On December 3 and 4, 2026, the MARITIM Hotel Düsseldorf will once again host a celebration of the competition winners and honor the diverse and successful paths to achieving goals.
On December 3, 2026, the spotlight in Düsseldorf will be on what sustainable transformation can achieve—in companies, in healthcare, and in international cooperation. The German Sustainability Award honors outstanding achievements in the fields of climate, resources, nature, work, and society across three size categories: SMEs, large companies, and corporations.
In 2026, the German Sustainability Award will gain a new European perspective. All winners will represent Germany in 2027 as National Champions Germany in the European Sustainability Award - alongside leading companies from across Europe.
The International German Sustainability Award and the German Sustainablity Award for Health are also integral parts of the evening. They broaden the perspective by highlighting cooperations that strengthen the sustainable developement worldwide and by showcasting solutions that display tangible transformation in healthcare. Honorary Awards recognize individuals who provide orientation, shape pubic debate and create impact beyond their own fields.
The award ceremony brings together finalists, winners and guests from economy, politics, science, media and civil society. It's the highlight of the #DNP26 - featuring strong examples, personal moments and a distinctive artistic dimension.
The televised awards ceremony strikes a deliberate balance between substance and entertainment to bring the concept of sustainability into the mainstream. Its aim is to achieve the widest possible reach through compelling narratives of transformation. While we deliberately abstain from tuxedos and evening gowns, a certain sense of glamour and the presence of prominent guests are deliberate from the outset. After all, sustainability is valuable. And the people driving change and achieving success matter to us, which is why we provide them with a high-caliber stage and musical performances. This enhances the visibility and the impact of the cause as a whole.
In doing so, we set standards and pioneer new, more sustainable approaches. The stage design has always relied exclusively on projections and has already received multiple design awards. The only physical element, our discussion panel, will be used for the 19th time in 2026.
We use what is likely the most sustainable sound system available for rental worldwide (D&B, made in Germany). Catering, including at the conference, is entirely vegetarian or vegan.
Right from the start, the set design of the awards ceremony relies on projections, the intelligent use of media and a simple screen made of recycled PET bottles. The podium and all wooden elements are stored and reused. State-of-the-art LED light and projection technology save energy and resources.