SCA Sustainability Awards

Geographic Scope: Global

Overview:
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Sustainability Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and business models demonstrating leadership, innovation, and measurable impact in advancing sustainability across the global specialty coffee industry. The awards celebrate approaches that address pressing challenges facing the coffee sector, from climate change to gender equity, while demonstrating commitment to collaboration across geographies, cultures, and throughout the value chain.

Categories:

• For-Profit Category
• Non-Profit Category

Focus Areas:

• Climate change and climate resilience
• Gender equity and women empowerment
• Sustainable agriculture and reforestation
• Food security and clean water access
• Equitable value distribution across the supply chain
• Community-led development projects
• Climate-adaptive coffee varieties research
• Racial equity in coffee

What They Fund/Recognize:

• Business models integrating sustainability into core operations
• Direct reinvestment in coffee-growing communities
• Long-term sourcing relationships and above-market pricing
• Evidence-based approaches to sustainability challenges
• Strong networks and collective action
• Relationship-driven, trust-based models
• Inclusive business models

Eligibility:

• For-profit companies and organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• Individual projects and initiatives
• Both established and emerging organizations

Scoring Criteria (Updated 2024):
The awards use a weighted scoring system incorporating elements of Doughnut Economics including:

• Purpose
• Networks
• Governance

Judging Process:

• Two-step process: staff review of submissions meeting requirements, then external panel review
• Panel composed of previous SCA Sustainability Award Winners plus expanded evaluation team including:
  • Leading researchers from recognized institutions
  • Voices from producing countries
  • 12 external experts plus 2 SCA staff members (as of 2025)

Recognition:

• Formal recognition at World of Coffee events (San Diego in April, Houston)
• Featured in SCA publications and webinars
• Case studies published in second half of calendar year
• Opportunities to share expertise with the sector

Application Process

Two-Step Judging Process:

1. Initial Screening: SCA staff review all submissions that meet requirements and select finalists
2. Final Judging: Selected finalists reviewed by panel of judges comprised of previous SCA Sustainability Award Winners and external experts

Timeline:

• Finalists announced approximately 2-3 weeks before winners
• Winners announced via SCA channels and formally recognized at World of Coffee events

Submission Requirements:

• Organizations must meet specific eligibility requirements (details not fully specified in provided content)
• Submissions must align with sustainability focus areas
• Evidence of measurable impact required
• Demonstration of collaboration across value chain preferred

Evaluation Criteria:

• Innovation in sustainability approach
• Measurable impact and outcomes
• Collaboration across geographies, cultures, and value chain roles
• Ability to inspire and provide lessons for broader sector
• Evidence-based design and implementation
• Long-term viability and scalability

Note: Specific application portal URL and detailed submission materials not provided in available content. Contact SCA directly for full application details.