Leadership in Energy Efficiency Awards

Honoring the leaders, innovators, and trailblazers that are advancing energy efficiency in the Northwest.

Recognizing the Trailblazers of Energy Efficiency

NEEA’s annual Leadership in Energy Efficiency Awards ceremony is held every December to recognize significant contributors in the field of energy efficiency. This event gathers industry professionals, policymakers, stakeholders and others to acknowledge the impact of these leaders on the region’s energy efficiency efforts. 

 The ceremony honors achievements in four categories: 

  • Leadership in Energy Efficiency Rising Star Award – Recognizes an emerging leader in energy efficiency whose record reflects ongoing and exceptional growth in contribution to the industry.
  • Leadership in Energy Efficiency Award for Innovative Collaboration – Recognizes outstanding achievement by individuals, groups, and/or organizations in creating, using or promoting innovative solutions to collaborate that help the region achieve more energy efficiency.
  • Tom Eckman Lifetime Achievement in Energy Efficiency Award – Recognizes outstanding achievement of an individual whose career has greatly contributed to energy efficiency in the Northwest.
  • Chairperson’s Award – Appointed by NEEA’s Board Chair and Executive Director and recognizes individual dedication and effective, long-term commitment to advancing energy efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Individuals, organizations, group/teams, programs, and projects that reside in or directly benefit the Northwest are eligible. This includes any public or privately owned utilities, government agencies, community organizations, or regional energy efficiency organizations, non-profits, or contractors. Individuals may nominate themselves.  

**If submitting a team, group or organization for a nomination, please ensure anyone who should be recognized for the award is included in your submission** 

Submission Deadline

Submissions are due by September 19, 2025

Judging + Criteria

A panel of energy efficiency leaders from throughout the Northwest will review the submissions and select the winners based on the following criteria. Please note that the more specific nominations are in terms of project details, timing, and results, the more information our judges will have to properly evaluate the entry.

Rising Star Award Criteria

This award recognizes an emerging leader in energy efficiency whose record reflects ongoing and exceptional growth in contribution to the industry. The recipient is a dynamic individual who brings talent, drive and creativity to the field and demonstrates strong leadership qualities. They are just beginning their energy efficiency journey, with 5 years or less experience in the industry and have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the future of energy efficiency. There is no age definition for the recipient of this award. 

Innovative Collaboration Award Criteria

This award recognizes outstanding achievement by individuals, groups, and/or organizations in creating, using or promoting innovative solutions to collaborate that help the region achieve more energy efficiency. The recipient of this award demonstrates the following characteristics: 

  • Places regional or team goals above personal goals. 
  • Demonstrates innovative problem solving – seizes an opportunity that delivers value or satisfies an existing need more effectively than alternative technologies or solutions. 
  • Creates team environment, is respectful of differences, solicits multiple perspectives, builds consensus, shares knowledge and promotes knowledge sharing, maintains positive attitude, effectively engages team. 
  • Drives new ideas and welcomes new team members or groups. 
Tom Eckman Lifetime Achievement Award Criteria

This award recognizes the outstanding achievement of an individual whose career has greatly contributed to the advancement of energy efficiency in the Northwest. 

Chairperson’s Award

An honor bestowed by NEEA’s Board chair and executive director in recognition of individual dedication and effective, long-term commitment to advancing energy efficiency.

Additional Details

Recipients, nominees and energy efficiency professionals across the region will be invited to the award ceremony during the first day of NEEA’s Annual Meeting in December.

Discover a Legacy of Excellence in Energy Efficiency

Explore the remarkable achievements of past winners from the last decade of NEEA’s Leadership in Energy Efficiency Awards. These individuals and organizations have set the standard for innovation, collaboration, and dedication in advancing energy efficiency across the Northwest.

Success Stories

Explore how NEEA is transforming markets and driving energy efficiency across the region.

Research + Data

Delve into NEEA’s reports and gain insights into the alliance’s Market Transformation progress.

News

Stay informed about NEEA’s energy efficiency efforts.

Get Involved

Engage with industry experts and network with peers to get updates on the latest trends.