Since 1980, Arizona’s Environmental Excellence Awards, presented by Arizona Forward in partnership with SRP, have spotlighted innovators redefining sustainability across the state. For more than four decades, the program has set the benchmark for environmental and economic leadership, honoring projects turning bold ideas into impact.
“The Environmental Excellence Awards have long been a symbol of Arizona’s commitment to sustainability,” says Lori Singleton, president and CEO for Arizona Forward, a nonprofit sustainability organization driving major initiatives in the state. “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.”
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Environmental Excellence Awards finalists
Arizona Forward will honor the finalists and winners of the 2026 Environmental Excellence Awards, which takes place Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale. Here are the finalists:
180 Degrees Design + Build: The firm embeds sustainability across every project, prioritizing adaptive reuse, low-carbon materials and climate-responsive design to reduce waste, cut emissions and advance resilient, future-focused architecture.
Aligned Data Centers: Aligned Data Centers sets a new sustainability benchmark with renewable-powered operations, water-positive cooling technology, circular construction practices and community-focused initiatives, redefining responsible data center development in Arizona.
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality: ADEQ’s Advanced Water Purification program transforms treated wastewater into safe, reliable drinking water, strengthening Arizona’s long-term water security while advancing innovation, sustainability and economic growth statewide.
Arizona Sustainable Economic Development Learning Lab: The Sustainable Economic Development Learning Lab trains leaders to integrate climate resilience into growth strategies, uniting cross-sector partners to drive innovative, place-based solutions for sustainable economic development statewide.
Arizona Water Innovation Initiative at Arizona State University: ASU’s Arizona Water Innovation Initiative advances conservation, policy and technology through research, partnerships and education, delivering real-world solutions that strengthen Arizona’s long-term water security and sustainability.
Ashler Hills Park: Scottsdale’s Ashler Hills Park blends recreation and sustainability, preserving desert landscapes through innovative design, native plant restoration and cost-saving solutions that create a resilient, community-focused outdoor destination.
ASU Nelson Fine Arts and Music Plaza: ASU’s Nelson Fine Arts and Music Plaza blends arts, adaptive reuse and sustainable design, transforming infrastructure into a vibrant performance space that enhances culture, community and environmental resilience.
Center for Negative Carbon Emissions: ASU’s Center for Negative Carbon Emissions develops technology, policy and societal solutions to remove carbon from the atmosphere, treating emissions as waste to drive scalable climate action.
Coalition for Protecting Arizona’s Lifeline: The Coalition for Protecting Arizona’s Lifeline unites mayors and partners to defend Colorado River resources, educate communities and advocate for Arizona’s long-term water security and economic future.
City of Glendale: Glendale partnered with McKinstry to upgrade nine public facilities with solar power, energy-efficient systems and modern lighting, reducing costs, improving comfort and advancing long-term sustainability citywide.
City of Phoenix: Phoenix’s Residential Water Efficiency Consultations empower residents with personalized, data-driven guidance to reduce waste, lower bills and strengthen long-term water resilience through practical conservation solutions.
City of Tempe bike paths: Tempe’s expanding bike network and new pedestrian bridges connect neighborhoods, promote sustainable transportation and enhance community health, helping create one of the region’s most resilient, bike-friendly cities.
City of Tempe Microgrids Masterplan: Tempe’s Microgrids Masterplan transforms civic buildings into resilient energy hubs, using solar, storage and cooling strategies to protect communities, reduce heat risks and strengthen climate-ready urban infrastructure.
City of Tucson TREE Center: Tucson’s TREE Center grows resilient urban forests by producing desert-adapted trees, training youth and volunteers, expanding shade access and advancing zero-waste, climate-smart sustainability solutions across the city.
Community Corridors Tool: Tucson’s Community Corridors Tool transforms underused commercial spaces into walkable, transit-friendly neighborhoods, expanding housing options, supporting affordability and reshaping the city’s growth through smart zoning innovation.
EcoPHX: EcoPHX redefines sustainable urban development with solar power, greywater reuse and resilient design, proving profitable, long-lasting buildings can reduce energy use while strengthening downtown Phoenix’s economic future.
East Sedona Water Storage Tank: The East Sedona Water Storage Tank project enhances water reliability and fire protection while blending into the landscape through thoughtful design, preserved topography and environmentally sensitive construction.
Edison-Eastlake Choice Neighborhoods initiative: The Edison-Eastlake Choice Neighborhoods Initiative transforms Phoenix through sustainable housing, green spaces and digital equity, creating a resilient, health-focused community model powered by inclusive, future-ready urban design.
Empowering Pima County students: Pima County’s QUANTAQ sensor network empowers students to track real-time air quality, analyze pollution data and advocate for environmental justice through hands-on learning and community-focused research.
Food Waste Futures Fellowship: ASU’s Food Waste Futures Fellowship empowers educators and students to reduce food waste through hands-on learning, composting and STEM curriculum, advancing climate action and sustainable food systems statewide.
Friends of the Verde River: Friends of the Verde River inspires youth environmental stewardship through award-winning children’s books, using storytelling to connect young readers with nature, wildlife and the importance of protecting Arizona’s waterways.
Gilbert’s Water Tower Plaza renovation: Gilbert’s Water Tower Plaza renovation transforms a historic landmark into a sustainable civic hub, blending cultural preservation, green infrastructure and flexible design to create a vibrant downtown gathering space.
Goodmans showroom refresh: The Goodmans showroom refresh reimagines the workplace with flexible design, hybrid technology and wellness-focused spaces, creating a sustainable, immersive environment that showcases the future of work.
Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel: Innovation powers sustainability at Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, from recycled-fuel steam engines and water conservation to cleaner trains, battery-locomotive development and eliminating single-use plastics across operations.
Grassroots water protection movement in Cochise County: Cochise County grassroots leaders reshaped Arizona’s water future by securing new groundwater protections, creating historic Active Management Areas and bringing hope, resilience and long-term water security to rural communities.
Hayden Butte and Papago Preserves Management Plan: Tempe’s Hayden Butte and Papago Preserves Management Plan protects desert landscapes and cultural heritage while balancing recreation, education and conservation to ensure long-term sustainability for future generations.
Hazel Hare Center for Plant Science – Phase 2: Desert Botanical Garden’s Hazel Hare Center Phase 2 adds high-performance, low-maintenance facilities that support plant conservation, research and education while using advanced building science to improve sustainability and resilience.
Honeywell Aerospace: Honeywell’s Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport facility reuses treated wastewater to save up to 700,000 gallons annually, reducing groundwater demand while advancing operational efficiency, sustainability and innovative water management practices.
Maricopa County’s Kids Club: Maricopa County’s Kids Club transforms a historic warehouse into a sustainable 24-hour childcare center, supporting essential workers while blending adaptive reuse, security and desert-inspired design.
Mark Anthony Brewing: Mark Anthony Brewing blends innovation and sustainability, capturing fermentation CO₂ to reduce emissions, cut costs and power production while delivering iconic brands through advanced, environmentally responsible brewing technology.
Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund: Mesa’s Youth Climate Action Fund empowers young leaders to launch sustainability projects, build workforce skills and deliver measurable climate solutions that strengthen community resilience and environmental impact.
Monroe Street Abbey: Monroe Street Abbey transforms a historic Phoenix church ruin into a sustainable cultural space, using adaptive reuse, passive cooling and water-smart design to celebrate heritage and environmental stewardship.
Mountain Line Downtown Connection Center: Flagstaff’s Downtown Connection Center sets a new standard for sustainable transit infrastructure, featuring mass timber design, all-electric operations and community-focused planning that advances resilience, equity and carbon reduction.
Neon Garden: Mesa’s Neon Garden transforms historic signage into a vibrant cultural destination, blending preservation, adaptive reuse and sustainable design to celebrate local history while revitalizing underused urban space.
Nepantla: Nepantla’s sculptural gateways in Maryvale create culturally inspired shade, celebrating migration, heritage and identity through art that connects past and present while enriching Phoenix’s public spaces.
Northern Arizona University: NAU’s zero-waste catering program replaces disposables with reusable service ware and on-campus composting, reducing emissions, saving water and turning campus events into a regenerative sustainability system.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor drives Arizona’s economy while advancing bold sustainability goals, engaging airport businesses through its Green Business Partner Program to reduce emissions, waste and energy use.
Piestewa Peak Trailheads modernization: Phoenix modernized Piestewa Peak trailheads with sustainable design, improved accessibility and stormwater innovation, protecting desert ecology while enhancing safety, recreation and long-term stewardship of the preserve.
Protectors of the Salt River: Protectors of the Salt River unites residents, Tribal members and youth to restore ecosystems, remove invasive species and celebrate cultural heritage through community-led stewardship and environmental education.
SanTan Brewing: SanTan Brewing turns spent grain into cattle feed through local farm partnerships, reducing waste, conserving water and strengthening Arizona’s circular food system through innovative, community-focused sustainability practices.
¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade: ¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade united artists and communities to create innovative cooling structures across Phoenix, using public art to address extreme heat and inspire climate-responsive urban design.
South Central Extension/Downtown Hub: Phoenix’s South Central Extension light rail expands mobility and equity, connecting underserved neighborhoods through shaded stations, public art and sustainable design while strengthening resilient, community-focused urban infrastructure.
Sow It Forward: Arizona Sustainability Alliance’s Sow It Forward program brings aeroponic gardens to Title I schools, combining STEM education, sustainable agriculture and fresh food access to empower healthier communities statewide.
“Suffering Hidden from View”: “Suffering Hidden from View: Exposing Heat Vulnerability in Arizona’s Mobile Home Communities” represents a data-driven investigative journalism series that directly catalyzed climate resilience solutions for one of Arizona’s most heat-vulnerable populations.
Tempe Municipal Operations Center: Tempe’s Municipal Operations Center transforms a former industrial site into a high-performance campus, combining energy-efficient design, water conservation and resilient infrastructure to modernize sustainable public operations.
The carbon footprint curriculum: Dr. Anna Prakash’s CleanTech curriculum empowers Arizona youth with hands-on climate, water and renewable energy education, building real-world problem-solving skills while inspiring future environmental and technology leaders.
The Nature Conservancy: The Nature Conservancy and community partners expanded shade at Mesa’s Reed Park, planting native trees and creating stormwater basins to cool neighborhoods and strengthen urban heat resilience.
Tumbleweed Recreation Center: Chandler’s Tumbleweed Recreation Center expansion blends wellness, art and innovation, featuring a shaded public art walkway inspired by movement, agriculture and the city’s evolution into a technology hub.
U-Haul, International: U-Haul integrates sustainability into operations through reuse innovation, energy efficiency, waste reduction and community engagement, advancing resource conservation while empowering employees and strengthening responsible business practices across Arizona.
United Dairymen of Arizona: United Dairymen of Arizona drives measurable sustainability through emissions reductions, renewable energy, waste diversion and innovation, strengthening family farms while building a resilient, responsible future for Arizona dairy.
Water Smart Teaching Program: Phoenix’s Water Smart Teaching Program equips educators with training and resources to teach water conservation, expanding student impact, strengthening sustainability education and building Arizona’s future water leadership pipeline.
White Tank Mountains Conservancy’s Connectivity Initiative: The White Tank Mountains Conservancy’s Connectivity Initiative unites stakeholders to protect habitats, guide sustainable development and preserve wildlife corridors while supporting regional growth and long-term ecosystem resilience.
Young E-STEM Program: Young E-STEM empowers Title I students through hands-on STEM and environmental innovation, tackling real-world challenges while expanding equity, sustainability education and future-ready problem-solving skills in Arizona schools.
