Last days to apply for the 2025 Lazos Awards, which will recognize the best sustainable initiatives in Colombia.

The British-Colombian Chamber of Commerce (BritCham), with the support of the British Embassy and EAN University, announced the launch of the 2025 Lazos for Sustainability Awards, an initiative that seeks to highlight projects that make a difference in the country's quest to consolidate sustainable development.

In its 18th edition, the organizers hope the awards will continue to build on their legacy, which to date has garnered a total of 255 award-winning projects and received more than 3,500 applications since its inception.

The awards recognize companies, social organizations, educational institutions, and leaders who work decisively to connect economic growth with environmental and social sustainability through investment, partnerships, and public decisions.

Last year, one of the most notable cases was that of the home appliance company Haceb, which won the Best Sustainable Product award for its eco-designed refrigerator. The product not only reduces its environmental impact but also improves energy efficiency and incorporates smart technologies.

“The awards help reach consumers and strengthen the company's strategy. They generate internal confidence that investing in sustainability is the right path. The recognition had a huge impact within Haceb and has motivated us to invest more in sustainability,” explained Jaime Cortés, the company's product developer.

Also highlighted in the previous education program was the Sustainable El Dorado project at Bogotá Airport, which has implemented a system to collect and treat 100 percent of the rainwater from its roofs, which is reused in the airport restrooms. This measure maximizes natural resources and reduces environmental impacts.

For Santiago Uribe Santa María, executive director of BritCham, the awards are a turning point. “Awarding inspires action. Organizations that receive recognition for sustainability increase their investment in ESG practices and mobilize allies. The UNDP showed in 2023 that 74 percent of Colombians are willing to change habits such as efficient water and energy use. But, along with these individual actions, we need projects that inspire, manage, and demonstrate real contributions to the country's major challenges: water, climate, biodiversity, bioeconomy, among others.”

The 2025 edition will award recognition in 10 key categories, including Climate Action, Water Action, Biodiversity Action, Human Talent Management, Journalism for Sustainability, Sustainable Product and Service, Community Management, and the Social and Environmental Leader and Sustainable Business Leader awards.

"The award-winning projects demonstrate that sustainability is not an abstract ideal, but a transformative force that changes social and environmental realities in Colombia," said Brigitte Baptiste, rector of EAN University and a partner in this initiative.

The shortlist of projects will be conducted by a selection committee, audited by the firm BDO. The list will be announced on October 10.

Following this, voting on the preselected projects will begin on October 11 and will continue until October 26.

Finally, the awards ceremony will be held on November 13 in the Orígenes auditorium at EAN University.