About the Green Award
This award, established in 2011, is intended to recognize green programs that exist institution-wide in AZA member zoos and aquariums to reduce the environmental impact of the organization from a business operations standpoint.
The leaders of the winning zoos and aquariums will be those who recognize that being green is a good business practice and directly contributes to the conservation of the natural world. The leaders of the winning institutions will have demonstrated commitment to continuous evaluation and improvement directly attributed to the recognition that our conservation mission begins with how we operate our facilities.
This award recognizes the significant efforts that have been made at AZA member institutions to put our conservation mission into action as a model for our industry and our communities.
The criteria in the application guidelines are key components for the evaluation of potential award recipients.
If there is any question as to what constitutes an eligible project, please email Rob Vernon or call (301) 244-3352.
How to Submit an Application
2020 sample application and guidelines are available below. 2021 application materials will be updated in the Spring and will be due on June 1, 2021.
All Honors and Awards applications must be submitted in electronic format ONLY and must be compiled into one PDF file. Please make sure the file name reflects both the award name and the institution.
Please upload your file to the AZA Dropbox. Your file will go to the AZA Digital Dropbox account, but you do not need to sign in, or even have a Dropbox account to use this link—when it opens, just click on the “choose files” box and upload your application.
Remember to submit a Media Release Form (DOC) with your application.
Green Award Winners
See the past winners' applications (member login required)
2020
Significant Achievement
Houston Zoo
2018
Significant Achievement
Calgary Zoo
2017
Top Honors
Philadelphia Zoo
2016
Top Honors
Akron Zoological Park
2015
Top Honors
- Detroit Zoo
- Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre
2014
Significant Achievement
Detroit Zoo
2013
Top Honors
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
2012
Top Honors
North Carolina Zoo
Significant Achievement
Oregon Zoo
2011
Top Honors
Denver Zoo
Significant Achievement
- Cincinnati Zoo
- Woodland Park Zoo