California Sustainability & Innovation 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 and the Annual Green Gala. We invite you to explore the details for each award below, including key dates and events for participation!
Presented at The California Green Building Conference | May 28, 2026
Civic Leadership Awards
The Civic Leadership Awards celebrate exceptional leaders advancing sustainability and green building practices across California and beyond.
Application Deadline: February 26, 2026.
California Green Building Conference and Awards Presentation: May 28, 2026.
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
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: February 26, 2026.
California Green Building Conference and Awards Presentation: May 28, 2026.
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.
Presented at our Annual Green Gala | Dec, 2026
California Green Building Awards
(Coming Soon)*
The California Green Building Awards celebrate projects that demonstrate innovation, sustainable strategies, and exemplary performance in the fields of sustainability, occupant health, and community engagement. Open to both built and planned (unbuilt) projects, this category honors both publicly and privately owned buildings that are making significant strides in green building practices.
Application Deadline: Coming Soon
Awardee Notification: Coming Soon
Green Gala and Awards Presentation: Coming Soon
Projects must be located in California and can include any of the following typologies: commercial, residential, urban design, or institutional.
Built Projects: Certification under a sustainability rating system (LEED, Fitwel, WELL, etc.) is preferred but not required.
Unbuilt Projects: Must have begun Design Development, Construction Documentation, or be under construction, and registered for a sustainable design certification. Innovation in one or more of the award categories is required
– 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.
$225 for the first submission
$175 for all additional category submissions
Community Awards
(Coming Soon)*
The USGBC-CA’s Annual Community Awards honor 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 welcomed!
Submission Deadline: Coming Soon
Green Gala and Awards Presentation: Coming Soon
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.
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.
Annual 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.
Details are coming soon. Stay tuned for an inspiring night of impact, connection, and purpose.
California Green Building Conference!
Mark your calendars for May 27+28, 2026! Where green building pros, sustainability advocates, and change-makers from across the state will come together under one roof.
