sustainability Administration at (202) 870-2924 or [email protected].The District Sustainability Award and DC Clean Energy Award do not include a monetary prize.
