The CRN Sustainability in Tech Awards 2026: incorporating the ‘S’ in ESG
With two months to go until the Sustainability in Tech Awards entry deadline, Sara Yirrell looks at what is new for 2026 and explains why it is so important to enter
Image credit: Nick Fewings, Unsplash
Sustainability may be a topic that some companies have put on the back burner for the time being, but it isn’t going away anytime soon.
The UK government is driving a 78 per cent drop in CO2 emissions by 2035 and a 100 per cent reduction by 2050, and more channel firms are beginning to realise that there is a real benefit to following a greener strategy – not only from cost savings from their own top lines, but also because their customers are expecting it and are increasingly wanting to partner with suppliers that care about the environment and the health of the planet.
Indeed, recent research revealed that 74 per cent of people (of all political persuasions) questioned in the UK by Climate Reach, are supportive of efforts to protect the environment and transition to clean energy; a belief that is echoed in companies across the tech sector. It is a tool to recruit the best talent and to make a company stand out in their local community.
There has never been a better time to enter the awards to really shine a light on all the brilliant things your company is doing to make the planet a better place for future generations.
What’s New?
The Sustainability in Tech Awards have been evolving year-on-year, and 2026 will be the most personal awards yet, with more individual and social-based categories than previous years. So many channel firms are doing such great work in their local communities, it is time to showcase that work.
This is why we have created a new Social Impact Award to really shine a spotlight on the amazing work our industry is doing both locally and further afield.
We have also included a Sustainability Innovation of the Year award for both technical and support in 2026 - whether you have a technology that is making a huge difference or you are providing valuable support for firms that are looking to be more carbon neutral – these awards are for you.
Collaboration is also a huge area of focus, and in our Sustainability Collaboration of the Year category we want to hear from firms that are working together to make a real difference.
As we have always said, the channel is about people, and sustainability is no different. We have a new Sustainability Team of the Year category, and also Unsung Hero/Rising Star category where those teams/individuals that are really making a difference in both sustainability and social impact, can truly be recognised.
For those companies that are making a real impact on their Net Zero goals, we have the Sustainability Champion categories split into reseller, distributor, vendor and service provider streams, meaning there truly is something there for everyone.
And finally due to popular demand, the categories that have stayed the same as last year include Circular Company of the Year, Net Zero Project of the Year and the Green Shoots Award for any company just starting out on their sustainability journey.
Remember, all projects, initiatives for the SiT 2026 awards must have been launched or built upon between September 2024 – August 2025 to qualify. The deadline for entries is Friday 7 November.
To read the full list of categories and criteria please click here. Good luck!