A free community celebration honoring Nevada sustainability leaders is set for Nov. 5. The 2026 Golden Pinecone Sustainability Awards will recognize 14 individuals, organizations, projects, and businesses for their contributions to a more sustainable Nevada. Award recipients will be honored Thursday, Nov, 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce, 4065 S. Virginia Street, Suite 100, Reno.

This year’s theme, “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” acknowledges the people and organizations strengthening Nevada, with a hands-on giving component included. Dr. Kyle Dalpe, president of Western Nevada College, will serve as master of ceremonies.

Established in 1989, the Golden Pinecone Sustainability Awards recognize individuals, educators, businesses, and organizations working to make their communities more sustainable and environmentally healthy. The awards celebrate these contributions while bringing the community together to recognize progress and inspire continued action.

Community members are invited to attend and celebrate alongside the honorees. Admission is free, but space is limited so advance registration is encouraged. Register at https://members.thechambernv.org/ap/Events/Register/8EFO6AauOCRC7.

 

2026 Award Recipients

Individual Volunteer — Brian Thornton, Nevada Climate Team

Educational Program — Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful

Educator — Aaron Grossman, Hunsberger Elementary School

Green Dining Establishment — Buenos Grill

Nonprofit Organization — ImpactNV

Sustainability Milestones Northern Nevada — Washoe County Climate Action Plan

Sustainability Milestones Southern Nevada — UNLV Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine

Green Project of the Year — The Nevada Museum of Art

Sustainable Supply Chain — Sol-Up

Youth Leadership — Brian Price, UNR Student

Towards Zero Waste — The Katie Grace Foundation

Tier 1 Green Business Leader — Sierra Pink Automotive

Tier 2 Green Business Champion — Professional Dog Mom LLC

Tier 3 Innovator — Gear Hut

 

The 2026 awards celebration is organized by Western Nevada College, greenUP! and the Reno Sparks Chamber of Commerce.  The event sponsor is greenUP!.