Meet the local leaders, organizations and changemakers shaping a more sustainable Philadelphia.

Philadelphia has welcomed the world in 2026, from the World Cup to major events that have put our city on an international stage. At SustainPHL, we’re bringing that global energy home.

This year’s celebration puts think global, act local at the heart of SustainPHL. The challenges facing our planet are global, but many of the solutions start in our own neighborhoods, businesses, and communities.

It’s especially fitting that we’ll gather at a new venue this year: the German Society of Pennsylvania, an organization with deep international roots and more than 250 years of history in Philadelphia.

On Thursday, October 29, we’ll celebrate the people putting those ideas into action. From advancing clean energy and circular solutions to strengthening neighborhoods and advocating for cleaner air, the 2026 SustainPHL nominees represent the people, organizations, businesses and ideas moving our region forward.

Now in its ninth year, SustainPHL brings together Philadelphia’s sustainability community to recognize local progress, make new connections and celebrate the people working toward a more sustainable future.

Meet the 2026 nominees below, and join us at SustainPHL 2026.

SustainPHL 2026 Nominees

Business Innovation

These nominees are finding creative ways to rethink materials, waste and business practices for a more sustainable future.

• eForce Recycling
• Everland
• PhillyPlastiCo

Climate Hero

These nominees are taking action on climate change and helping build a more resilient region.

• Laura Cassidy
• Kristie Chin
• Eileen Flanagan
• Dr. Farah Hussain

Neighborhood Champion

These nominees create meaningful change through hands-on leadership and engagement in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods.

• Kadafi El-Kardah
• Catherine Lowther
• Bria Wimberly

TD Bank Sustainable Communities

These nominees expand access to sustainable solutions that strengthen and support Philadelphia communities.

• Awbury Arboretum
• North Star Park’s Solar Shed Showcase – Project of East Parkside Residents Association
• Roxborough Manayunk Conservancy

Impact Business of the Year

These nominees are businesses using their work to drive environmental and social impact while contributing to the local economy.

• Rabbit Recycling
• Solar States
• Strategy Arts

FuturePHL

These nominees are helping shape the future of sustainability in Philadelphia through the built environment, clean energy and transportation.

• Green Building United
• Philadelphia Energy Authority
• Transit Forward Philadelphia

Activist of the Year

These nominees educate, organize and mobilize communities around critical environmental and sustainability issues.

• Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL Philly)
• Clean Air Council
• No Data Centers in Philly

Rising Tide Award

These nominees are creating new paths in sustainability, bringing others along and helping strengthen Philadelphia’s sustainability community.

• Leslie Davidson
• Kiasha Huling
• Deborah Solo

Environmental Justice

These nominees work to ensure that communities most affected by environmental challenges have a voice in creating a healthier and more equitable future.

• Jeremy Chen
• Disability Pride Pennsylvania
• Elaine Wells

We’ll be sharing more about these nominees over the next few weeks.

Celebrate the nominees at SustainPHL 2026

The award recipients will be announced at the 9th annual SustainPHL on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the German Society of Pennsylvania, 611 Spring Garden Street.

SustainPHL brings together Philadelphia’s sustainability community for an evening of food, drinks, networking and celebration, culminating in our annual awards ceremony honoring the people making a difference across the region.

VIP doors open at 5:30 p.m., followed by general admission at 6:30 p.m.

Get your tickets to SustainPHL 2026.

Photos from SustainPHL 2025 by BeauMonde Originals

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher