21st CII-ITC Sustainability Awards 2026

Application of Intent
Now Open!

CII-ITC Sustainability Awards Trophy

About the Awards

Instituted in 2006, the CII-ITC Sustainability Awards recognise and reward excellence in businesses that are seeking ways to be more sustainable and inclusive in their activities. The winners of the Awards are role models that inspire others to follow suit. The Awards are a part of the continued efforts of CESD to create awareness on sustainability practices and to create capacities in business. CII-ITC Sustainability Awards define the science of sustainability performance. Excellence in sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement in processes and results.

In the past 20 years, cumulatively, 1400+ businesses have applied, of which 500+ have been recognised.

The CII-ITC Sustainability Award is the most credible sustainability Award in the country. This Award is meant to be earned.

To access brochure write to us at sustainabilityawards@cii.in

Uniqueness of the Awards

Over a period of six months, applicants undergo a rigorous assessment process based on Business Excellence model tailored for business in India. A team of CII-certified Sustainability Assessors spend nearly 1,000 man-hours per application. A detailed Feedback Report to every applicant is provided to help the organisations get insights to improve their sustainability performance.

EFQM Excellence Framework

Uniquely based on EFQM Excellence Framework, designed for those who strive effortlessly to make sustainability their business.

Third Party Assured

The only third-party assured Awards in terms of technology, governance, methodology and process.

Track Record

In the past 20 years, cumulatively, 1400+ businesses from manufacturing, services and MSMEs sectors have applied, of which 500+ have been recognised so far.

Carbon Neutral

The CII-ITC Sustainability Awards is carbon neutral, offset by investing in Gold Standard carbon credit from improved cookstoves project installed in rural India.

You Should Apply Because

You want to assess your sustainability performance based on the Business Excellence Model.

You want to get strategic insights and identify improvement areas based on comprehensive and rigorous assessment by independent CII-certified Sustainability Assessors.

Positions your organisation as a responsible, future-ready organisation aligned with national and global sustainability standards.

You want to be recognised as Excellent in Sustainable Business by the most credible Sustainability Awards in the country.

Eligibility Criteria

Operating in India, for at least Five Years

A Large, Medium, Small, Micro-sized Enterprise or Independent Unit/Division

From Manufacturing or Service Sector

Important Dates

22 May
2026
Last date to receive
Application of Intent
3 July
2026
Last date to submit
Awards Questionnaire
December
2026
Announcement
of Awards

Assessment Methodology

The methodology is adapted from the internationally acclaimed European Foundation of Quality Management (EFQM) approach wherein equal weight is assigned to 'Enablers' and 'Results', indicating cause-effect relationship.

250+
Sustainability Indicators
16
Aspects Covered
6
Months of Assessment
2
Jury Review Stages

Specific questionnaires developed for Manufacturing, Services and MSME Sectors.

Sample Questionnaire to be provided on request, please write to us at sustainabilityawards@cii.in

Stages of Application

Stage 1

Application

  • Receiving Application of Intent
  • Receiving filled application document from the applicant
  • Preliminary screening of the applications
Stage 2

Desk Assessment

  • Desk Assessment by CII-trained Assessors
  • Consensus by assessment team
  • Jury Meeting
Stage 3

Site Assessment

  • On-site assessment by assessment team
  • Revised consensus by assessment team
  • Jury Meeting
Stage 4

Awards Presentation

  • Announcement of winners 2026
  • Announcement for assessors recognition 2026
  • Feedback report to the applicants

Award Categories

Corporate Excellence

This Award recognises comprehensive efforts companies make in excelling at sustainable business – integrating sustainability into governance, strategy, and processes to demonstrate real impact on business and stakeholders.

Sustainable Business Leader of the Year

*Organisations applying for the Corporate Excellence can nominate their leaders for this category.

Hover to see recognitions
Sustainable Business Leader of the Year

Honours a visionary leader who embeds sustainability and innovation at the core of business strategy, driving measurable impact, accelerating the transition to sustainable development.

Recognitions for Corporate Excellence
Business of the Year Outstanding Accomplishment Commendation for Significant Achievement
Domain Excellence

There are 3 domain specific categories; indicators and assessment will pertain only to the specific domain.

Climate & Environment Stewardship
Hover to learn more

This Award Recognises companies that demonstrate outstanding environmental performance by adopting innovative strategies, policies, and practices that significantly minimize environmental footprint leading to long-term value creation.

Recognitions
Excellence Commendation
Responsible Business and Social Impact
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This Award Recognises pioneering companies that create lasting impact on both business and society through collaborative programs with government and civil society for sustainable value creation.

Recognitions
Excellence Commendation
Nature & Biodiversity Exemplar
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This Award Recognises companies for implementing measures related to protect, restore ecosystems and sustainable management of biodiversity services in value chain.

Recognitions
Excellence Commendation

*Recognitions are based on cut-offs and deliberation of the Jury. Companies apply to Award categories and not to recognitions. Number of winners per category is not pre-determined. If applicants want to change Award category during the AoI stage, the same can be altered only during AoI stage and not at a later stage.

Companies can apply to either one or all categories. There is no bar on the number of applications.

CII-Certified Sustainability
Assessor Programme

The CII-certified Sustainability Assessor programme is for professionals to provide services to business in the area of sustainability. Since 2006, CESD has built a talent pool of sustainability professionals in India, creating an exclusive club of over 600+ sustainability assessors competent to drive excellence in sustainability in companies.

18th May – 21st May 2026
New Delhi
Benefits
  • Get trained on Sustainable Business Excellence framework
  • Network, learn and enrich your experience by becoming a Sustainability Assessor
  • Get profiled as a CII-certified sustainability professional
  • Get certified as Sustainability Assessor

To know more about our programme and assessors' profile, write to us at sustainabilityawards@cii.in