Over the weekend Arizona Forward hosted its 43rd Annual Environmental Excellence Awards, the state’s premier sustainability event, celebrating the individuals, businesses, and organizations making a lasting impact on Arizona’s environment and economy. This year’s prestigious awards gala, presented by SRP, took place at the Westin Kierland Resort, bringing together over 500 business leaders, elected officials, and community members to honor groundbreaking sustainability efforts across the state.
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With 49 projects from across the state nominated as finalists, this year’s event showcased some of Arizona’s most innovative and transformative environmental initiatives. The evening’s highest honor, the President’s Award, was presented to Improving Riparian Habitat on the Wild and Scenic Fossil Creek, a project submitted by Friends of the Verde River. This outstanding initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving meaningful environmental change across Arizona.
In addition, the Governor’s Award for Arizona’s Future recognized the Regional Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Plan submitted by the Maricopa Association of Governments. It is an incredible project that demonstrates innovation, leadership, and measurable environmental impact. To present the award, Arizona Forward was honored to welcome Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs to the evening’s celebration.
Further, the 2025 awards spotlighted Arizona’s most groundbreaking projects across a diverse array of categories, including: Climate Action Solutions, Healthy Communities, Art in Public Spaces, Circular Economy Solutions, Technology Innovation, Site Development, Environmental Education & Communication, Circular Economy Solutions, and Natural Environment Preservation, and Buildings, Structures & Landscape Design.
Each winning project was carefully selected by a distinguished panel of 12 judges, led by Tammy McCleod, President and CEO of Flinn Foundation.
“The Environmental Excellence Awards have long been a symbol of Arizona’s commitment to sustainability,” said Lori Singleton, President and CEO of Arizona Forward. “Each year, we continue to be inspired by the remarkable projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible in environmental stewardship and community impact.”
A list of all the project winners and a description summary for each can be found on arizonaforward.org.
