Category 1: Best Sustainable Built Environment [11:05 hrs]
ESG Category: Environmental

We all want to do our bit to help preserve our planet. As our understanding of sustainability has improved, we know that it goes beyond a sole focus on the environment and that environmental sustainability is more than recycling waste. Efforts have been pushed in multiple directions, one of which is in the application of that knowledge in the built environment, often leading to innovative building design, resource management, construction, and operations, while minimizing environmental impact.

“A sustainable built environment protects and enhances people, places, and the natural environment, and is critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling the climate crisis.” – World Green Building Council

In the “Best Sustainable Built Environment” category, competitors showcase excellence in their application of innovative and sustainable building design, resource management, construction, and operations, thereby helping to mitigate climate change and minimize environmental impact. Competitors in this category can / should also highlight the innovative approaches they have taken in making the office more environmentally friendly, improving the (physical and mental) health of their employees, increasing productivity, and bringing a positive effect to local ecosystems.

Examples:

• Buildings with high energy efficiency
• Sustainable construction practices
• Smart technology in the office
• Employee engagement programs
• Collaborative workspaces
• Green commuting program (carpooling / bike sharing)
• Use of Renewable Energy in the Built Environment and / or in the supply chain
• Electric vehicle charging stations at the office / Green transportation

Category 2: Best Workforce Sustainability Engagement Program [13:30 hrs]
ESG Category: Social

The success of any organization’s sustainability efforts are dependent on their employees. It’s easy to focus on company leaders and the initiative tends to have a better chance of success when driven from the top down. However, the success of these initiatives also requires widespread support and participation throughout the organization. Informing, rewarding, and providing training programs helps incentivize employees to take up these sustainability programs and initiatives.

In the “Best Workforce Sustainability Engagement Program” category, nominees share the innovative programs that motivate and empower employees to actively participate in achieving the organization’s sustainability goals. It showcases the programs and initiatives that have helped the organization make an impact, and proved effective in incentivizing and mobilizing their workforce.

Examples:

• Training programs on sustainable practices
• Recognition and reward programs for employee contributions to sustainability
• Initiatives led by employees to reduce waste or conserve resources
• Green week to create extra sustainable awareness

Category 3: Best Sustainability Communication [15:10 hrs – SAC Time Slot]
ESG Category: Governance

Effective communication is fundamental to good governance, particularly when addressing sustainability. It ensures transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness, which are vital for building trust and engaging stakeholders. By communicating your organization’s sustainability efforts, you foster informed decision-making and empower stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to sustainability goals. Internally, communication helps align the organization’s mission with its sustainability objectives, enhancing collaboration and driving engagement. Externally, it strengthens your reputation, differentiates your organization, and builds long-term loyalty by showcasing your commitment to responsible practices.

In this category, we recognize organizations that prioritize effective communication to enhance governance, ensuring that sustainability goals are clearly communicated, understood, and supported by all stakeholders. These organizations demonstrate transparency, accountability, and active engagement, driving better governance outcomes through clear, consistent, and inclusive communication.

Examples:

• Reporting on sustainability performance with transparency and accountability
• Organizing multi-stakeholder dialogues and forums to collaboratively address sustainability challenges and solutions
• Actively involving stakeholders in the planning and execution of sustainability initiatives
• Keeping stakeholders continuously informed through diverse communication channels, ensuring inclusivity and clarity
• Utilizing real-time sustainability dashboards to track and share progress on sustainability goals
• Launching sustainability-focused social media campaigns to engage a broader audience and raise awareness
• Sharing independent assessments to promote accountability and highlight sustainable performance
• Publishing detailed case studies to illustrate the tangible impacts of sustainability projects

This category celebrates organizations that make communication a core part of their governance strategy, fostering a culture of openness, collaboration, and accountability in sustainability efforts.