ALLY Energy is on a mission to find the difference-makers who are making an impact on energy, sustainability, and climate.  We honor the energy industry’s brightest and grittiest talent who contribute to their companies, startups, the eco-system, the energy industry, and their communities.  Our awards program recognizes individuals, students, founders, and for-profit and nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated (GRIT) growth, resilience, innovation, and talent, focusing on driving a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive culture.  Best Energy Workplaces℠ recognizes outstanding energy and climate technology employers.

QUALIFICATIONS

The nominee must be in energy, climate, and/or sustainability.   The individual may be in a corporate role, an entrepreneur, a student, or someone unemployed and accomplishing specific things that embody GRIT (growth, resilience, innovation/new ways of working, inclusion, and talent).

THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Lifetime Achievement awards are nominated and selected by a board of judges and the ALLY Energy membership at large. This award is given to private and public sector leaders to recognize significant achievement over the whole of a career in energy and sustainability.   ​

THE EXECUTIVE AWARD: The Executive Award: Building resilience, sustainability, and a strong sense of community starts with leadership. When top executives emphasize these principles, they lay the groundwork for a corporate culture that embodies them. This award recognizes leaders who drive sustainability, nurture connections, and inspire and empower their teams to lead with purpose.​

​THE ENTREPRENEUR AWARD: Our industry was started by entrepreneurs – wildcatters, and mavericks who risked their lives to build something for future generations. Although many of these companies have grown into large corporations, the entrepreneurial spirit is still alive and well in our industry. This award goes to modern-day mavericks who have stepped out of their comfort zone with resilience and strength to bring something new to our industry.  ​

​THE PROFESSIONAL AWARD: ​Professional GRIT Awards may go to any person who has demonstrated growth, resilience, innovation, and talent in the workplace in leadership, technical, or any other type of industry role. They have accepted challenges, learned from them, and developed new and creative ways to solve problems. They show up each day, do their best, and inspire others to do the same.

THE SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION AWARD: Sustainability Champions are needed more than ever. For this award, we're looking to recognize a passionate trailblazer around Sustainability who demonstrates a deep commitment to protecting the planet and creating a better future for all. ​

THE TOP ENERGY VOICE AWARD: This award recognizes and rewards outstanding storytellers and media organizations in energy.

THE BEST ENERGY RESOURCE GROUP: ALLY Energy is on a mission to find the difference-makers who are making an impact on energy and sustainability. We want to highlight the best energy resource groups and networks/associations that have overcome adversity in an effort to accomplish amazing things. A GRIT Award is for the unsung team that is down in the trenches getting the job done regardless of what recognition may or may not come their way. 

THE BEST ENERGY TEAM: Our mission is to find the difference-makers who are impacting energy and sustainability. We want to highlight the best energy teams that have overcome adversity in an effort to accomplish amazing things. A GRIT Award is for the team that is down in the trenches getting the job done regardless of what recognition may or may not come their way. A GRIT award is one of the highest honors because it’s recognition from your peers who have seen your exceptional behavior, ability, and impact first-hand.

THE BEST ENERGY WORKPLACES: Recognizing companies in the energy industry that are making a difference, a Best Energy Workplace Award goes to those companies that are designing and delivering future-focused cultures and highly engaged workforces. They deliver with impact based on cultures that support resilience and strong communities, as well as recognize and harness the collective genius of its people. These are the companies that are leading our industry through the energy transition and beyond. We believe that it’s time to tell their stories. From startups to enterprise companies and everything in between, it is time to recognize the true difference makers in energy.

THE BEST ENERGY STARTUP: This is a prestigious honor for companies that are boldly stepping up to create an innovative product, service, and culture.

TIMELINE & PROCESS FOR SELECTION

Nominations and applications open March 25.  This is when we put out our initial call for nominations. People get excited and we see sorts of nominations come in: bosses recommending employees, colleagues recommending each other, members of the community recognizing incredible individuals, and we even see some people throwing their own names into the hat. Once a nomination is complete, the nominee is notified automatically via email to apply. All nominees must apply to move to the next round. 

Nominations and applications are due by Thursday, June 19, 2025 11:59 PM This is the last call for nominees to get their applications in for judging.

Selection & Announcement of Finalists. Our editorial team deliberates, and we decide which candidates become finalists by evaluating the nomination letters and candidate’s CV/resume. Once we have our selection of finalists, we use the applications the nominees provide and redact all identifying information. At this stage, the application the nominee completes carries all of the weight with our judges to ensure a fair and equitable process.

Finalists and lifetime achievement award winners will be announced at a reception during Houston Energy & Climate Week on September 18, 2025.

Winners will be announced LIVE and honored on October 30, 2025, at the Briar Club. 

Nominations and applications are open until June 19, 2025.  

We're looking to expand our pool of judges for this year's 2025 program.  

Apply to become a judge here.

Join us for two great events:

Presented by Gibson Dunn

GRIT Awards & Best Energy Workplaces Lifetime Achievement & Finalists Reception during Houston Energy and Climate Week

(September 18, 2025) Join us as we announce and honor this year's Lifetime Achievement Award winners and finalists. 

GRIT Awards and Best Energy Workplaces - October 30, 2025. Registration opens May 1, 2025.

Special sponsorships are available, tables, and tickets.

Need help?

• Please click here to view the official guidelines. 
• Please click here to view instructions on how to nominate, apply, public voting, and general FAQs click here.
• Log a ticket with customer support.

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