7th Edition
OCTOBER 13th, 2026
InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest, Le Diplomate hall
InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest, Le Diplomate hall
THE DIPLOMAT - BUCHAREST & SUSTAINABILITY TODAY organizes on October 13th, 2026, the 7th edition of the SUSTAINABILITY IN BUSINESS FORUM & AWARDS GALA dedicated to recognizing the performance of initiatives, projects, companies and leaders in the Romanian economy.
Established 7 years ago, the Business Sustainability Forum and Awards Gala annually presents the essential and fundamental elements of sustainability and ecological developments within the Sustainability Forum and rewards the performance of initiatives, projects, companies and leaders operating in intersectoral fields in Romania within the Sustainability Awards Gala.
13:00 - 13:30
13:30 - 15:00
Focus: Aligning Policy, Finance, and Compliance for Sustainable Transition and ESG Accountability
Key Discussion Topics:
• National Sustainability Priorities: Policy, Investment, and Sectoral Transition Plans
• Navigating the New Sustainability Rulebook: CSRD, ESRS, and Emerging EU Obligations
• Sustainable Capital: Accessing Green Financing, Incentives, and EU Taxonomy Opportunities
• Corporate Accountability: Preparing for ESG Audits and Regulatory Scrutiny
15 00– 15:20
15:20 - 16:50
Focus: Scalable solutions for industrial efficiency and decarbonization
Key Discussion Topics:
• Decarbonizing the Value Chain (Scope 3): Collaborative frameworks with logistics and supply chain partners to reduce indirect emissions.
• Green Energy & Mobility Infrastructure: Accelerating electric fleet adoption, charging network development, and facility energy optimization.
• The AI Edge in ESG: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for supplier data collection and reporting automation.
• Industrial Best Practices: Success stories and benchmarks in low-carbon technology adoption and process modernization.
• Climate Resilience & Asset Protection: Strategies for ensuring business continuity against emerging environmental risks.
• Strategic Public-Private Partnerships: Unlocking EU and national funding to accelerate large-scale green investment projects
16:50 - 17:30
17:30 - 19:00
As companies navigate increasing climate pressures, shifting regulatory frameworks, and heightened societal expectations, sustainability has become a core driver of resilience, competitiveness, and long-term value creation.
The Sustainability in Business Forum provides a strategic platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and cross-sector cooperation, supporting the integration of ESG principles into business models and operational processes.
Throughout the event, participants will explore key themes such as decarbonization pathways, circular economy models, sustainable finance, digital transformation, and modern approaches to corporate governance. Case studies, expert insights, and sector-focused discussions will highlight both the progress achieved and the challenges that remain in transitioning toward a greener and more inclusive economy.
The SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS GALA is dedicated to the performance and proven commitment in the development of sustainable initiatives, projects and leaders in the business sectors of the Romanian economy, to highlight even more the primary importance of acting sustainably regardless of industry or region. The Gala event portrays and rewards the concepts, projects, leaders and companies that made a mark in the sustainability field in Romania. The Gala Awards displays and explores cutting-edge solutions and the most relevant voices in climate change, resource conservation, and ethical business practices. The event not only serves as a catalyst for driving change but also cultivates a sense of collective responsibility, inspiring participants to play an active role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient global economy.
The SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS GALA aims at offering the spotlight for standing out leading companies, managers and projects as FRONT-RUNNERS IN SUSTAINABILITY.
THE SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS have been designated to COMPANIES, LEADERS AND INITIATIVES that have met the criteria of:
• Successfully meeting the sustainability objectives / targets
• The innovative and new approach of the project / initiative
• The commitment and perseverance of promoting and leading sustainable projects in the company and industry
• The scale up potential of the initiative / project at the level of company and industry
NOMINATION TIMELINE
1 June: Start of nominations entries for all categories. Companies and individuals can submit their nomination choices using the online platform for GENERAL & SPECIAL CATEGORIES.
21 September: Deadline for nominations entries. The nominating procedure will be closed after this date and late entries will not be considered for Sustainability Awards 2026 edition.
22 September - 5 October: ONLINE PUBLIC VOTING for categories: BRAND OF THE YEAR and SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING & COMMUNICATIONS
22 September: All nominations entered in the competition will be submitted to Jury.
13 October 2026. The WINNERS’ announcement and Awarding Ceremony
RAUL POP
Recognising organizations delivering transformational and disruptive impact in sustainability.
Criteria:
• Transformational impact on sustainability practices
• High level of innovation and disruption
• Measurable results and scalability
Recognising companies leading their sector through consistent ESG performance and best practices.
Criteria:
• Leadership position within the industry
• Consistent ESG performance and results
• Strong transparency and reporting practices
Recognising organizations with credible, ambitious, and well-structured strategies to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
Criteria:
• Ambition & Credibility – Clear, science-based targets aligned with international standards
• Strategy & Roadmap – Defined decarbonization plan with milestones and timelines
• Integration – Alignment with overall business strategy and core operations
• Implementation & Progress – Evidence of actions taken and measurable results to date
• Governance & Accountability – Clear oversight, KPIs, and reporting mechanisms
Recognising impactful collaborations that deliver shared sustainability value.
Criteria:
• Effectiveness of collaboration and partnership model
• Shared value and measurable impact
• Potential for long-term and scalable outcomes
Recognising investors driving sustainability through responsible capital allocation.
Criteria:
• Integration of ESG into investment strategy
• Demonstrated impact across portfolio
• Active ownership and transparency
Recognising financial institutions enabling sustainability through innovative solutions.
Criteria:
• Innovation in sustainable finance products/services
• Impact on clients’ sustainability performance
• Market relevance and scalability
Recognising companies building transparent and responsible supply chains.
Criteria:
• Transparency and traceability across the supply chain
• Environmental and social impact reduction
• Supplier engagement and responsible sourcing
Recognising organizations demonstrating strong leadership and commitment to sustainability.
Criteria:
• Vision and commitment to sustainability
• Proven results and organizational impact
• Influence within and beyond the organization
Recognising initiatives that drive sustainability awareness, knowledge, and behavioural change.
Criteria:
• Educational impact and learning outcomes
• Innovation in formats, tools, or teaching methods
• Reach and engagement of target audience
• Evidence of behavioral change or awareness increase
• Scalability and replication potential
Recognising forward-thinking concepts with strong sustainability potential.
Criteria:
• Originality and innovation of the idea
• Relevance to current sustainability challenges
• Feasibility and clarity of implementation
• Potential environmental and/or social impact
• Scalability and adaptability
Recognising initiatives delivering meaningful social impact aligned with sustainability goal.
Criteria:
• Measurable social impact and community benefit
• Alignment with real needs of beneficiaries
• Stakeholder and community engagement
• Long-term value and sustainability
• Effectiveness of execution
Recognising projects that deliver measurable results in reducing carbon emissions and advancing climate action.
Criteria:
• Impact & Results – Quantifiable reduction in emissions or environmental footprint
• Innovation – Use of creative solutions, technologies, or approaches
• Implementation & Execution – Effectiveness and quality of project delivery
• Scalability & Replicability – Potential to expand or be applied in other contexts
• Relevance – Contribution to broader climate and decarbonization goals
Recognising solutions advancing circular business models and resource efficiency.
Criteria:
• Strength of the circular model (reuse, recycling, regeneration)
• Level of innovation (business model, product, or process)
• Reduction of waste and resource use
• Scalability and industry applicability
• Commercial viability
Recognising projects optimizing resource use and reducing environmental impact.
Criteria:
• Efficiency in resource use (energy, water, materials)
• Reduction of waste and environmental footprint
• Operational effectiveness and implementation quality
• Innovation in technologies or processes
• Replicability across operations or sectors
Recognising technologies enabling measurable sustainability outcomes.
Criteria:
• Level of technological innovation
• Measurable sustainability impact enabled by the technology
• Adoption, usability, and real-world application
• Scalability across markets or industries
• Potential for long-term systemic change
Recognising CEOs who place sustainability at the core of business strategy and drive transformation at scale.
Criteria:
• Integration of sustainability into business strategy
• Leadership in driving measurable impact
• Long-term vision and commitment
• Influence within the organization and industry
Recognising professionals who turn sustainability ambition into measurable results within their organizations.
Criteria:
• Effectiveness in implementing ESG/sustainability strategy
• Measurable impact and results
• Ability to drive internal change and stakeholder engagement
• Innovation in sustainability initiatives
Recognising influential voices who actively promote sustainability and inspire change in society.
Criteria:
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting sustainability
• Impact of advocacy and public engagement
• Ability to inspire and mobilize others
• Contribution to awareness, education, or behavioral change
• Consistency and authenticity of efforts
Recognising individuals with outstanding achievements and significant contribution to sustainability.
Criteria:
• Outstanding achievements and measurable impact over the past year
• Leadership, vision, and influence in their field
• Contribution to advancing sustainability or positive societal change
• Public recognition and credibility
• Overall excellence and inspiration delivered
Recognising the brand with the strongest presence,
credibility, and impact in sustainability
Recognising excellence in communicating sustainability performance and impact
1. Strategy & Leadership: A clear and forward-looking sustainability strategy, fully integrated into the business, supported by strong leadership commitment and governance.
2. Impact & Results: Demonstrated, measurable environmental and/or social impact, with clear KPIs and proven progress against sustainability targets.
3. Environmental Performance: Effective actions to reduce environmental impact, including climate change mitigation, resource efficiency, waste management, and biodiversity protection.
4. Social Value: Meaningful contributions to communities and society, through initiatives in areas such as education, health, inclusion, and local development.
5. Stakeholder Engagement: Active engagement with key stakeholders and a strong focus on addressing material ESG topics.
6. Execution & Scalability: High-quality implementation, with initiatives that are scalable, replicable, and designed for long-term impact.
7. Transparency & Governance: Clear reporting, accountability, and alignment with recognized ESG standards and best practices
1. Relevance & Purpose: Clarity of the problem addressed and the initiative’s contribution to advancing sustainability goals.
2. Innovation: Level of originality and the use of innovative approaches, technologies, or business models.
3. Impact & Measurable Results: Demonstrated environmental and/or social impact, supported by clear data, KPIs, and tangible outcomes.
4. Implementation & Execution: Quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of execution, including planning, resources, and partnerships.
5. Scalability & Replicability: Potential to expand or replicate the initiative across industries, markets, or communities.
6. Stakeholder Engagement: Level of involvement and positive impact on stakeholders, beneficiaries, and partners.
7. Long-Term Value: Ability to generate lasting impact and contribute to sustainable, systemic change
1. Relevance and Strategic Alignment. Assessment of how well the nominee’s actions, initiatives, or achievements align with sustainability priorities and ESG objectives. Includes clarity of purpose, strategic coherence, and contribution to meaningful sustainability outcomes.
2. Measurable Impact. Evaluation of concrete, quantifiable results supported by data, KPIs, reports, or verifiable evidence. Covers environmental, social, economic, or organizational impact.
3. Innovation and Originality. Degree of novelty and creativity demonstrated through solutions, technologies, approaches, or pilot projects. Focus on initiatives that introduce new methods or set new standards in sustainability.
4. Leadership and Influence. Assessment of the nominee’s ability to lead, inspire, mobilize, or influence teams, communities, industries, or the public. Includes vision, strategic direction, and role-model behavior.
5. Contribution to Change and Transformation. Extent to which the nominee has driven meaningful change: within their organization, across their industry, in communities or society, in behaviors, processes, or policies
6. Consistency and Long-Term Commitment. Evaluation of continuity, dedication, and sustained effort over time. Considers whether initiatives are durable, scalable, and embedded in long-term strategy rather than isolated actions.
7. Overall Excellence. Holistic evaluation of the nominee’s contribution, professionalism, impact, and the value brought to the sustainability ecosystem. Reflects the nominee’s ability to set benchmarks and inspire others
The awarded WINNERS of SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS GALA will be announced and celebrated on stage on October 13th 2026, during the prestigious Awards Gala.
Limited seats available
InterContinental Athénée Palace,
Strada Episcopiei, București 010292
47-57 Drumul Gura Ariesului Street,
Tronson 1, 11th Floor, Ap. 82
Sector 3, Bucharest
Email: office@thediplomat.ro
Phone: +40 722 523 535