The ELITE Awards

The ELITE Awards

ALCC is proud to present The ELITE Awards, which recognize professionalism and innovation, as well as business practices and original projects. The recipient of The ELITE Awards is a company or an individual who elevates the landscape industry through excellence.

The awards recognize not only professionalism and great execution in the field--but also business practices, innovation and the people in your companies who make it all happen. 

The ELITE Award nomination period will open in summer 2024. More information will be posted at that time.

Looking for inspiration? Learn about the ELITE Award Recipients from 2023.

You may also refer to this complimentary, on-demand webinar for details about the submission and review process. Click here to enter your contact information to receive the link to view the recorded webinar, Submitting an ELITE Award Nomination Form (recorded 7/10/23).

For questions about the awards program, contact Melissa Emdin at 720 307-5092. Please see below for a list of categories and award criteria.

MVP Award - The MVP award seeks to recognize an employee who has made an exceptional contribution through their involvement, leadership and ability to make a difference in the company.

If you have a superstar employee that has gone above and beyond the call of duty, nominate them for this award. There is no entry fee for this award.

Innovation Award - Entries submitted in this category should offer a creative solution to a problem. It could relate to retaining existing customers while attracting new ones, improving products and services, or raising your public image. This could be done within design or horticulture, or a practical application of new technology or known technology in new and experimental ways.

If you have a creative solution to a problem your company has faced, you may submit an award nomination. There is no entry fee for this award.

Design/Build Award - Entries submitted in this category should be for a landscape design and installation that exemplifies quality workmanship consistent with industry best management practices, follows design and related specifications for the project, and satisfies client expectations in the finished product. Project must be designed by an in-house landscape architect or designer and constructed by the company submitting the project. This award may have subcategories for commercial and residential properties.

Typical entries include the design and construction of a new residential home build, complete renovation of an existing residential or commercial landscape, or design and construction of a commercial or public space.

Plant Design Award- Entries submitted in this category should be for a project demonstrating effective plant design and use of color and all season interest. This award may have subcategories for annual gardens, perennial gardens or a mix.

Typical entries include gardens as part of residential or commercial properties, container or low water use gardens.

Landscape Construction Award - Entries submitted in this category should be for a landscape installation or renovation that exemplifies quality workmanship consistent with industry best management practices, follows related specifications for the project, and satisfies client expectations in the finished product. This award may have subcategories for commercial and residential properties.

Typical entries include the construction of a new residential or commercial landscape, or the complete renovation of an existing residential or commercial landscape.

Maintenance Award - Entries submitted in this category should be for a project that exemplifies the highest standards of landscape maintenance practices. This award may have subcategories for commercial and residential properties.

Typical entries include commercial landscape sites including HOA common areas, historic properties, and large scale residential properties.

Irrigation Management Award - Entries submitted in this category should be for a project demonstrating superior water savings as a result of making irrigation efficiency upgrades and landscape changes. A well-maintained irrigation system reduces water runoff, excessive irrigation and minimizes erosion from applied water. 

Typical entries include a renovation of an existing residential or commercial property to include the irrigation system, or construction of a new property including irrigation system. Entries must be able to provide data on water conservation.

Community Stewardship Award - Entries submitted in this category should demonstrate leadership through dedication and contribution to the good of the community. Community stewardship is demonstrated by carrying out and/or participating in community service projects.

Typical entries include improving or maintaining public or school gardens, projects to improve community landscapes or the landscape at a non-profit or community service organization, construction of a memorial garden, charity walk/run or other community service project.

Sustainability Award - Entries submitted in this category should offer sustainable landscape solutions. Sustainability promotes environmental stewardship and improvement in order to preserve natural resources such as water and energy by delivering environmentally responsible applications for site needs and customer desires. Sustainability encompasses the 7 Principles of Xeriscape, the GreenCO BMPs, efficient water management and the sustainable landscape practices found in ALCC’s Green Strategies for Colorado Landscapes .

Typical entries include the renovation of a commercial or residential landscape involving sustainable practices, the introduction of sustainable practices to a public or community space, or sustainable solutions for a site.


Frequently Asked Questions

See past recipients of ALCC's former Excellence in Landscape Awards

See Volunteer Awards recipients