Call for Innovative Sustainable Products: 17th German Sustainability Award (DNP)
The application period for the 17th German Sustainability Award (DNP) has begun. Companies are invited to submit their innovative physical and virtual products, services, and initiatives for consideration. The award aims to recognize solutions that exemplify outstanding sustainability criteria in both production and use, contributing significantly to sustainable transformation. Applications can be submitted online until July 4, 2024.
While the DNP for companies covers the entire operation and product portfolio, the product award focuses on individual solutions. This follows the recommendation from many partners, participants, and jury members to highlight impactful "lighthouse" products. The award emphasizes early and comprehensive consideration of sustainability in the design, material selection, and manufacturing of all types of products. The goal is to showcase exemplary cases of circular design and solutions that advance sustainable transformation.
Sustainability has become a critical success and competitive factor. Sustainable product lifecycle design drives transformation and creates conditions for long-term economic success. This includes tangible products as well as services, systems, campaigns, and initiatives that address sustainability issues through effectiveness ("doing the right things"), efficiency ("doing things right"), and/or sufficiency ("doing less").
The DNP product prize is awarded in five categories, based on the transformation field where the submitted product has the most impact:
Climate: Reducing CO2 emissions and promoting the use of renewable energy.
Nature: Conserving and regenerating natural habitats.
Resources: Optimizing resource use and reducing the consumption of finite materials.
Society: Improving the social and ecological quality of life.
Value Chains: Promoting fair and healthy working conditions and supporting equal opportunities.
All submissions are initially evaluated by assessment teams from consulting and research sectors. They analyze the main aspects of the problem, solution, impact, and narrative (supplemented by the information in the appendices). The teams nominate the "lighthouse" products, which are then published by the DNP. Five specialized juries, composed of renowned experts from various disciplines, will then decide on the finalists and winners through a multi-stage process.
Companies offering products and services in Germany can submit up to three solution profiles via the platform of DNP partner score4more until July 4, 2024. The award ceremony is expected to take place during the 17th German Sustainability Day on November 28-29, 2024, in Düsseldorf.