Bern Launches 2026 Sustainability Award, Encouraging Local Innovation
The city of Bern, Switzerland, is now accepting applications for its third annual Berner Nachhaltigkeitspreis (Bern Sustainability Award), a program designed to recognize and reward initiatives that contribute to sustainable development within the city limits. The award, open to organizations, groups, companies, and associations, aims to highlight impactful projects and inspire further engagement in environmental, social, and economic sustainability. With a top prize of 10,000 Swiss francs, the Berner Nachhaltigkeitspreis underscores Bern’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering a more sustainable urban environment.
The award isn’t simply a symbolic gesture; it’s a strategic component of Bern’s broader sustainability agenda. The city government recognizes that achieving the ambitious targets set by the 17 SDGs requires collaborative effort and innovative solutions from all sectors of society. By incentivizing and celebrating successful projects, the Berner Nachhaltigkeitspreis seeks to mobilize local actors – from neighborhood associations to research institutions – to actively participate in building a more resilient and equitable future. The award process itself is designed to be inclusive, with a jury comprised of experts from city administration, civil society, academia, and the business community.
Applications for the 2026 Berner Nachhaltigkeitspreis are open until June 15, 2026. The winners will be announced on September 5, 2026, during the opening festivities of the Berner Nachhaltigkeitstage (Bern Sustainability Days), a multi-day event held at the car-free Bahnhofplatz (train station square). This public recognition provides a valuable platform for project leaders to showcase their function and connect with a wider audience. The Berner Nachhaltigkeitstage, running from September 5th to 18th, 2026, will feature a range of events and activities highlighting sustainability initiatives across the city.
Eligibility and Award Criteria
The Berner Nachhaltigkeitspreis is open to a wide range of applicants, including associations, groups, companies, and organizations whose primary area of impact is within the city of Bern. Notably, individual citizens and political parties are excluded from participation. This focus on collective endeavors reflects the award’s emphasis on collaborative solutions and systemic change. Projects eligible for consideration must demonstrate a tangible impact and serve as a model for others.
According to the city of Bern, projects will be evaluated based on their effectiveness in addressing key areas of sustainable development – ecological, social, and economic. The official award guidelines (PDF, 1.3 MB) detail the specific criteria used by the jury. Projects that are already implemented or are currently in the implementation phase are eligible. This allows for the recognition of both established initiatives and promising new ventures. The emphasis on demonstrable impact ensures that the award goes to projects that are not only innovative but also deliver real-world benefits to the community.
A Broad Scope of Sustainable Initiatives
The Berner Nachhaltigkeitspreis isn’t limited to a specific sector or type of project. The city of Bern aims to recognize the diverse range of sustainability efforts underway within its boundaries. As noted by Nau.ch, the award encompasses the entire spectrum of urban life, from community-led neighborhood projects to corporate sustainability initiatives and research endeavors undertaken by students. This broad scope reflects the understanding that sustainability is a multifaceted challenge that requires integrated solutions.
Examples of projects that could be considered for the award include community gardens that promote local food production, businesses that adopt circular economy principles, and research projects that develop innovative technologies for reducing carbon emissions. The award also welcomes initiatives that address social equity issues, such as projects that promote affordable housing or provide access to education and training. The key is that the project demonstrates a clear commitment to sustainability and a measurable positive impact on the community.
Prize and Recognition
The Berner Nachhaltigkeitspreis offers not only financial support but also significant public recognition. The primary prize of 10,000 Swiss francs is jointly funded by the City of Bern and Gebäudeversicherung Bern (Bern Insurance), providing a substantial boost to the winning project. In addition to the main prize, winners will also receive attractive in-kind awards.
The award ceremony, held during the Berner Nachhaltigkeitstage, provides a platform for project leaders to present their work to a broad audience, including city officials, community members, and representatives from the media. This exposure can help to raise awareness of the project and attract further support. The Berner Nachhaltigkeitstage themselves offer a valuable opportunity for networking and knowledge sharing among sustainability stakeholders. The event will feature a variety of workshops, presentations, and exhibitions showcasing innovative sustainability initiatives from across the city.
Key Takeaways
- Applications Open: The Berner Nachhaltigkeitspreis is accepting submissions until June 15, 2026.
- Eligibility: Organizations, groups, companies, and associations operating within the city of Bern are eligible to apply.
- Prize: The top prize is 10,000 Swiss francs, along with in-kind awards and public recognition.
- Focus: The award recognizes projects that contribute to ecological, social, and economic sustainability.
- Event: Winners will be announced during the Berner Nachhaltigkeitstage, September 5-18, 2026.
The Berner Nachhaltigkeitspreis represents a significant investment in the future of Bern. By recognizing and rewarding innovative sustainability initiatives, the city is demonstrating its commitment to creating a more livable, equitable, and resilient community. The award serves as a catalyst for positive change, encouraging local actors to embrace sustainable practices and contribute to the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The next key date for those interested in participating is the application deadline of June 15, 2026. Further information, including the full award guidelines and application form, can be found on the City of Bern’s website. We encourage organizations and individuals with impactful sustainability projects to submit their applications and contribute to building a more sustainable future for Bern.