The DNP recognises individuals, companies and organisations that are driving sustainable transformation. It highlights where progress is being made – and brings together those who are accelerating change.
The best companies from the DNP will compete in the European Sustainability Award in 2027 – where they will come up against leading transformative companies from across Europe.
The DNP26 is set to be the transformation conference of the year: a meeting place for everyone who not only calls for sustainability but also helps to shape it – featuring a conference, the DNP awards ceremony and the official launch of the ESA.
The jury of the German Sustainability Award for Businesses begins its work in September - at the same time starting as the first expert jury for the European Sustainability Award. Its members decide not just the national top performances, but also, which german businesses will continue on into the european competition.
The jury combines experts from fields like science, the economy, associations and chambers, civil society and foundations, advisors, finances as well as communication. Different perspectives and horizons of experience connect scientific insights with business pratice, knowledge of the markets with social responsibility and strategic knowledge of transformation.
The evaluation happens independently and based on the uniform criteria of the European Sustainability Award, differentiated between SMEs, large Companies and Corporations. That way a well-founded and balanced judgement is made about which businesses will represent Germany on the European level and serve and demonstrate by example how transformation, innovation, competitiveness and economic strength can promote strength in Europe.
The DNP's company and product price seals are not official environmental labels within the meaning of the Green Claims Directive or EmpCo, but rather awards for holistic sustainability performance, granted on the basis of a transparent competition. Through clear labelling and proper use, they remain credible, legally compliant communication tools.
The major challenges are well known. What matters is who takes responsibility and makes progress under real-world conditions: with scarce resources, rising demands and uncertain markets.
Transformation happens where people take action: in companies, projects, partnerships, local authorities, hospitals, planning offices and initiatives. They develop solutions that do not need to be perfect to be relevant – but effective within their context and strong enough to inspire others to follow.
In 2026, the DNP will recognise products, services, projects and partnerships that demonstrate how change can be achieved in practice: in climate and resource protection, health, architecture, supply chains and social responsibility.
The awards will be presented at the #DNP26 on the 3rd and 4th December 2026. With a conference, award ceremonies and MasterClasses, #DNP26 is the meeting place for everyone who wants to share experiences, learn from one another and make faster progress together.
Sigmar Gabriel recieves the honoraray German Sustainability Award 2026. We honor a political designer, who worked to advance climate protection, the energy transition, international responsibilty and anchored sustainability at the points, where it needs to take effect: in politics, in the economy and in our society.
Raworth and her team have shaped the economic thought process of the 21st century: Kate Raworth, British economist and founder of the worldwide influential "Doughnut Economics", receives the honorary award of the German Sustainability Award. At the #DNP26 she will be giving her own perspective: How can an economy be successful, while also ensuring human needs and at the same time respecting the borders of our planet? A highlight of the congress program on the 3rd and 4th of December in Duesseldorf.
Since 2008, the German Sustainability Award for Companies has been recognising companies that drive sustainable transformation. In 2026, it will focus in particular on companies that take action even under pressure and demonstrate that responsibility, innovation and economic strength go hand in hand.
The German Sustainability Award for Products recognizes sustainable products, services, and projects with a measurable impact. We are looking for outstanding innovations that make tangible contributions to sustainable development in the transformation fields of Climate, Resources, Nature, Value Chain, and Society.
The International German Sustainability Award (IDNP) recognizes Germany-based companies and institutions that contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda alongside partners from the Global South. The focus is on partnerships at eye level, highlighting and promoting successful approaches as "good practices." The award is presented in cooperation with PRIMAVERA.
The application for the German Sustainability Award for Health (DNP Health) is possible until June, 12th, 2026. The award is presented by the German Sustainability Award Foundation in cooperation with BARMER and the Healthy Earth – Healthy People Foundation. The award promotes sustainability in the healthcare sector. An independent jury evaluates the applications.
The German Sustainability Award for Architecture is entering its 14th round. Together with the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), the award honours pioneering construction and urban development projects that consistently combine ecological, economic and social sustainability in planning, construction and use, and rethink the sustainable construction of tomorrow. Applications are open until June 7th, 2026.
Openness and transparency are core values of the DNP – that is why we have joined the Transparent Civil Society Initiative (ITZ). More communication about methodology, changes to the jury process and more transparent scoring are among the developments for the 18th DNP. Everything you need to know about the rules and governance can be found in a clearly structured document.
The University of Hohenheim presented the follow-up study to its 2017 survey, which identified the DNP as the best-known and most sought-after award among companies. In the new study on the ‘Changing Significance of Sustainability Awards’ – funded by the Federal Environmental Foundation – the DNP ranks first among 141 sustainability awards as the best known and one of the three most credible.