2025 Sustainable Kingston Award Winners
The 2025 Sustainable Kingston Awards, held on September 15, 2025, in Springer Market Square, honoured this year’s award recipients who have demonstrated exemplary efforts in promoting sustainability, environmental conservation, and climate action; as well as whose inspiring efforts continue to drive meaningful environmental change in our community. Their dedication to sustainability reflects the values and vision of a greener, more resilient Kingston.
The event also featured Mayor Bryan Paterson, who congratulated the winners and Sustainable Kingston Board Chair Shannon Claggett, who spoke about Sustainable Kingston’s recent achievements and thanked the many volunteers who make their mission possible. Entertainment was provided by singer Afton McConvey, with food and refreshments courtesy of event sponsors Nosh Bagels and Kingston Coffee House.
Award winners:
Sustainability Champion: Robert Charest
For his unwavering dedication to keeping Kingston East clean, patrolling the area daily year-round to remove litter and promote a pristine environment for all.
Youth Sustainability Champion: Vikas HK
for his innovative leadership in campus and community sustainability, revitalizing eco-friendly programs at Queen’s University and empowering youth through climate action and sustainable living initiatives in Kingston..
Environmental Innovator Award: Cyclic Materials
“Cyclic Materials is currently constructing its Centre of Excellence facility in Kingston, Ontario for the recovery of recycled rare earth products. This facility will be commissioned in early 2026 and will produce 150 tonnes per year of rare earth oxides, saving 9,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, and reducing our reliance on mining”
Organizational Sustainability Champion (Large Enterprise): David Chang
Novelis Kingston For implementing impactful sustainability initiatives, including large-scale tree planting, major water and energy efficiency upgrades, and safer solvent replacements, resulting in significant CO₂ and cost reductions across operations.
Organizational Sustainability Champion (Small Business): Kathleen Ross (The Keep Refillery)
For being a driving force in Kingston’s sustainability movement, blending data driven impact with community engagement—diverting thousands of plastics from landfill, inspiring eco-friendly habits, and partnering across sectors to make waste free living accessible and impactful.
Better Homes Kingston Award - Greatest Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction in a Single Home: Haley Skinner
Her household reduced a total of 26.3 tonnes (of GHG per year)
Better Homes Kingston Award - Most Heat Pumps installed: Reins Heating and Air-Conditioning Ltd
for installation of 15 heat pumps from Sept 24 - April 25.
Thank you to our food and Drink Sponsors
For more information regarding the Sustainable Kingston awards, please contact Bryana Martinez-Pillipow at bpillipow@sustainablekingston.com.