Meet the 2025 Sustain Charlotte Award Winners: Local Champions of Sustainability and Equity
Every year, Sustain Charlotte recognizes outstanding leaders and changemakers who are advancing sustainability across the Charlotte region. The 2025 Sustain Charlotte Awards celebrate individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and public sector innovators who are making a tangible impact on our environment, economy, and communities.
This year’s honorees reflect the power of collaboration, creativity, and purpose-driven leadership. Whether through climate action, food justice, zero-waste practices, or green building, each winner is helping to shape a more resilient, equitable, and livable future for Charlotte.
Let’s meet the inspiring winners of the 2025 Sustain Charlotte Awards:
Inspiring Large Business Award: Freshlist
Freshlist is redefining how Charlotte connects to local food. As a dynamic food hub, they work directly with regional farmers to bring sustainably grown produce to restaurants, home consumers, and food-insecure communities. Their commitment to minimizing food waste and supporting regenerative agriculture strengthens our local economy and lowers environmental impact. Freshlist is growing more than food—they’re growing a movement for a healthier, more equitable food system.
Inspiring Building Project Award: Mecklenburg County Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center
What was once an abandoned shopping center is now a Net Zero Energy-Ready beacon of sustainability and community renewal. The Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center, designed by Gensler, which partnered with Charlotte architecture firm Neighboring Concepts and collaborated closely with Mecklenburg County, blends geothermal and solar energy with water conservation to reduce its carbon footprint. But it’s more than just green—it’s inclusive. The resource center is built to support workforce development and offers trauma-informed services. This Eastway neighborhood project is a model of how climate solutions and social equity go hand in hand.
Inspiring Government Agency Award: Town of Davidson
Small town, big ambition. The Town of Davidson stands out for its bold Climate Action Plan aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. With a strong emphasis on renewable energy, environmental conservation, sustainable transportation, and affordable housing, Davidson proves that climate leadership can start at the local level. By engaging residents and putting people first, they’re building a stronger, greener, and more inclusive community for all.
Inspiring Small Business Award: Trash & Stash Junk Removal
Trash & Stash is flipping the script on junk removal by putting sustainability and community at the heart of their operations. In 2023 alone, they diverted nearly 250,000 pounds of waste from landfills through recycling, donation, and resale. As they pursue B Corp Certification and invest in local partnerships and charitable giving, Trash & Stash is showing how small businesses can lead the way in creating a circular, climate-conscious economy in Charlotte.
Inspiring Nonprofit Award: UNC Charlotte
UNC Charlotte is not only educating future leaders—it’s setting the pace on campus and beyond for a sustainable future. With a new 10-year Master Plan, the university has created a Land Use Planner role, expanded access to light rail, and operates North Carolina’s largest electric vehicle fleet. Key initiatives like campus-wide composting, on-site solar, and green cleaning reflect deep commitment to climate and equity goals.
Behind the scenes, the Building Environmental Services team is leading zero-waste and clean energy efforts, while the Charlotte Heat Mappers project—an innovative community-university partnership—is addressing heat inequities in historically marginalized neighborhoods. Together, they are proving that higher education can be a powerhouse for sustainable change.
Inspiring Individual Awards: John E. Holmes, III & Rev. Janet Garner Mullins
John E. Holmes, III was a visionary planner and tireless advocate for racial equity, sustainable transportation, and community empowerment—especially in East Charlotte. His legacy continues to shape conversations around safe streets, environmental justice, and inclusive urban development.
Rev. Janet Garner Mullins has long championed clean air, renewable energy, and equitable food systems. Through education, community cleanups, and advocacy, she empowers neighbors to take action on both environmental and racial justice. Her leadership embodies the spirit of grassroots sustainability.
Young Sustainability Leader Award: Liam Kelly
At just [insert age if known], Liam Kelly has transformed Kellys’ Community Kitchen (KCK) into a sustainable force for good. Under his guidance, KCK has boosted food donations by 20%, prevented over 400,000 gallons of water waste, and delivered the equivalent of 5,600 free meals last year. By integrating data-driven practices with environmental values, Liam is showing what a climate-conscious food recovery model looks like in action.
Recycling Excellence Award: Zeke Tallant
Zeke Tallant leads by doing. Whether organizing neighborhood cleanups, inspiring colleagues to recycle better, or educating his community about sustainable habits, Zeke has become a trusted voice in Charlotte’s waste reduction movement. His personal commitment to the environment and volunteer spirit make him a standout steward of sustainability.
Celebrating Progress, Inspiring Action
These winners remind us that meaningful climate and equity work is happening all around us—on farms and campuses, in homes and businesses, in town halls and neighborhoods. At Sustain Charlotte, we’re proud to recognize their efforts and amplify their stories.
Together, we’re building a Charlotte where people and planet thrive side by side.
👉 Learn more about the awards and get involved in our work at www.sustaincharlotte.org
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