2025 Climate Champion Awards

Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo Climate Action Hub and organizing partners of Nanaimo Climate Connections 2025 recognize outstanding contributions to climate action and sustainability. The awards celebrate individuals and organizations that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and measurable impact in addressing climate change in our region.

Two categories are awarded:

• Organizational Climate Action Award

• Individual Climate Action Champion Award

Organizational Climate Action Award

Eligible nominees must:

• Be a non-profit organization, community group, business, or public institution operating in the region.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to climate action through initiatives, operations, or partnerships, with measurable and transparent impact.

• Have implemented a program or project within the last two years that addresses climate change mitigation, adaptation, or education.

Individual Climate Action Champion Award

Eligible nominees must:

• Reside in the Regional District of Nanaimo

• Demonstrate personal commitment to climate action through volunteer work, advocacy, innovation, or leadership.

• Have made a measurable and sustained contribution to advancing climate awareness or solutions within their community.

Nomination rules.

• Organizations and individuals cannot self-nominate:

• Individuals may be nominated by their own organization.

• Organizations must be nominated by an individual (whether or not they are a member) or by another organization.

Nomination Process 

• Fill out the form to nominate an individual.

• Fill out the form to nominate an organization.

• Write a 500-word statement detailing the nominee’s contribution to climate action.

• Supporting documents (e.g., photos, reports, media coverage, letters of support) are encouraged but optional.

Review and Selection

• A Selection Committee composed of 3 members of the Climate Connections Committee will review all nominations.

• Evaluation will be based on:

• Impact and innovation

• Leadership and engagement

• Alignment with climate justice principles

Award Announcement

• Winners will be officially announced at the Climate Connections 2025 event on Saturday, September 13th, 2025.

• Awardees will be featured on the organization’s platforms and may be invited to share their story.

Important Dates

• Call for nominations opens: August 15th, 2025

• Deadline to submit: September 7th, 2025

• Review period: September 8-11th, 2025  

• Award ceremony: September 13th, 2025