California Green Building Awards
Celebrating Sustainability
Celebrating Sustainability
Welcome to our awards page, where we celebrate and recognize exceptional sustainability and innovation achievements through various awards open year-round for projects based in California. These awards culminate in recognition at our two major annual events: the California Green Building Conference (Spring) and the California Green Building Awards & Green Gala (Winter). We invite you to explore the details of each award below, including key dates and participation events!
Presented at our Green Gala | Dec 10, 2026
Project Awards
Celebrating projects that demonstrate innovation, sustainable strategies, and exemplary performance in sustainability, occupant health, and community engagement. Open to both built and planned (unbuilt) projects, this category honors publicly and privately owned buildings making significant strides in green building practices.
Application Deadline: September 30th, 2026.
Awardee Notification: October 26th, 2026.
Green Gala: Dec 10, 2026.
Location: Projects shall be located in California.
- Typology: All project types, commercial, residential, urban design, or institutional, are welcome.
- Built Projects: Sustainable design certification (LEED, Fitwel, WELL, Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Envision, Green Globes, BREEAM, etc.) preferred, but NOT required.
- Unbuilt Projects: Must have begun Design Development, Construction Documentation, or be Under Construction, as well as have registered for a sustainable design certification or demonstrate innovation in one or more of the categories below.
Award Categories
- Energy
- Water
- Carbon
- Waste
- Health
- Equity
- Nature-Based
- Project of the Year*
Project of the Year (Optional) *All submissions including a Project of the Year Statement will be considered for this “Best in Show” category. No additional entry fee is required.
$275 for the first Submission
$175 for all additional category submissions
Community Awards
Honoring the individuals and organizations that make our work possible. We celebrate the significant contributions and accomplishments of our community from the past year!
Self-nominations are encouraged, and multiple nominations are welcome!
Submission Deadline: September 30th, 2026.
Green Gala: Dec 10, 2026.
Partner of the Year: Recognizes an organization’s leadership and commitment to advancing sustainability in California.
Heart of the State: Honors a USGBC-CA member who has shown exceptional dedication to sustainability and inspired others within California.
Corporate Sustainability Award: Celebrates a company leading the way with ambitious sustainability goals and impactful actions.
Environmental Justice Award: Recognizes efforts centered on equity and environmental justice in sustainable development.
Emerging Leader Award: Honors a rising professional demonstrating leadership and innovation in sustainability.
Kevin Devine Award: Acknowledges excellence in green building operations and maintenance.
Presented at The California Green Building Conference | May, 2027
Civic Leadership Awards
(Coming Soon)*
The Civic Leadership Awards celebrate exceptional leaders advancing sustainability and green building practices across California and beyond.
Application Deadline: TBD
California Green Building Conference and Awards Presentation: May, 2027
The Policy Leadership Award honors a municipality or agency that is leading the way in advancing green building and sustainability for California and beyond.
The Elected Official Award honors an elected official who is leading on sustainability for California and beyond.
Product Awards
(Coming Soon)*
Through our annual Product Awards, USGBC-CA honors products that have a significant impact on both policy and projects, transforming Southern California into a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable region for all.
Application Deadline: TBD
California Green Building Conference and Awards Presentation: May, 2027
Material Impact Award: The Material Impact Award honors a building product or material presenting the biggest opportunity to move the market forward by reducing embodied carbon in buildings across California and beyond.
Market Transformation Award: The Market Transformation Award recognizes a product or solution that has significantly influenced the adoption of sustainable practices and transformed how the market approaches green building and sustainability.
Ripple Effect Award: The Ripple Effect Award honors a product, technology, initiative, or organization that catalyzes sustainable water management. By driving conservation, efficiency, capture, or reuse, this innovator is creating a far-reaching impact, helping to build a more resilient water future for California and beyond.
Awardees and Case Studies
The Green Building Awards Case Studies highlight past winners’ innovative projects, showcasing excellence in sustainable design, energy efficiency, and environmental impact. These projects set new standards for green building and inspire future developments.
Previous Awardees
Discover the remarkable achievements of our past winners of the California Green Building Awards! These trailblazers have set the standard for excellence in sustainability, showcasing innovative projects and impactful community contributions.
Green Gala
An unforgettable evening is on the horizon. Join us as we gather to celebrate California’s remarkable natural heritage and the sustainability champions working tirelessly to protect it.
California Green Building Conference
Where green building pros, sustainability advocates, and change-makers from across the state will come together under one roof.
Details are coming soon. Stay tuned!
