Awards
The ECO IMPACT Awards honour post-secondary students, organizations, trailblazers, and environmental professionals who are driving real change in their organizations, communities, and the broader environmental sector.
In 2026, we’re proud to unveil a refreshed nomination model for the designed member awards (EP®, EPt, and EP® Auditor) to celebrate a wider range of certified members, simplify the process, and foster meaningful engagement across the EP® Community.
New This Year
We are reimagining how we recognize excellence. Rather than relying solely on peer and self-nominations, ECO Canada will now proactively identify top candidates across award categories using a staff-led selection process. This ensures that more members get the spotlight they deserve – and that no great work goes unnoticed.
But don’t worry you can still submit a name – yours or someone else’s – for consideration. We want to hear your stories, too. So, contact us and tell us what you’ve been up to, get involved with the EP® Community to highlight your impact, or record exciting initiatives and contributions through your member accounts’ professional development activity log.
Award Categories
EP® ECO IMPACT Award
The EP ECO IMPACT Award recognizes certified Environmental Professionals (EP®s) who demonstrate extraordinary contributions to the field. These individuals lead impactful projects, influence policy, or push the boundaries of sustainable innovation.
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Details
In order to be eligible for this award, nominees must:
- Be an EP member in good standing
- Complete the EP Spotlight Nomination Form (regardless if self or peer nomination)
ECO Canada’s certifications staff will also be nominating our members – so update your employment and professional development, and if you would like us to consider you for a nomination, let us know at EP@eco.ca.
All submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Impact of Contribution
- Relevance to Environmental Sector Priorities
- Leadership, Innovation, and Influence
- Quality and Clarity of Submission
Bonus points will be awarded to those nominees who have had an involvement and influence within the EP community through their involvement with relevant committees, working groups, Chapter initiatives, etc.
EP® Auditor ECO IMPACT Award
The EP Auditor ECO IMPACT Award honours certified EP®(CEA) and EP® (EMSLA) members making a measurable impact through rigorous environmental assessment, verification, and stewardship.
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Details
In order to be eligible for this award, nominees must:
- Be an EP(CEA) or EP(EMSLA) member in good standing
- Complete the EP Auditor Spotlight Nomination Form (regardless if self or peer nomination)
ECO Canada’s certifications staff will also be nominating our members – so update your employment and professional development, and if you would like us to consider you for a nomination, let us know at EP@eco.ca.
All submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Impact of Contribution
- Relevance to Environmental Sector Priorities
- Leadership, Innovation, and Influence
- Quality and Clarity of Submission
Bonus points will be awarded to those nominees who have had an involvement and influence within the EP community through their involvement with relevant committees, working groups, Chapter initiatives, etc.
EPt ECO IMPACT Award
The EPt ECO IMPACT Award celebrates Environmental Professionals-in-training (EPts) who are emerging as future leaders. This award spotlights dedication, learning, and meaningful early-career achievements.
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Details
In order to be eligible for this award, nominees must:
- Be an EPt member in good standing
- Complete the EPt Spotlight Nomination Form (regardless if self or peer nomination)
ECO Canada’s certifications staff will also be nominating our members – so update your employment and professional development, and if you would like us to consider you for a nomination, let us know at EP@eco.ca.
All submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Impact of Contribution
- Relevance to Environmental Sector Priorities
- Leadership, Innovation, and Influence
- Quality and Clarity of Submission
Bonus points will be awarded to those nominees who have had an involvement and influence within the EP community through their involvement with relevant committees, working groups, Chapter initiatives, etc.
Top Employer Award
The Top Employer ECO IMPACT Award recognizes Canadian organizations in the environmental sector that demonstrate exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability through their employment practices.
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Details
In order to be eligible for the Top Employer ECO IMPACT Award, the organization must employ at least one certified member (EP(CEA), EP(EMSLA), EP, or EPt) in good standing.
Nominees are required to submit:
- A complete Top Employer Nomination Form
- A list of certified staff members (EP(CEA), EP(EMSLA), EP, or EPt) for ECO Canada confirmation
- A short video (no more than 5-minutes) detailing the work the organization is doing and/or highlighting a project that has made a valuable impact in the sector
- Company logo (to be used in promotion if selected as a nominee)
Bonus points will be awarded to those nominees who may have engaged with the EP Employer process, whether they are in the application stage or have obtained the EP Employer status.
Sustainability Trailblazers Award
The Sustainability Trailblazers Award celebrates expertise and leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The award recognizes innovative or groundbreaking efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More detailed instructions are found in the forms below.
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Details
Nominations can be submitted for individuals, organizations, or communities.
Nominators are asked to highlight the quality and impact of the nominee’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions reduction over the past 2 years by:
- Describing any innovative, unique, or groundbreaking efforts the nominee has taken to directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions or enable others to do so.
- Describing the nominee’s direct impact on Canada’s progress towards net zero emissions, whether as a whole or by providing an example from a particular project/initiative.
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Contribution to Canada’s Net-Zero Goals
- Innovation and Uniqueness
- Direct Emissions Reductions or Enabling Impact
- Scalability and Broader Impact
The nominee or a representative of the nominee’s organization or community must be available February 12–13, 2026, to accept the award should they win.
Community ECO IMPACT Award
The Community ECO IMPACT Award recognizes Canadian companies, groups, and communities that demonstrate dedication to Canada’s environmental growth and positively impact the environmental workforce.
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Details
This category is not eligible to organization or groups that employe certified members (EP(CEA), EP(EMSLA), EP, or EPt).
Nominees are required to submit:
- A complete Community Nomination Form
- A short video (no more than 5-minutes) detailing a feel-good project or initiative that has/had a positive community impact and environmental benefit(s)
- Company logo (to be used in promotion if selected as a nominee)
Bonus points will be awarded to those nominees who may have engaged with the EP Employer process.
EPt Student ECO IMPACT Award Call for Papers
The EPt Student Paper Challenge invites Environmental Professionals-in-Training (EPt) students to showcase original research, projects, and innovative approaches to today’s environmental challenges. From renewable energy and circular economy to biodiversity and climate change solutions, this challenge celebrates creativity and fresh perspectives from the next generation of leaders. Submissions will be published in ECO Canada’s digital proceedings, with the top paper featured at ECO IMPACT 2026.
Details
The EPt Student Paper Challenge is open to Environmental Professionals-in-Training (EPt) students conducting original research, implementing projects, or developing new approaches to environmental challenges. Submissions can explore topics such as:
Sustainable urban development
Circular economy and renewable energy policies
Climate change mitigation and adaptation
Biodiversity conservation and restoration
Other innovative solutions advancing sustainability
All submissions will be included in ECO Canada’s digital conference proceedings, with the top paper showcased at ECO IMPACT 2026.
Submission Deadline: December 15, 2025
How the 2026 Nomination Process Works
We have designed a more inclusive and streamlined approach for EP, EPt, and EP Auditor categories allowing for more recognition and less red tape.
There are now two avenues for nomination:
ECO Canada-Selected Nominees
Recognized • Respected • Rewarded
ECO Canada will identify and shortlist at least 10 exceptional candidates per award category based on:
- Certification status and history
- Sector contributions and measurable impact
- EP® Community and ECO Canada engagement
- Public contributions (e.g. mentorship, publications, presentations)
- Representation across disciplines and regions
Member Submissions
Acknowledge • Empower • Influence
We’re looking for outstanding professionals who embody the following qualities:
- Leadership and mentorship
- Meaningful sector impact or innovation
- Ethical excellence and collaboration
- Creating problem-solving or soft skills
Submit your nomination today and help shape this year’s list of finalists.
What Makes a Nominee Stand Out?
We are seeking environmental professionals who exceed job expectations to inspire, lead, and create a lasting impact on the environment. Nominees will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Community Engagement: Are they actively contributing to and supporting the EP® Community?
- Professional Impact: Have they achieved significant environmental results?
- Leadership and Influence: Do they inspire others or lead initiatives?
- Innovation and Problem Solving: Are they developing smart, sustainable solutions?
- Soft Skills: Do they demonstrate collaboration, adaptability, and resilience?
Who Selects the 2026 Recipients?
You do — the EP® Community!
The recipients of the 2026 ECO IMPACT Awards will be determined through a vote by the community. Every certified EP®, EP® Auditor, and EPt will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred finalist through an online voting system.
Top Employer Nominees
Candidates are evaluated based on:
- Sector contributions and measurable impact
- Demonstration of commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability
Community Nominees
Candidates are evaluated based on:
- Dedication to Canada’s environmental growth
- Positive impact on the environmental workforce and/or community
Key Dates
June 3, 2025
Optional submissions open
September 30, 2025
Optional submission deadline
October 1, 2025
Nominee profiles released and a “Meet the Nominees” campaign begins
October 1 – November 1, 2025
EP® Community voting period
February 19, 2026
Winners revealed at the ECO IMPACT Awards ceremony in Calgary, AB
Want to Get Involved?
VOTE for your peers this fall
SUBMIT a brief if you or someone you know deserves to be recognized
SHARE nominee stories and celebrate the people making a difference
CELEBRATE with your industry peers at ECO IMPACT 2026
Ready to Make Your Mark?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ECO IMPACT Awards?
Since 2017, the ECO IMPACT Awards have celebrated certified environmental professionals who are
making a meaningful difference in the environmental sector through leadership, innovation, community
involvement, and professional excellence.
What’s changing about the nomination process?
For 2026, we’re transitioning to a staff-led nomination process for our member award categories. ECO Canada will shortlist 10 qualified
candidates per award category, and the EP® Community will vote to select the final recipient. This
change allows us to recognize more deserving members and reduces the barriers to participation
Who is eligible for a member award nomination?
Nominees must be:
• A certified member in good standing (EP®, EPt, or EP® Auditor)
• Actively working or contributing to the environmental sector
• Aligned with the EP® Code of Ethics and its values: stewardship, advocacy, professionalism, and
integrity
Can I still nominate myself or someone else?
Yes! While ECO Canada will lead the shortlisting process, we welcome optional submissions from
members who feel they—or a peer—should be considered. These submissions will be reviewed
alongside internal nominations and may be added to the final shortlist.
What kinds of contributions are recognized?
We’re looking for environmental professionals who demonstrate:
• Leadership and mentorship
• Tangible impact in environmental projects or initiatives
• Innovation and problem-solving
• Active involvement in the EP® Community
• Strong personal attributes like collaboration and adaptability
Who votes for the award recipients?
Certified EP®s, EPts, and EP® Auditors will vote for their top candidate in each category. Voting opens on
October 1, 2025, and runs until October 15, 2025.
When are award recipients announced?
Winners will be revealed and celebrated at the ECO IMPACT 2026 Awards Ceremony in February 2026.
