Why You Should Enter
The Global Good Awards are fast becoming the go-to sustainability accolade for companies and organisations to showcase their achievements with pride. Unlike vanity marks and “pay-to-win” sustainability certifications, these awards stand out for their rigorous assessment of real-world impact. They focus on what organisations have done rather than what they plan to do.
The Global Good Awards 2025 is on the lookout for organisations making significant strides in sustainability and social responsibility. With entries closing on 2 May, this is your opportunity to gain well-deserved recognition for your commitment to positive change.
Sustainable Business Magazine sat down with the founder and CEO of the awards, Karen Sutton, and senior judge Martin Wright to gain exclusive insights and expert advice on crafting a winning application.
Genuine Sustainability Recognition
For founder and CEO Karen Sutton, the mission of the Global Good Awards is “to promote genuine progress, innovation, and leadership across all areas of social and environmental sustainability.” She emphasises that these awards are far removed from corporate greenwashing, and the expert judging panel ensures that every entry undergoes thorough scrutiny.
“The ethos of the awards is to highlight incredible sustainability projects that deserve recognition,” says Karen. “It’s about showcasing and uplifting genuine innovation and thought leadership to improve the world we live in.”
The Global Good Awards distinguish themselves through their commitment to recognising meaningful action over empty promises. Winners are chosen based on tangible impact and proven results. As the only sustainability awards globally to hold an ‘Outstanding’ Awards Trust Mark, the programme is a gold standard for credibility and transparency. Entrants receive detailed feedback, while winners gain a platform to showcase their achievements and elevate their profile.
Application Tips and Tricks
Senior judge Martin Wright shares key insights into what sets outstanding applications apart. “When it comes to sustainability, we want to see change that goes further and faster, with lasting impact,”
he explains.
With a diverse panel of judges evaluating different categories, no single rule applies to all entries. However, Martin highlights that strong applications demonstrate replicability: “It’s something you can hold up as an example for others to follow, it is something that can be scaled up.”
Karen and Martin stress the importance of taking the time to craft a compelling application that presents the bigger picture. With judges from various backgrounds, applicants should ensure their submission is clear to those outside their industry. Karen advises: “Have someone unfamiliar with your sector read it to ensure they understand the contributions and key messages.”
On the topic of AI-generated applications, both Karen and Martin acknowledge their role but caution against over-reliance. “AI-generated content is permitted, but it must not replace the human connection and authenticity we seek,” says Karen. Martin adds, “We judge by results, not by the means used to generate them.” Telling a compelling story that situates your organisation as a leader in sustainability is key to standing out.
Introducing the Global Good Finance Awards
New for 2025, the Global Good Finance Awards will recognise sustainability and social responsibility within the financial sector. With increasing cutbacks in sustainability programmes, these awards aim to distinguish organisations that are making a stand against the status quo.
“We’ve never needed to focus on where our money flows more than we do now,” says Karen. “Everything from innovation to sustainable solutions and protecting our rainforests is powered by investment.” The Global Good Finance Awards aim to raise awareness that the financial sector is not exempt from sustainability responsibilities.
With categories ranging from Bank of the Year to Financial Inclusion, the awards recognise the breadth of sustainability efforts within finance. The categories have been designed by Alice Chapple, a world leader in sustainable finance, ensuring a globally respected standard. Further details can be found on the Global Good Finance Awards website.
Joining the Network
Participating in the Global Good Awards is about more than just winning a title, it’s about joining a community of innovators, changemakers, and leaders dedicated to building a sustainable future. The awards are open to organisations of all sizes, including corporates, SMEs, charities, and public sector bodies.
Key dates for entries:
Global Good Awards: Entries close on 2 May (9 May extended), with finalists announced on 20 June. The awards ceremony takes place on 24 September at BMA House, London.
Global Good Finance Awards: Entries close on 16 May (23 May extended), with finalists announced on 4 July. The awards ceremony takes place on 5 November.
For organisations striving to create meaningful change, the Global Good Awards offer a platform to gain recognition, connect with like-minded leaders, and drive sustainability forward. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this impactful movement.
