FAQ - NAEM Excellence Awards

What is the purpose of NAEM Excellence Awards?

NAEM Excellence Awards exist to recognize and elevate leaders in the environmental, health and safety, and/or sustainability (EHS & Sustainability) community as well as showcase best practices of EHS & Sustainability management.

What are the award categories?

For 2023, NAEM will present one Lifetime Achievement Award, and up to thirty 30 Over 30 Awards. Following are definitions of the two award categories:

  • NAEM's Lifetime Achievement Award is a prestigious annual award honoring an individual's contribution to their company and the EHS & Sustainability fields. It recognizes an EHS & Sustainability leader whose vision and commitment has positively shaped the EHS&S field within a corporate management role
  • NAEM’s 30 Over 30 Award recognizes corporate, non-profit, government, academic, consulting, and service provider professionals who making a difference in EHS & Sustainability management

Who is eligible to be nominated?

For the Lifetime Achievement Award, nominees should meet the following criteria:

  • 20+ years of exceptional environmental, health and safety, and/or sustainability performance, currently serving as an in-house EHS&S leader. (Retired executives who worked part of 2019 are eligible.)
  • Distinguished service and leadership within the EHS&S profession
  • Demonstrated impact on organizational performance
  • Proven leadership effectiveness in the development of EHS&S professionals
  • Commitment to industry advancements and lifelong learning

For a 30 Over 30 Award, nominees should meet the following criteria:

  • Accomplished EHS and/or Sustainability professional at least 30 years of age
  • Demonstrated achievement and results within their area of responsibility
  • Proven impact on their organization or the industry through demonstrated skills and attributes
  • Commitment to environmental stewardship, personally and professionally

Can anyone submit a nomination form?

Yes. Anyone can nominate a candidate for the Lifetime Achievement and 30 Over 30 Awards. Nominators and nominees need not be members of NAEM.

Can I nominate more than one person?

Yes. But you will need to complete a separate nomination for each nominee.

Is there a word count limit for the nomination responses?

Yes. Each required response is limited to a maximum of 500 words.

Are letters of recommendation required?

For the Lifetime Achievement Award, we ask that you submit two letters of recommendation. All letters of recommendation must be written by individuals other than the nominator.

When does the nomination period close?

The nominating period has been extended to 11:59 p.m. PT on Friday, July 7, 2023

How do I submit a nomination?

You can submit using the online nomination forms, available here for the Lifetime Achievement Award and here for the 30 Over 30 Award.

Is there a fee to nominate?

No. For 2023, no nomination fee is required.

Who will be judging the awards?

Nominees will be evaluated by an independent panel of judges. Neither NAEM nor its sponsors will influence the selection of award recipients.

Will there be an awards ceremony?

Yes. Award recipients will be recognized during NAEM’s 2023 EHS & Sustainability Management Forum in Cleveland, Ohio at our Awards Ceremony Luncheon.

Will award recipients receive any other recognition or benefits?

Yes. Award recipients and their companies will receive the following recognition and benefits:

  • Profiles of award recipients and their companies will be featured in all of NAEM’s content channels, including NAEM’s blog, publications and e-newsletter that goes out to 13,500+ EHS & Sustainability professionals
  • Profiles of award recipients, including photos and companies, will appear on NAEM’s website, receiving 1,000+ impressions each week
  • Award recipients and their respective companies will be recognized on-stage during the awards ceremony luncheon and in the conference app at NAEM’s 2023 EHS & Sustainability Management Forum
  • A commemorative award will be presented to each recipient during the awards ceremony luncheon
  • 30 Over 30 Award nominees will receive a special conference registration rate to NAEM's 2023 EHS & Sustainability Management Forum. The Life Achievement Award recipient will receive a complimentary Forum registration
  • Award recipients may also be asked to participate in panel discussions at NAEM's EHS & Sustainability Management Forum and other NAEM programs throughout 2023-2024

When will award nominees know if they’ve been selected?

Award nominees will be notified of their nomination prior to NAEM's 2023 EHS & Sustainability Management Forum so that they can arrange travel to attend the awards ceremony. Public announcement of NAEM Excellence Award recipients will occur in October 2023 at NAEM’s 2023 Forum.

Email Sign Up