Meet the latest changemakers to take home the awards

At a time when sustainability is increasingly cut and deprioritized through national legislation and corporate sustainability programs, we don’t have to look far to find inspiration. Green Philly hosted its 9th annual SustainPHL awards on Thursday, October 29th at the German Society of Pennsylvania. The ceremony celebrated 27 inspiring individuals and organizations nominated for their work to create a cleaner, healthier Philadelphia.

Here are the 2026 award recipients.

SustainPHL 2026 award recipients

Business Innovation

PhillyPlastiCo

Climate Hero

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

Eileen Flanagan

Neighborhood Champion

Kadafi El-Kardah

TD Bank Sustainable Communities

Awbury Arboretum

Vicinity Energy Impact Business of the Year Award

Solar States

#FuturePHL

Philadelphia Energy Authority

Activist of the Year

Clean Air Council

Rising Tide Award

Kiasha Huling

Environmental Justice

Elaine Wells

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Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher