Question 1

What is the WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award?

Accepted Answer

The WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award is an international award that recognize outstanding sustainability efforts. Each year, the award focuses on a new theme. The award consists of two categories:

WIN WIN Award: Founded in 2000, the award recognises established leaders worldwide for their innovative and impactful sustainability solutions. 
The prize sum for the WIN WIN Award is 1 million SEK.

WIN WIN Youth Award: Founded in 2018, this award celebrates the efforts of young sustainability changemakers between the ages of 13 and 29.
The prize sum for the WIN WIN Youth Award is 100,000 SEK.

Question 2

Where can I learn more about past winners and their solutions?

Accepted Answer

Information about previous winners, their solutions, and the impact of their projects can be found on our website under the "Winners" section.
WIN WIN Award 
WIN WIN Youth Award

Question 3

What have been the previous themes?

Accepted Answer

2025: Trailblazing leadership
2024: Inclusive Transition
2023: Counteracting Disinformation
2022: Sustainable Aquaculture
2021: Anti-Corruption
2020: Biodiversity
2019: Sustainable Food
2018: Industrial Symbiosis
2017: Sustainable Design
2016: Collaborative Economy
2015: Solar Energy and Energy Efficiency
2014: Transformative Leadership
2013: Nature’s Services and Ingenious Solutions
2012: Closed-Loop Systems
2011: Sustainable Food Supply
2010: Sustainable Oceans
2009: Sustainable Urbanization
2008: Sustainable Chemical Use
2007: Climate Awareness
2006: Sustainable Transport
2005: Sustainable Food Production
2004: Sustainable Investments
2003: Sustainable Building Technology
2002: Sustainability Framework
2001: Environmental Certification
2000: Sustainable Energy

Question 4

Where is the award based?

Accepted Answer

The WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award is based in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Question 5

What is the organisational form of the WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award?

Accepted Answer

The award is a non-profit organisation financed through contributions from our partners in the public sector, private sector and academia, who share a commitment to promoting sustainability solutions.

Question 6

Can I receive funding for a project I plan to do?

Accepted Answer

No, the WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award is only given for completed projects and achievements.

Question 7

Who can apply for the award?

Accepted Answer

The award has an open nomination process, spanning from October to January, where anyone can nominate an eligible candidate.  Candidates for the award should be distinguished in their field and serve as role models for others to follow.

Question 8

How do I nominate a candidate for the award?

Accepted Answer

Nominations can be submitted online through our official website during the nomination period. Detailed instructions and eligibility criteria are provided on the nomination page.

Question 9

How is the nomination process structured?

Accepted Answer

Nominations for both the WIN WIN Award and the WIN WIN Youth Award open in October. The deadline for submitting nominations is in January, after which the jury reviews the nominations. Finalists for both awards are announced in March, and the winners are revealed in April. The prestigious award ceremony takes place in October, where the winners and their impactful sustainability solutions are honoured.

Question 10

Are there any costs associated with nominating someone?

Accepted Answer

No, there are no fees for submitting a nomination for the WIN WIN Award or the WIN WIN Youth Award.

Question 11

How are the winners selected?

Accepted Answer

Winners are selected through a rigorous evaluation process by a jury of experts in sustainability and related fields. Criteria include innovation, impact, scalability, system change and alignment with the SDGs.

Question 12

Is there an age limit for the WIN WIN Youth Award?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the WIN WIN Youth Award is open to individuals or groups of changemakers aged 13 to 29. Eligible candidates must be 29 for the entire calendar year of the award process. This means that a candidate must not turn 30 at any point during that year, including after the award ceremony.

Question 13

Can organisations outside Sweden apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award is international.

Question 14

Can individuals nominate themselves for the award?

Accepted Answer

Yes, self-nominations are allowed.

Question 15

Who founded the WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award?

Accepted Answer

The WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award was established in 2000 by Göran Johansson, then mayor of Gothenburg, Stefan Edman, a writer and biologist, and Carl Bennet, a prominent businessman. They recognized a pressing need to highlight and showcase outstanding solutions to environmental challenges, leading to the creation of the Gothenburg International Environment Award. In 2018, the award was renamed the  WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award.

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