The awards were presented October 29, 2026, at the German Society of Pennsylvania, where Philadelphia’s sustainability community gathered to recognize local changemakers working across environmental justice, climate action, neighborhood leadership, clean energy, and sustainable business innovation.
This year’s ceremony celebrated 27 nominees across nine award categories. Under the theme “Think Global, Act Local,” SustainPHL highlighted the importance of local leadership and community-driven solutions in addressing environmental challenges.
2026 Award Recipients
The SustainPHL Award recipients are--
-- Business Innovation – PhillyPlastiCo: PhillyPlastiCo transforms post-consumer plastic waste into durable, functional products, including goods crafted from retired Philadelphia Eagles stadium seats. By giving discarded materials new life, PhillyPlastiCo demonstrates how innovative design and circular economy practices can reduce waste.
-- FuturePHL – Philadelphia Energy Authority: Philadelphia Energy Authority is helping build a more sustainable energy future through programs that expand access to clean energy, create jobs, and drive local investment. Since 2016, its energy-focused programs and projects have supported more than $1.3 billion in investment and over 11,000 Philadelphia jobs.
-- Vicinity Energy Impact Business Leader – Solar States: Founded in 2008, Solar States combines solar energy installation with a commitment to educating and training the next generation of solar installers. Its dual mission advances clean energy adoption while expanding workforce opportunities in Philadelphia’s growing green economy.
-- TD Bank Sustainable Communities – Awbury Arboretum: Awbury Arboretum provides 56 acres of public green space in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood, connecting families, students, and residents with nature. Through urban forest stewardship, accessible gardening, plant care, and outdoor education, Awbury helps strengthen community connections, expand access to green spaces, and foster environmental stewardship for future generations.
-- Neighborhood Champion -Kadafi El-Kardah: Kadafi El-Kardah founded Drain Buddies, a grassroots initiative that brings Germantown residents together to care for neighborhood storm drains and strengthen community connections. His work demonstrates how everyday environmental stewardship can build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods.
-- Environmental Justice – Elaine Wells: Elaine Wells is the Executive Director of The Tiny Trekkers PHL, a youth-focused trail, nature, and literacy program serving Philadelphia’s Haddington and Cobbs Creek neighborhoods. Through outdoor education and community engagement, Wells helps connect young people and families with nature and opportunities for environmental learning.
-- Activist of the Year – Clean Air Council: For more than 60 years, Clean Air Council has worked to protect and defend everyone’s right to a healthy environment. Through environmental advocacy and public engagement, the organization champions cleaner air and stronger environmental protections for communities throughout the region.
-- Rising Tide – Kiasha Huling: Kiasha Huling leads the Philly Tree Coalition, advancing urban greening as an environmental equity issue. Her work focuses on expanding tree canopy in low-income neighborhoods, helping address unequal access to green space and strengthening community resilience.
-- Climate Hero – Eileen Flanagan: Eileen Flanagan is a Philadelphia-based Quaker author, speaker, and climate activist who has played key leadership roles in environmental campaigns with Earth Quaker Action Team. Through organizing and advocacy, she has helped mobilize communities around climate action and environmental responsibility.
Celebrating Local Action and Community Impact
Since its founding in 2016, SustainPHL has recognized the people and organizations creating positive environmental change throughout Greater Philadelphia.
The annual celebration brings together grassroots advocates, nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, businesses, and community members who share a vision for a more sustainable region.
Beyond the awards ceremony, attendees had opportunities to connect with local organizations through SustainPHL’s Munch & Learn exhibits, enjoy food and refreshments, and discover ways to support sustainability initiatives throughout the year.
“One of the most powerful parts of SustainPHL is bringing together people who might not otherwise cross paths,” said Julie Hancher, Executive Director of Green Philly and host of SustainPHL. “The next great idea for a more sustainable Philadelphia might start with a conversation in that room.”
The event also highlighted the role that local businesses, nonprofits, community organizations, and residents play in advancing environmental solutions, reinforcing that meaningful sustainability progress requires collaboration across sectors.
Green Philly thanks the nominees, award recipients, presenters, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners who helped make the ninth annual SustainPHL Awards possible.
Click Here for photos from the event.
Click Here for the Awards announcement.
Visit the Green Philly website and SustainPHL Awards webpage for more information.
[Posted: November 5, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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