Building on more than a decade of progress, the St. Louis Green Business Challenge continues to show that sustainability is not only attainable, but transformative, for organizations of all sizes and sectors. As a program of the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Challenge remains committed to weaving environmental stewardship into everyday business practices while delivering measurable Triple Bottom Line results — fiscal, environmental and social — across the bi‑state region.
Since launching in 2010, the Challenge has engaged hundreds of businesses, nonprofits, municipalities and institutions, collectively influencing the daily habits and decisions of thousands of employees, residents and customers throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. This growing network demonstrates strong, long‑term commitment, with the majority of participating organizations returning year after year to strengthen sustainability culture, accountability and results.
In 2025 alone, 74 companies, nonprofits, institutions, local governments and sponsors participated in the Challenge. Notably, 100% formed Green Teams to lead sustainability efforts and maintained or launched workplace recycling programs. In addition, 99% sustained internal sustainability communications and continued or expanded special waste‑stream recycling; 98% established or were developing sustainability policies; and 96% provided green learning opportunities or Green‑at‑Home resources.
The Class of 2025 highlighted the power of innovation and collaboration. Participants advanced sustainability across key operational areas including energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, sustainable purchasing, transportation and healthy workplace environments. Organizations expanded recycling and special waste recovery efforts, implemented new green policies, strengthened Green Teams and elevated sustainability communications, embedding environmental responsibility into organizational culture rather than treating it as a one‑time initiative.
Innovation remained a defining theme throughout the year. Many participating organizations adopted data‑driven decision‑making, green infrastructure investments, native landscaping, smart water technologies and expanded education initiatives that benefitted both employees and surrounding communities. Together, these advancements helped reduce environmental impact while supporting cleaner air, healthier neighborhoods and more resilient regional economies, which are all outcomes closely aligned with the Clean Air Partnership’s mission.
Now in its 16th year, Challenge activity influences business, higher education, municipal, and nonprofit sectors alike and supports organizations at every stage of their sustainability journey — from newcomers exploring foundational practices to seasoned participants pushing the boundaries of innovation. Central to this success is customized coaching and technical guidance provided through the Missouri Botanical Garden’s EarthWays Center, including site visits, benchmarking tools, professional development opportunities and peer‑to‑peer knowledge sharing.
As sustainability challenges grow more complex, the St. Louis Green Business Challenge continues to demonstrate the power of voluntary action, regional collaboration and practical solutions that strengthen communities while protecting natural resources.
Registration for the 2026 Challenge year is open through March 31. Organizations interested in joining are encouraged to subscribe to the Challenge’s bi-monthly e-newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com to learn more. To explore the vital connection between sustainability practices and cleaner air, like us on Facebook, follow us on X @gatewaycleanair or visit CleanAir-StLouis.com.
