The Climate Star program is here to celebrate companies like yours who are leading the way in climate action. We believe in highlighting real, measurable impact, and empowering organizations to inspire others through their commitment to a greener future.

Why Apply for a Climate Star?

• Gain Recognition: Showcase your dedication to sustainability and stand out as an environmental leader.

• Boost Your Reputation: Enhance your brand image and attract environmentally conscious customers and partners.

• Inspire Others: Become a role model for businesses looking to implement sustainable practices.

• Free Recognition: Get listed in our public directory and use the Climate Star logo on your site at no cost!

• Premium Options: For a $500 fee, receive an actual award and a premium listing in our directory for even greater visibility.

Who Can Apply?

Any company, regardless of size or industry, that has demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship is eligible to apply. We operate on an honor system, trusting that applicants will accurately certify their achievements against our transparent criteria.

Program Description: The Climate Star Program

Welcome to the Climate Star Program!

The Climate Star program is dedicated to recognizing organizations that are making significant, measurable contributions to environmental sustainability and climate action. Our goal is to create a community of leaders who inspire innovation, promote best practices, and drive positive change for our planet.

How it Works:

Companies can apply for recognition in various categories, demonstrating their achievements against clear and measurable criteria. All applications are based on an honor system, where companies certify that they meet the stated requirements.

Recognition & Benefits:

• Free Climate Star Recognition:

• Listing in our public Climate Star Directory.

• Permission to use the Climate Star logo on your website and promotional materials.

• Premium Climate Star Recognition (Optional - $500):

• All benefits of the Free Climate Star Recognition.

• An actual Climate Star award for display.

• Premium, highlighted listing in our Climate Star Directory for enhanced visibility.

Climate Star Recognition Categories & Criteria:

Organizations can apply for recognition in one or more of the following Innovation Categories. To qualify for a Climate Star in any category, applicants must meet at least two of the Minimum Qualifying Achievements (MQAs) AND satisfy the specific measurable criteria for the chosen Innovation Category.

Innovation Categories & Measurable Criteria:

1. Developed Breakthrough Clean Technology with Proven Adoption

• Description: For organizations that have invented and successfully deployed novel technologies significantly reducing environmental impact.

• Criteria to Win:

• Technology Impact: Provide third-party verified data demonstrating a quantifiable reduction in GHG emissions, resource consumption, or pollution (e.g., 20%+ reduction in target area).

• Market Adoption: Evidence of successful implementation by at least 5 distinct external entities/customers, or internal adoption impacting a significant portion (e.g., 50%+) of the applicant's operations.

• Scalability/Replicability: A clear pathway for broader adoption and potential for widespread environmental benefit.

2. Created Circular Economy Model Replicated by Others

• Description: For organizations that have designed and implemented innovative circular economy models that have been successfully adopted or adapted by other entities.

• Criteria to Win:

• Resource Efficiency: Documented increase in material reuse, recycling, or closed-loop systems (e.g., 25%+ reduction in virgin material input or 25%+ increase in recycled content use).

• Replication Evidence: Proof of at least 3 distinct organizations or industries adopting or significantly adapting the applicant's circular economy model.

• Economic Viability: Demonstrate economic benefits or feasibility that encourage replication.

3. Led Industry-Wide Sustainability Standard Development

• Description: For organizations that have played a pivotal role in establishing new, impactful sustainability standards or significantly improving existing ones within their industry.

• Criteria to Win:

• Standard Implementation: The developed standard is formally recognized and implemented by at least 10 key industry players or has influenced industry-wide practices (e.g., recognized by a major industry association).

• Measurable Impact Potential: The standard clearly defines measurable sustainability goals and has the potential to drive significant environmental improvements across the industry.

• Leadership Role: Documentation of active leadership in the standard's development, such as chairing committees, leading research, or significant financial/resource contribution.

4. Demonstrated Measurable Community Environmental Impact

• Description: For organizations that have undertaken initiatives resulting in direct, quantifiable positive environmental outcomes within their local community.

• Criteria to Win:

• Community Engagement: Evidence of direct community involvement and benefit from environmental initiatives (e.g., 500+ community members impacted, 200+ volunteer hours).

• Quantifiable Impact: Measurable environmental improvements such as improved local air/water quality (e.g., 10%+ reduction in pollutants), restoration of natural habitats (e.g., 1+ acre restored), or significant local waste diversion (e.g., 5+ tons diverted).

• Long-Term Sustainability: Demonstration of the initiative's long-term viability and ongoing positive impact on the community environment.

Minimum Qualifying Achievements (MQAs) - Must meet at least 2 for ANY category:

• Achieved carbon neutrality or 50%+ emissions reduction (verified): Third-party verification required.

• Diverted 90%+ waste from landfills for 2+ consecutive years: Verified waste audits or reporting.

• Powered 75%+ of operations with renewable energy: Documentation of renewable energy sources and consumption.

• Saved 1M+ gallons of water annually through conservation programs: Verified water utility statements or audit reports.

• Obtained B-Corp certification with score of 100+: Official B-Corp certification documentation.

• Completed 5+ LEED Gold/Platinum projects: Official LEED certification documentation for each project.

• Achieved Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validation: Official SBTi validation letter.

Easier MQAs for Small Businesses (Can be used in addition to or instead of the above MQAs to meet the "at least 2" requirement):

We understand that smaller businesses may face different challenges and opportunities. These additional MQAs are designed to be more accessible while still demonstrating significant environmental commitment.

• Implemented a formal sustainable procurement policy covering 50%+ of purchasing: Documentation of policy and evidence of implementation.

• Achieved 10%+ reduction in energy consumption over 2 years (verified): Utility bills or energy audit reports.

• Instituted a comprehensive recycling and composting program with 75%+ participation: Internal reports or waste hauler data.

• Participated in 3+ community environmental clean-up or restoration projects annually: Documentation of participation (e.g., photos, sign-in sheets, partnership agreements).

• Offset 100% of operational electricity use with certified renewable energy credits (RECs) for 1+ year: Purchase documentation for RECs.

• Engaged 75%+ of employees in sustainability training or initiatives: Training records or internal participation surveys.

• Established a green team that meets monthly and implements 3+ new sustainability initiatives annually: Meeting minutes and project documentation.