Awards and Recognition

The Sustainability Excellence Awards (SEA)

2023 AAM Awards Update: To better highlight and celebrate the museum professional community in all its diversity, we are in the process of redesigning an awards program that aligns with AAM’s strategic framework and centers equity and inclusion. As part of this process, this award program is temporarily on hold while we pilot a few updates to three other awards programs in 2023.

Submissions are closed for this year.

The Sustainability Excellence Awards is a signature program of the Environment and Climate Network that educates, facilitates, and encourages green practices in museums. Started in 2014, the award recognizes sustainability efforts in facilities, programming, and exhibits in both large and small institutions. The Environment and Climate Network views the award as an opportunity to share sustainability stories and encourage museums to develop and educate visitors about green practices. SEA winners are honored at the AAM Annual Meeting and MuseumExpoWinners also receive a gift donated on their behalf to the “Adopt an Acre of the Northern Rockies” program from the Nature Conservancy.

Eligibility and Policies

Submission Categories

Criteria and Selection Process

Application Form

Questions?

Email: Environment and Climate Network

2021 Recipients

Facilities/Site Operation

Winner, Existing Facility

Museum of Modern Art, New York City, NY

Winner, New Construction

Burke Museum, Seattle, WA

Special Award for Merit

Louisiana Children’s Museum, New Orleans, LA

Honorable Mention

Bell Museum, St. Paul, MN

Programming

Winner

Missouri Botanical Garden:  St. Louis Green Business Challenge in St. Louis, MO

Exhibits Award

Winner

Madison Children’s Museum: Trash Lab, Madison, WI

See past recipients

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