Sustainability Calling 2026 Awards: Celebrating Leadership, Insight and Authentic Sustainability

Commission

21 Oct

Reflections on the award winners, contributions and the meaning behind the recycled‑glass trophies

Sustainability Calling 2026 – Awards Reflections

Sustainability Calling is a conference built on open, honest and authentic conversations about what sustainability truly means for people and organisations. It focuses on real experiences, real challenges and real progress.

Creating the Sustainability Calling Awards

This year, I contributed through the creation of the Sustainability Calling Awards. Crafted from fused recycled glass, the awards represent both fragility and strength, a reflection of my own journey in building a brand, a business and breaking the glass ceiling.

The material carries symbolism:

Fragility, representing the delicate balance of sustainability
Strength, representing resilience, perseverance and transformation

Best Conference Speaker Award: Marie Wells

Delegates voted live for the speaker who resonated most with them. The Best Conference Speaker Award was presented to Marie Wells, Director of Green Kinesis.

Marie’s clarity and expertise helped demystify one of sustainability’s most complex areas. Her work empowers manufacturers to save money while achieving meaningful sustainability outcomes. She showed how businesses can move beyond simple cost‑saving tips to real sustainable wins.

Best Conference Contributor Award: Adam Taylor

The Best Conference Contributor Award went to Adam Taylor, Board Member of Natural Resources Wales, who shared openly about identity, privilege and the challenges of living with hidden disabilities.

His honesty brought depth and resonance to the day, and many attendees expressed how impactful his contribution was. The award was selected by last year’s winner, Kieran Keohane, Head of Sustainability at Travel Chapter.