The prestigious halls of the InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest once again provided the perfect setting for a celebration of visionary leadership, innovation, and corporate responsibility — the Sustainability in Business Awards Gala 2026, organized by Sustainability Today and The Diplomat-Bucharest.
Dedicated to honoring excellence and recognizing tangible contributions to sustainable development across Romania’s business landscape, the Gala brought together leading companies, pioneering projects, and influential executives who are driving positive change through responsible business practices and innovative solutions.
Over the years, the Sustainability in Business Forum & Awards Gala has established itself as a leading platform for dialogue and recognition in the field of sustainability. By showcasing outstanding achievements and highlighting organizations at the forefront of responsible business, the event reinforces the importance of integrating sustainability into every industry and region.
Beyond celebrating achievements, the Gala recognizes the ideas, technologies, and leadership strategies shaping the transition toward a greener, more inclusive, and resilient economy. It provides a platform for innovative approaches and meaningful initiatives addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges, from climate change and resource efficiency to ethical governance and social responsibility.
As a driver of progress and a meeting point for collaboration, the event encourages dialogue, strengthens partnerships, and promotes a shared commitment to building a more sustainable future. By bringing together key stakeholders from across the business community, the Gala inspires collective action and highlights the essential role of responsible leadership in creating lasting economic, environmental, and social values.
The event, organized by Sustainability-Today and The Diplomat Bucharest, celebrated the pioneers of sustainable business. In alignment with the forum’s core values, AS Metal Com supported the event’s climate goals.
Their involvement included retiring 20 voluntary carbon credits from a Gold Standard-certified recycling project to offset a portion of the event’s emissions. This premium certification guarantees that each credit represents a real, verified reduction of CO₂, serving as a clear example of how the circular economy drives real decarbonization.
The success of this event would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our partners. We extend our sincere gratitude to all those who share our vision and contribute to advancing sustainability and responsible business practices in Romania:
STRATEGIC PARTNER CERC – Coalition for Circular Economy
PLATINUM PARTNER Auchan Romania
GOLD PARTNERS CHEP, Continental Tyres Romania, Ursus Breweries, PwC Romania, Eldrive Romania, Coca-Cola HBC, Green Point, Philip Morris, RetuRO, Enery, PORR, E.ON, Delgaz Grid
PARTNERS Tinmar Energy, BMF Grup, Sustainability Lens, Romgaz, Electrica
PARTNER INSTITUTIONS
- German-Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – AHK Romania
- British Romanian Chamber of Commerce – BRCC
- Concordia Employers’ Confederation
- Ecoteca
- Romanian Association of Electricity Producers – HENRO
- Intelligent Energy Association
- Romanian Workplace and Facility Management Association – ROFMA
- ROMPAP – Romanian Pulp and Paper Industry Employers’ Association
- Cluj IT Cluster
- Lovering & Partners
MEDIA PARTNERS Outsourcing Today, Automotive Today, Financial Intelligence, Romania Durabilă, Economistul, Club Economic, Ziarul Bursa, InvesTenergy.
Romania’s sustainability champions were decided by the esteemed jury committee, comprised of top professionals from various business sectors:
RAUL POP — Programme Director, Ecoteca
MIHAELA FRĂSINEANU — State Adviser for Environmental Affairs, Prime Minister’s Chancellery
RAMONA JURUBIȚĂ — Country Managing Partner, KPMG Romania
MIHAELA CROITORU — CEO, Sustainability Lens
MONICA MOVILEANU — Partner, ESG Leader, PwC Romania
ALEX LAIBĂR — Executive Director, CERC – Coalition for Circular Economy
ILINCA PANDELE — Member of the Executive Board, AHK Romania
ADELINA DABU — Director of European Affairs and International Relations, Concordia Employers’ Confederation
SILVIA VLĂSCEANU — Executive Director, HENRO – Romanian Association of Electricity Producers
COLIN LOVERING — Founder, Lovering & Partners Business Consultants
A special thank you to our jury members for supporting this great event organized by Sustainability Today and The Diplomat-Bucharest!
And now it’s time to reveal the list of winners at the Sustainability Awards Gala 2026:
CORPORATE LEADERSHIP IN SUSTAINABILITY
The award in this category recognizes a company that has demonstrated excellence in making sustainability a fundamental principle of its strategy and operations.
By promoting the circular economy, reducing emissions, and using resources responsibly, the company contributes to a more sustainable future for the environment, communities, and the economy.
Through its reuse and sharing model, the winner is helping transform supply chains, generating significant environmental and community benefits. In collaboration with its partners and customers, the company has contributed to the reduction of 2.29 million tonnes of waste and the recovery of more than 880,000 tonnes of surplus food.
For its leadership in making sustainability a fundamental principle of its operations and value creation.
This award was presented to CHEP ROMANIA.
ESG INVESTOR OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes a company whose vision translates ESG principles into investments with a tangible impact. The winning company demonstrates that economic performance and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
In 2025, the company invested more than RON 690 million, allocating 83% of its capital to fleet modernization and low-emission mobility. The share of hybrid and electric vehicles increased to 31%, while average fleet emissions continued to decline.
Through substantial investments, operational efficiency, and financing aligned with sustainability objectives, Autonom is actively contributing to the transformation of mobility and the acceleration of decarbonization.
In recognition of its leadership, vision, and commitment to building a more efficient and sustainable future for mobility, this award was presented to AUTONOM SERVICES.
GAME CHANGER IN SUSTAINABILITY
This award recognizes an outstanding contribution to the development of the circular economy in Romania by transforming organic waste into renewable energy and agricultural resources.
Through anaerobic digestion technology, the winning company transforms waste from the food industry, retail, and hospitality sectors into biogas, renewable electricity, and heat, while returning nutrients to the soil through digestate. With four operational biogas plants, the company is building regional infrastructure for the responsible and traceable management of organic waste, with plans to expand its operations nationwide.
Through its “Sustementality for Life” model, the company demonstrates that sustainability can become concrete, measurable, and scalable action.
In recognition of its vision, innovation, and ability to transform waste into resources for a circular future, this award was presented to GENESIS BIOPARTNER.
NET-ZERO CARBON STRATEGY OF THE YEAR
This category recognizes a company demonstrating a strong commitment to transforming the building materials industry and accelerating the transition toward a net-zero future.
Through energy efficiency, the use of alternative fuels and raw materials, clinker content reduction, and the development of circular economy solutions, Holcim Romania integrates decarbonization throughout its production chain.
Through its Carbon2Business project, the company is preparing one of Romania’s most significant industrial investments in carbon capture, further strengthening the path toward climate neutrality.
In recognition of its vision, innovation, and leadership in industrial decarbonization, this award was presented to HOLCIM ROMÂNIA.
SUSTAINABILITY FRONTRUNNER IN THE INDUSTRY
This award recognizes a company that stands out for transforming sustainability into an integrated industrial model connecting technology, operational efficiency, employee engagement, and community impact.
Through its operations in Romania, the company demonstrates that sustainability can become an integral part of every decision. The 3.1 MWp photovoltaic system installed at its factory supplies approximately 20% of the facility’s energy needs, while innovative technologies help reduce emissions and promote more responsible resource use.
Through education, employee engagement, and community-focused projects, the company extends this model beyond the factory gates.
In recognition of its innovation, consistency, and leadership in building a more efficient and sustainable industry, this award was presented to CONTINENTAL ANVELOPE ROMÂNIA.
SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERSHIP OF THE YEAR
This category recognizes the creation of a collaborative model bringing together companies, non-governmental organizations, public authorities, and communities to build a more sustainable future.
Launched in Ploiești in 2025, the award-winning collaboration model transforms cross-sector dialogue into concrete action in environmental protection, education, urban regeneration, and community development.
Through initiatives such as CIVITECA, Sustainable Neighborhoods, and ComuniParc, the initiative has already reached more than 1,300 direct beneficiaries, organized over 35 community events, and generated investments of EUR 200,000, demonstrating that lasting change is built together.
In recognition of its vision, collaboration, and contribution to building more resilient communities, this award was presented to Sustainability Board, an initiative launched by COCA-COLA HBC ROMÂNIA through the #AFTERUS platform, together with its partners: FEDERAȚIA FUNDAȚIILOR COMUNITARE DIN ROMÂNIA, FUNDAȚIA COMUNITARĂ PRAHOVA, PENNY ROMÂNIA, and BERGENBIER ROMÂNIA.
SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERSHIP OF THE YEAR
This category recognizes the implementation of a nationwide circular economy model that transforms environmental responsibility into a shared effort involving producers, retailers, public authorities, and consumers.
The system has established one of Romania’s most extensive sustainability infrastructures, ensuring the collection, traceability, sorting, and recycling of plastic, metal, and glass packaging.
Since the system was launched in November 2023, more than 12 billion packages have been returned, and nearly 900,000 tonnes of materials have been delivered to recyclers. In 2025, the collection rate reached 83%.
Through its scale, collaboration, and measurable results, RetuRO demonstrates that the circular economy can become a nationwide reality.
In recognition of its impact, innovation, and decisive contribution to transforming Romania into a more circular economy, this award was presented to RetuRO.
SUSTAINABLE FINANCE SOLUTIONS PROVIDER OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes a significant contribution to the development of one of Romania’s most important solar energy projects and the acceleration of the transition toward a more sustainable energy system.
As the project’s leading local banking partner, the awarded financial institution supports the development of a portfolio of three photovoltaic parks in the Oltenia region, with a total capacity of 190 MW. The project is backed by a financing package of approximately EUR 121 million, alongside the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Once completed, the project will be able to supply electricity to more than 160,000 households annually, contributing to energy security and the competitiveness of the Romanian economy.
In recognition of its vision, financial expertise, and active involvement in shaping Romania’s energy future, this award was presented to BANCA COMERCIALĂ ROMÂNĂ – BCR.
SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN OF THE YEAR
This category recognizes a company that has transformed its supply chain into a strategic tool for decarbonization, transparency, and responsible procurement.
The company uses digital mapping to identify and compare suppliers and material sources, integrating criteria such as transport distance, local availability, reliability, and potential CO₂ emissions into its procurement decisions.
By combining technology with ESG supplier assessments and sustainability criteria, PORR demonstrates that procurement can simultaneously deliver economic efficiency and positive environmental impact.
In recognition of its innovation, transparency, and leadership in building a sustainable supply chain, this award was presented to PORR CONSTRUCT.
SUSTAINABILITY AMBASSADOR
This award recognizes visionary leadership that transforms sustainability from an ideal into practical solutions for people, communities, and the built environment.
Under her leadership, the organization has become a benchmark for innovation in sustainable housing, energy efficiency, and environmental education. From participating in international Solar Decathlon competitions and receiving more than 40 awards to developing impactful national projects, the organization has demonstrated the power of turning ideas into practical solutions.
Through initiatives such as the Energy Efficiency Simulator, HaiHui Verzui, and the upcoming Sustainability Institute, this year’s recipient connects engineering, education, business, and civil society, engaging a new generation in the green transition.
In recognition of her vision, courage, and leadership in building a sustainable future, this award was presented to DALIA STOIAN, PRESIDENT OF EFDEN.
CEO LEADERSHIP IN SUSTAINABILITY
This category recognizes a leader who demonstrates that sustainability can be a driver of growth, competitiveness, and resilience in agriculture.
Under his leadership, the company is transforming its business model into an integrated, circular system that connects milk production with renewable energy and innovative animal feed solutions.
In 2025, the company reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 6%, emissions per litre of milk by 16%, energy consumption by 5%, and water consumption by 13%. It also produced 3,500 tonnes of compost.
In recognition of his vision, innovation, and leadership in developing a circular and sustainable agricultural model, this award was presented to Peter de Boer, CEO of DN AGRAR.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes the promotion of the circular economy through a model that transforms reuse into education, creativity, and value for the community.
Over its 20 years in Romania, the winning company has integrated sustainability into its development. Through its “O Nouă Viață” (“A New Life”) project, it gives pre-owned clothing a new purpose, encouraging responsible consumption and promoting the principles of reduction, reuse, and recycling.
In 2025, its partnership with Bucharest Fashion Week and the Next Generation programme took the initiative further: 10 young designers transformed reused clothing into collections inspired by Romanian traditions, showcasing them on the runway alongside established designers.
In recognition of its vision, creativity, and ability to turn the circular economy into an inspiring experience for a new generation, this award was presented to AUCHAN ROMÂNIA.
EDUCATIONAL PROJECT IN SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability education begins with understanding and then translates that understanding into action. This category recognizes an educational programme that brings knowledge about renewable energy, energy efficiency, and responsible consumption into schools through an accessible and engaging format for children.
Through its “Action-First” methodology, children explore solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass energy while learning how to make more responsible choices in their everyday lives. Teachers are also provided with all the resources they need to continue delivering the programme in their classrooms.
With 7,693 students involved and more than 300 teachers already using its educational materials, the programme demonstrates how education can drive change in schools, families, and communities.
This award was presented to the “Eroii Energiei” (“Energy Heroes”) project, developed by the Romanian Association for Green Energy and Sustainable Development (AREVDD), part of Simtel Group.
SOCIAL VALUE INITIATIVE IN SUSTAINABILITY
Sometimes, a simple gesture can generate an extraordinary impact. The campaign recognized in this category transforms online engagement into tangible support for vulnerable communities.
During the holiday season, the company behind this programme committed to donating 1,000,000 kWh of electricity to four social, medical, and educational organizations in Romania. Through an accessible mechanism open to everyone, the campaign supported children and young people with disabilities, patients receiving palliative care, vulnerable families, and people affected by social exclusion.
The project demonstrates that solidarity can begin with a small gesture and bring light where it is needed most.
This award was presented to E.ON ENERGIE ROMÂNIA for its “GIVE LIGHT” campaign.
SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION CONCEPT
Innovation can transform industrial waste into a valuable resource. The company recognized in this category has developed a technical solution, currently undergoing the patenting process, for treating white dross generated during the secondary production of aluminium alloys.
The solution uses a sealed rotary unit and an external water-cooling system to cool and fragment hot dross in a controlled manner, reducing its temperature from approximately 700–990°C to 90–150°C in just 15–30 minutes.
The resulting granular material can be separated into different fractions, enabling the recovery of aluminium for remelting and the potential use of oxide-rich fractions as secondary raw materials. By reducing crushing operations and increasing metal recovery, the proposed solution opens up new opportunities for efficiency and circularity in the aluminium industry.
This award was presented to AS METAL.
TECHNOLOGY IMPACT
The sustainable transformation of industry does not always mean building from scratch; sometimes, it means making existing processes smarter. At its brewery in Buzău, the winning company implemented the Meurastream Green concept, demonstrating how existing industrial infrastructure can be transformed to improve energy and water efficiency.
Through heat recovery, hot water reuse, optimized boiling, and air stripping, the project reduced evaporation losses from 4% to 1.5%, saving significant amounts of thermal energy and water.
In addition, the beer filtration cycle was extended by 40%, while filter aid consumption decreased by approximately 46%, with no compromise on the quality of the final product.
This is a clear example of decarbonization through innovation, efficiency, and the intelligent use of resources.
This award was presented to URSUS BREWERIES.
WASTE AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROJECT OF THE YEAR
A circular economy is built not only through infrastructure, but also through understanding. The company recognized in this category is making recycling an accessible and engaging experience through its first Experience Room.
Located above the recycling operations, the space gives visitors the opportunity to observe real processes and discover, through interactive and multimedia technologies, the journey of fibre-based packaging — from collection and recycling to its transformation into new products.
Open to the community, including children, school pupils, university students, teachers, and researchers, the Experience Room builds a bridge between industry and education, turning complex concepts into practical lessons about circularity and responsibility.
This project invests in education, awareness, and the generations that will shape the circular economy of tomorrow.
This award was presented to DS SMITH for its Experience Room project.
BRAND OF THE YEAR (online vote)
For 20 years, the company recognized in this category has evolved alongside society, making sustainability an integral part of the way it does business. From supporting local producers and developing the circular economy to investing in renewable energy and reducing food waste, the company demonstrates how retail can generate impact on a large scale.
In 2025, the company developed more than 100 responsible supply chains, with over 90% of its suppliers based in Romania. In addition, more than 40 social projects received over RON 4 million in funding, supporting education, inclusion, and efforts to combat food insecurity.
A retail model that places sustainability at the heart of its transformation.
The Sustainability Brand of the Year award was presented to AUCHAN ROMÂNIA.
SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING & COMMUNICATIONS (online vote)
For the company recognized in this category, the transition toward a low-emission future is supported by a clear strategy, measurable objectives, and a rigorous governance and monitoring system.
With the ambition of achieving Net Zero by 2050, the company has taken important steps toward decarbonization and transparency. In 2025, renewable sources accounted for 32% of its consolidated energy mix, equivalent to more than 524,000 MWh, while total greenhouse gas emissions stood at approximately 1.78 million tonnes of CO₂.
At the same time, the company aligned its reporting with the European CSRD requirements and ESRS standards, supported by a double materiality assessment and independent assurance.
Through this approach, the company turns sustainability into a measurable, transparent process integrated into business performance.
This award was presented to ALRO.
ENERGY FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE (presented by The Diplomat-Bucharest)
This award recognizes the company’s commitment to contributing to a more sustainable energy future, demonstrated through its strategic approach to energy sector development, long-term value creation, and responsible investment.
A defining example is the Neptun Deep project, one of Romania’s most significant energy investments. Through its participation in this project, the company contributes to the responsible development of the country’s offshore natural gas resources, strengthening energy resilience while supporting the long-term transformation of the energy sector.
The project reflects a long-term approach to sustainability — one that connects energy security, economic development, operational responsibility, and the requirements of the energy transition.
This award was presented to ROMGAZ.
EXCELLENCE IN CIRCULAR ECONOMY INFRASTRUCTURE (presented by The Diplomat-Bucharest)
This award recognizes the development of an integrated industrial ecosystem that transforms waste management into an efficient process for resource recovery and reintegration into the economy.
By integrating recycling, secondary raw material production, digitalization, traceability, and environmental compliance, the ecosystem has processed more than 300,000 tonnes of materials and reintegrated over 200,000 tonnes of secondary raw materials into the economy, achieving an average conversion rate of 72.4%.
Furthermore, more than 92% of the electricity used comes from renewable sources.
These results demonstrate a scalable industrial model focused on resource efficiency, circularity, and reduced environmental impact.
This award was presented to GREENGROUP.
E-MOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE LEADER (presented by The Diplomat-Bucharest)
This award recognizes a company that understands that the transition to electric mobility cannot accelerate without infrastructure capable of keeping pace with it.
The company has embraced innovation by developing a project in Fetești featuring 10 ultra-fast charging stations, each with a capacity of 400 kW. The project sets a new benchmark for high-power charging infrastructure and supports one of the most important transit corridors leading to Romania’s seaside.
The company has exceeded 1,000 charging points across Romania and aims to double its installed capacity from 42 MW to 84 MW.
For turning electric mobility into a reality at both national and regional levels, this award was presented to ELDRIVE ROMANIA.
ZERO COMPROMISES – RAISING THE STANDARD OF RESPONSIBILITY (presented by The Diplomat-Bucharest)
In recognition of its success in bringing public authorities, companies, and retailers together around a common goal — making legal compliance a natural expression of responsibility — we are presenting a Special Award to the ZERO Compromises initiative.
Launched by Philip Morris Romania in partnership with the National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC), the Association of Municipalities of Romania (AMR), HORA – the Employers’ Organization of Hotels and Restaurants in Romania, and Mega Image, the campaign encourages retailers to verify the age of customers purchasing tobacco and nicotine products whenever there is any doubt.
Its objective is to make requesting identification a nationwide reflex, as natural as wearing a seat belt.
This award was presented to PHILIP MORRIS ROMÂNIA.
