HDR Recognises Sustainability Steward Teams for Community Impact, Effectiveness, Innovation

HDR’s corporate sustainability program announced the winners of the 12th annual Sustainability Stewards Program Awards for making outstanding environmental and social impacts in their communities. 

The program is an employee-led initiative that helps bring HDR's environmental stewardship efforts to life, while strengthening community engagement and connecting global colleagues around a shared purpose.   

With 17 self-nominations judged by sustainability leaders across HDR, four teams were recognised, with winners receiving funds to donate to a nonprofit of their choice or to make a sustainable office purchase. Additionally, one employee was recognised as Sustainability Steward of the Year.

The winners include: 

Anna Perry | Sustainability Steward of the Year
Anna Perry, transportation engineer-in-training, was recognised for their efforts to focus on everyday sustainability improvements that make an impact in both the Orlando office and across HDR’s Florida offices. Examples include implementing a composting program and developing sustainable practices for group meetings. 

Brentwood, Tennessee | Community Impact Winner 
The Brentwood team initiated yearlong programming that included educational initiatives for staff, participation in community awareness activities, strategic waste reduction in the office and regular volunteering with local nonprofits. Highlights included a waste audit, reduction in coffee pod usage, commute survey promotion, and collections of food, clothing and pet rescue supplies.

Sacramento, California | Effectiveness Winner 
The Sacramento team expanded participation and improved upon its workplace sustainability tactics. The office launched an employee-driven sustainability newsletter, participated in a local river cleanup, added reusable dishware and utensils, moved away from single-use coffee pouches and creamer, and switched to a locally sourced coffee roaster.

Orlando, Florida | Innovation Winner
The Orlando team spotlighted sustainability and environmental stewardship by collaborating with internal expertise. Examples include promoting hurricane preparedness kits, battery recycling collections, stocking fewer individually wrapped snacks, and promoting Earth Day and other community partnerships.

Sydney, Australia | Rookie Team of the Year
The Sydney team demonstrated growth and success in encouraging employee engagement since forming in June 2024. The team focused the office’s efforts on reducing their environmental impact through low-emission commuting habits, introduced everyday behaviours to reduce energy consumption and improved office waste infrastructure.