Best Practice in Sustainability

This award will recognise best practice in building a more sustainable way of working within an organisation. It is open to all companies and split into five sub-categories. We are looking for examples of leadership that should be encouraged and adopted more broadly by our industry.
The five sub-categories are:
Sustainability Best Practice Award - Ad Tech Services
Sustainability Best Practice Award - Agency
Sustainability Best Practice Award - Advertiser/Brand
Sustainability Best Practice Award - Media Owner
Sustainability Best Practice Award - Production/Experiential

Best Practice in Sustainable Ad Production (most innovative production using green tools)

We will be looking for evidence of steps taken to measure, reduce and report and carbon involved in the production of advertising. This could include reports from carbon calculators such as the one offered by AdGreen, along with details on decisions made to actively reduce carbon from ad production while maintaining the full creative impact.

Best Practice in Sustainable Media Planning (carbon measurement and management using innovative processes)

We will be looking for evidence of how the carbon footprint of a media plan was considered, what information was used to inform choices about different media channels, whether there was a carbon value attached to the media plan, whether that was accounted for or off-set, if any media decisions can demonstrate a reduction in carbon without impacting the reach and performance of the campaign.

Best Practice in Sustainable Events and/or Awards

We will be looking for evidence of how the decisions made around the development and delivery of an event and/or awards was informed by information about the carbon involved in its different aspects, whether a tool like a carbon calculator was used to track this carbon, how decisions helped to reduce the carbon impact and examples of best practice for future events.

These are open to global entrants. Recognising progress against Action 5 of the Ad Net Zero Action Plan: These awards explore how a net zero economy is being supported through examples of the industry’s work to create positive behaviour change. In this work, it will be critical to show an understanding of the sustainability problem you seek to solve, how the campaign has addressed this and led to a better outcome, while also supporting the commercial goals of the organisation.
The specialist categories for entries are mapped against the key sectors of the net zero economy and entries can be for work that is B2C or B2B or a combination of both.

Automotive, Travel & Transport

Business & Industrial

Clothing & Accessories

Beauty

Food & Drink

Entertainment, Gaming & Leisure (incl. gardening & agriculture and leisure equipment)

Finance

Government / Public Sector

Health & Wellbeing

Household FMCG (incl. equipment & DIY)

Media

NGO / Charity

Technology, Hardware, Office & Household Appliances

Retail (incl. online retail and mail order)

Telecoms

There are three other categories for entries to demonstrate work that is bringing about sustainable behaviour change:
These are open to global entrants.

Best Start-up (a company less than three years old - founded after 1 January 2021)

This category recognizes a start-up that has shown outstanding innovation and impact in its early stages, contributing to sustainability or environmental initiatives. With a focus on companies founded after 1 January 2021, this award highlights fresh ideas that have the potential to make a lasting difference in the fight for a net-zero future.

Best Business Transformation (from any sector)

Awarded to a company that has undergone a significant and impactful transformation toward sustainable business practices. This category celebrates organizations from any sector that have effectively integrated sustainability into their operations, strategies, and culture, leading to measurable environmental benefits.

Best Progress / Long-Term Change (a company which is demonstrating year-on-year improvements from a long-running campaign)

This category acknowledges a company that has shown consistent and tangible progress in sustainability over an extended period. By demonstrating continuous, year-on-year improvements, the award celebrates organizations that have implemented long-term campaigns, evolving their practices for greater environmental impact while driving long-lasting change in their industry.

Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability (Individual or Team)

This category celebrates the exceptional individuals or teams whose dedication, leadership, and innovative efforts are driving meaningful change within the sustainability sector. Whether through pioneering projects, advocacy, or inspiring others to take action, this award recognizes those whose work is making a profound and lasting impact on advancing the net-zero agenda. From thought leaders to change-makers on the ground, this category honours those at the forefront of creating a more sustainable future.

In addition, the judges will award the Campaign Ad Net Zero Grand Prix award which will be chosen from the winners of earlier categories. Companies cannot apply to enter the Grand Prix.