The tips below apply to any program, whether you’re submitting to an industry association, a regional business competition, or a global recognition platform. If you’re preparing your submission for the 2026 Environment+Energy Leader Awards, you’ll find these strategies align closely with what top-scoring entries deliver.
What winners do: Lead with measurable results — emissions reduced, energy saved, waste diverted, or financial savings achieved.
How to apply it: Put your strongest numbers and proof at the very top of your entry, not buried in attachments.
What winners do: Keep submissions concise and well-organized so judges can scan and score efficiently.
How to apply it: Use short paragraphs, headings, and bullet points. Cut any detail that doesn’t directly support your main message.
What winners do: Align their entry tightly to the chosen category’s purpose and judging criteria.
How to apply it: Review the full award guidelines and tailor your language so it clearly addresses the stated focus areas.
Pro tip: If you’re entering the E+E Leader Awards, review the full category descriptions on our entry site before you start writing — it will help you match your submission to the right category and maximize your score.
What winners do: Demonstrate tangible impact — environmental, operational, or financial — backed by documentation.
How to apply it: Include certifications, case studies, testimonials, or third-party validations that reinforce your claims.
What winners do: Share their journey honestly, including challenges and lessons learned.
How to apply it: Write in a straightforward tone and avoid over-polishing — judges value authenticity as much as results. If you use AI tools to help draft your entry, make sure the people most familiar with the entry re-read, edit, and finalize it so your real story and perspective aren’t lost to automation.
If you’re working on your entry for the 2026 Environment+Energy Leader Awards, submissions are open now with early entry perks — including the chance to gift a free Startup Award entry to a company of your choice.
