What the judges are looking for

“I’m looking for inspiring, authentic stories told well… and I want to know what happened next. I want to feel energised by the creativity, ideation and execution of the campaign and that sense of pride in a measurable outcome.”

“This has been a year like no other. Companies have had to ensure that their commitments are robust, defendable and will drive value. External noise and scrutiny have been persistent. I’ll be particularly looking for examples of companies that have been clever in engaging stakeholders but done so with shrewd insights.”

“Evidence of action and real-world outcomes that have impact on delivery of the SDGs and that use recognised metrics and verification to indicate that impact. Also clever use of insights and creativity to engage often hard to reach audiences on sustainability issues.”

"Businesses have a key role to play in creating a more equitable and sustainable world. It is also a role that is inextricably linked to their licence to operate and the expectations of investors and consumers. I'll be looking for entries that are authentic and bold in their approach to tackling some of society's biggest challenges and delivering real and measurable change where it matters."

“Winning entries tell a compelling story that’s crafted and easy to read. Objectives that are delivered and measurable, a strategy that feels insight driven, and results that made an impact for the company and customer. And finally they’re relevant to the category they entered.”

“While many businesses are struggling with ESG communication, businesses are still making incredible progress. I want to see campaigns where comms professionals have met the challenge with data-backed, creative thinking that makes their campaigns more relevant to the target audience.”

“The most powerful sustainability entries go beyond promises — they deliver real, measurable change. We’re celebrating initiatives that embed purpose into their core, lead with creativity and integrity, and champion ethical practices like fairer trade. These awards honour sustainability-led leadership that inspires others and drives genuine progress for people and planet.”

“I’m looking for campaigns that address the systemic challenges of our time, setting out clear objectives and connecting with defined audiences. The best campaigns are ones where the results align with the objectives, and there’s clarity on what the business is trying to achieve.”

“I’m hoping to see bold and inspiring campaigns that put a stake in the ground and inspire meaningful change that deliver against the campaign’s objectives. ESG isn’t an outcome, it should become part of the fabric of the business and I would like to see that reflected in the campaign – not just what the audience sees, but also the approach and production too.”

“I am looking for entries that harmonise environmental, social, and governance principles with tangible impact. It will be good to see ideas that demonstrate how responsible business practices can help build a better, equitable and more sustainable future.”

“I'm going to be looking for campaigns that reach outside the pro-progress echo chamber, driving advocacy and action in a global landscape that, in some places, has turned against the ESG agenda. How can brands highlight sustainability initiatives and actions in a way that make those tougher audiences care?”

“I’ll be looking for entries that show PR professionals thinking for themselves — fact-checking, challenging their clients, and ensuring accuracy of ESG claims to avoid any risk of greenwashing. The strongest campaigns will balance creativity with integrity, delivering real impact while proving the value of rigorous, responsible communications to communicate a clients ESG journey.”

“I am looking for initiatives that embody the trifecta of sustainability, purpose-driven innovation, and measurable impact – all underpinned by an unwavering commitment to shaping a better future. I'm eager to see how these campaigns are informed by data, drive strategic change, and effectively communicate their alignment with the Purpose and Sustainable Development Goals.”

“What appreciable difference - beyond business as usual, or regulatory compliance - did your sustainability activities make? And can others’ learn from your experience?”

“‘ESG as a concept may have become politicised, but there is meaningful work going on in promoting environmental causes and climate goals, social change and good governance. I’ll be looking for all three.”

"In evaluating entries for the ESG & Sustainability Awards, we are looking for those that excel in aligning with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The ideal submission will highlight innovative approaches, tangible results, and a strong dedication to advancing environmental and social progress."

"I’m looking for entries that show how ESG principles are embedded across the organisation or campaign strategy, while demonstrating clear and measurable impact. There should be evidence of progress, innovation, and resilience - particularly in the face of current external pressures. And above all, I am keen to see authenticity.”

"For me it's about work that really matters, work that drives lasting change...not just press coverage but work delivered from the heart."

“I’m looking for work that makes me jealous. Jealous that I didn’t come up with that killer insight or that amazing idea myself. You know it when you see it and it gives you all the feels. Sharp insight. Clever idea. All beautifully executed.”

“I will be looking for social and organisational impact. Campaigns that make a statement and initiate positive change.”

“Work that makes a fabulous impact in the world, is designed with intent and aligned with purpose. When an entry clearly articulates progress in the context of purpose, measurability and meaning come together and that for me is a winning formula.”

"In a winning entry, I look for an innovative solution that meets the objective head-on, is led by insight and achieves relevant and real-world outcomes."

“I’m not just looking for projects that tick boxes and have good ‘intentions’. What really catches my eye are the ideas where sustainability feels part of a brand or organisation’s DNA. I’m especially interested in how brands take challenges, such as environmental or social pressures, and turn them opportunities to drive real progress.”

"I'm really keen to see how campaigns have had ESG and Sustainability at the core of their thinking and how that has been implemented to achieve standout results. These themes are evermore important in the world we live in today and I'm excited to see a variety of innovative techniques being utilised for good in campaigns."

"The heart of impactful sustainability? Initiatives that are inclusive, culturally fluent, and leave no one behind. That’s how real change happens, and that’s exactly what I’ll be looking for."

“A winning entry will strike the right balance between addressing a real social/environmental need, getting to a clear understanding of the ‘so what?’; and then finding a compelling way to bring that to life so that audiences think or act differently.”