
The Sustainable Business Awards Recognizes Local Businesses Doing “Good” While Doing Well
Our Judging Criteria
Environment
Contributes to the environmental health of Tampa Bay through sustainable environmental practices. Examples: environmentally-friendly products, waste reduction, resource conservation, carbon footprint reduction, pollution mitigation, product life cycle, LEED/Well construction and restoration/net positive activities.
Social
Is a good citizen of Tampa Bay and the world through fair and beneficial business practices for employees, community and supply chain. Examples: employee benefits and satisfaction, civic engagement, giving back, human rights, animal rights, empowerment and equity.
Economic/Governance
Committed to good governance. Provides a positive economic impact in the Tampa Bay community while aligning sustainability values throughout organization. Examples: compliance and risk management, board diversity, fiscally responsibility, contributes to growth of local economy.
Now in its 12th year, this annual event recognizes businesses and organizations in the Tampa Bay area that are committed to making a positive impact on the planet. Since 2008, more than 120 businesses have received the award. From small local farms to large corporations, we honor their commitments to social responsibility and environmental stewardship. See all past award winners here.
Nominations are accepted in January each year through an open call process. To be eligible, the nominated entity must have a location in the Tampa Bay area. Completed applications are ranked in the three pillars of sustainability against peers in size and industry. Finalists and winners are selected by a third-party review and panel process.
Nomination Categories
- Start-up/Entrepreneur: 1 employee
- Small: 2 – 24 employees
- Medium: 25 – 49 employees
- Large: 50 – 99 employees
- Extra Large: 100+ employees
- Innovation Award
- Jan Roberts Sustainable Leadership Award
Jan Roberts Sustainable Business Leadership Award

Jan Roberts served as a delegate to the United Nations Sustainable Development Commission and helped draft Earth Charter, a global agreement for a sustainable future that came out of a UN conference in 1987. In 2000, she launched Earth Charter US to bring attention to US businesses that embraced the triple bottom line. That organization ultimately became part of The Sustany Foundation. Throughout her career, Jan Roberts has shared her commitment to sustainability with her community and the world. In recognition of her leadership, we established the Jan Roberts Sustainable Business Leadership Award to honor a Tampa Bay area leader who has demonstrated longstanding support for sustainability business practices.