Green Building United is thrilled to announce nominations for the 2025 Groundbreaker Awards are now open through August 18th! This annual event honors people and projects shaping a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient built environment across our region. We want to hear from you about the great work that has been done since our most recent Groundbreaker Awards in 2023. 

This year’s award categories celebrate impact across the full life cycle of buildings—from bold visions to measurable results—and recognize leadership in community-driven sustainability. Winners will be announced at the 2025 Groundbreaker Awards celebration on October 9th at 3.0 University Place in Philadelphia. 

Before submitting, be sure to review the Nomination Submission Guide and the FAQs at the bottom of this page to help you prepare. When you’re ready, click the button below to access the nomination form.
Submit a Nomination

Nomination Categories

Sustainable New Development or Major Renovation 

This award will celebrate major advances in sustainability for recent new construction and major renovations. 

Criteria:

  • Commercial or residential; new construction or major renovation. 
  • May include exteriors, interiors, or sites. 
  • Must have been completed within the past three years and be located within Green Building United’s region (see map). 
  • Projects should reflect sustainable design, energy efficiency, climate resilience, stormwater management, and/or green infrastructure. 
Equity and Community Leadership 

Highlighting individuals and/or organizations centering equity, environmental justice, and community needs in their sustainability work. 

An individual from the winning org will also receive a one-year Green Building United membership. 

Criteria:

  • Nominees must live or work within Green Building United’s region (see map). 
  • Should demonstrate a clear commitment to equity and justice in sustainability, especially efforts that uplift community priorities, frontline leadership, or inclusive design and implementation. 
  • Their efforts may span built environment efforts, advocacy, education, or coalition-building. 
Sustainable Building Operations 

Honoring projects that are making meaningful improvements in operations, efficiency, and livability of existing buildings. 

Criteria:

  • Existing building (any type) with measurable progress in sustainability goals over the past three or more years. 
  • Located within Green Building United’s region (see map). 
  • May include work on energy efficiency, stormwater management, climate adaptation, occupant health, or building performance optimization. 
Sustainable Design & Planning 

Celebrating forward-thinking sustainable design and planning for new construction, renovation, sites, and communities. 

Criteria:

  • Projects still in the design or planning phase. 
  • May include new construction, renovations, interiors, site plans, or community-scale planning. 
  • Must be located within Green Building United’s region (see map). 
  • Must exemplify some aspect of sustainable building design, energy efficiency, open space or stormwater management, or climate resilience.