The Green Chemistry Challenge Awards
The Green Chemistry Challenge Awards recognize novel green chemistry technologies that reduce or eliminate the use of hazardous substances, use less energy and water, and improve the sustainability of products while demonstrating economic benefits. Established in 1996 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, today the American Chemical Society runs the program.
Cumulatively, the Green Chemistry Challenge Award winning technologies have:
Eliminated 830 million
pounds of hazardous
chemicals and solvents.
Saved over 21 billion
gallons of water.
Prevented 7.8 billion
pounds of carbon
dioxide releases to air.
Benefits of green chemistry include improvements in:
Human health
through cleaner air and water, increased safety for workers, and safer products and food for consumers.
Environmental quality
based on reduced use of harmful chemicals, and lower potential for global warming, ozone depletion, and smog formation.
Business bottom line
from higher yields, more streamlined processes, reduced waste, better performance, increased sales, and improved competitiveness.
Inside the Green Chemistry Challenge Awards: 2026 Updates & Application Tips
Attend a webinar on Tuesday, September 30th at 1 p.m. EDT to find out more about the 2026 nomination process, including key updates.
2025 Green Chemistry Challenge Award Winners Announced
These prestigious annual awards recognize chemical technologies that incorporate the principles of green chemistry into chemical design, manufacture, and use.
Using GCCA Case Studies in the Classroom
Real-world case studies drawn from the Green Chemistry Challenge Award winning technologies have long provided educators a way to show students how green chemistry can be applied in industry.
Nominate Your Technology
The annual awards cycle is open for nominations in the fall. Please consider submitting your technology!
Attend the webinar, Inside the Green Chemistry Challenge Awards: 2026 Updates & Application Tips, on Tuesday, September 30th to learn about the 2026 nomination process, including key updates.
Since the Green Chemistry Challenge Awards began in 1996, 139 American businesses, academic institutions, and individuals have been recognized for their innovations in green chemistry across various focus areas such as greener synthetic pathways, chemical and process design for circularity, and design of safer and degradable chemicals.
Contact
ACS Green Chemistry Institute
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+1 202-872-6102
1-800-227-5558, ext. 6102
