About the Award 

Spotlight on Green Growth   

The SDG Business Pioneers Award celebrates companies that “do business with purpose”, demonstrating an outstanding commitment to sustainability while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

This award recognizes businesses shaping Albania’s future by proving that sustainability is not only a responsibility but also a driver of innovation, opportunity and growth.

2026 – Focus on Green Growth 

Businesses across every sector – not only those traditionally considered ‘green’ – are adapting to a changing world: climate pressures, resource constraints, changing market expectations and evolving sustainability requirements. For businesses, adapting to these changes means finding better ways to operate, innovate, use resources and respond to new challenges.  

For this Award, Green Growth is about exactly that: growing and competing with sustainability in mind – using resources efficiently, reducing environmental impact and building a stronger and more resilient business for the future. You do not need to be an environmental company to apply – what matters is the actions your business is taking and the results you are achieving. 

We look at four areas: how your business manages energy and environmental impact; how it uses, reduces and reuses resources; how it supports its employees and community; and how it uses innovation and forward-looking practices to become more sustainable and competitive. Businesses may be stronger in some areas than others and can demonstrate leadership in different ways. 

Award Categories

Ten awards will be presented in total:   

• Company Awards: One overall winner in each category:
  • Micro
  • Small
  • Medium
  • Large
  • International

• Champion Awards: After the company awards are decided, all applications will be reviewed to recognize four outstanding achievements: Climate & Environment Champion, Circular Economy Champion, Responsible Business & People Champion, Innovation & Future Ready Business Champion 

• Women in Sustainable Business: Awarded to the highest-scoring eligible women-owned and/or women-led enterprise.

Scores will reflect the maturity and impact of the practices demonstrated, while taking account of the enterprise’s size, resources and operating context. Evaluators will assess whether the enterprise demonstrates leadership relative to what could reasonably be expected of a business of comparable scale.

Once an enterprise has been selected for an award, it will not be considered for another category. The next highest-scoring eligible enterprise will be selected instead. 

Why SDGs Pioneers?

By joining our community of sustainability pioneers, your company will be part of a growing network of businesses committed to making a lasting impact, both socially and environmentally. Your efforts deserve to be seen, celebrated and set an example for those who are not yet familiar with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Together, we can build a more resilient and responsible business community in Albania.

Why do they matter for business? 

• Align strategy with global priorities, ensuring long-term resilience and relevance. 
• Communicate sustainability impact in a way that investors, partners, and consumers understand. 
• Collaborate and innovate, building partnerships that drive both profitability and positive change. 

What is sustainability to you?

Apply now! Deadline is on 18 October 2026