In a world increasingly affected by climate change and the depletion of natural resources, the transition to a green economy is no longer just an option but an urgent necessity! AmCham Moldova is launching Green Award 2025 – a competition dedicated to those advancing the vision of a sustainable economy and actively contributing to combating climate change. Why participate in the Green Award? - Make your sustainable initiatives known and inspire change! - Be a role model for best practices in the environmental community and a leader in the green economy. - Build valuable partnerships that will support the development and expansion of your innovative solutions. Be part of the change! Sign up now to turn green ideas into sustainable realities!
The Green Award includes the following nominations:
Nomination “Excellence in Green Financing”
This category recognizes the efforts of organizations/institutions that have provided funding for projects related to environmental protection, sustainable development, energy efficiency, or the implementation of sustainable solutions. Eligible projects may include private or public initiatives for carbon emission reduction, renewable energy, green infrastructure, waste management, or other environmental protection activities. APPLY HERE
Nomination “Excellence in Circular Economy”
This category honors companies that have successfully implemented circular economy principles, minimizing waste, maximizing resource reuse, and creating sustainable business models. APPLY HERE
Nomination “Excellence in Energy Efficiency”
This category is dedicated to organizations that have adopted energy-efficient measures, contributing to reduced energy consumption and cost savings through innovative technologies and practices. APPLY HERE
Nomination “Excellence in Water Consumption Management”
This category recognizes companies that have implemented solutions for managing and reducing water consumption, including water recycling and efficient use of water resources, thus protecting the environment. APPLY HERE
Nomination “Excellence in Innovation in Green Technologies and Start-Ups”
This category awards innovations that have significantly impacted environmental protection through the adoption (or development) of new technologies or processes addressing environmental challenges creatively and effectively. APPLY HERE
Nomination “Excellence in Biodiversity Projects”
This category celebrates efforts to protect and restore biodiversity through projects that support ecosystem conservation and engage communities in biodiversity protection initiatives. APPLY HERE
Nomination “Excellence in environmental education and campaigns”
This category is dedicated to organizations that have conducted public awareness campaigns on environmental issues, pollution reduction, and recycling, involving diverse audiences and using innovative communication strategies to promote sustainability. APPLY HERE
Nomination “Excellence in E-Mobility”
This category recognizes companies that have adopted sustainable transportation solutions, contributing to carbon emission reductions and promoting green mobility through initiatives such as electric vehicles or eco-friendly public transportation. APPLY HERE
Nomination “Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture”
This category acknowledges innovative and sustainable agricultural practices that reduce environmental impact, improve soil health, and support food security, thereby contributing to more responsible agriculture. APPLY HERE
Nomination “Excellence in Environmental Leadership/Ambassador”
This category highlights individuals or organizations demonstrating strong leadership in promoting and implementing environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives, influencing policy changes and corporate practices toward environmental preservation. APPLY HERE
Nomination “Excellence in Combining Green Practices”
This category honors economic agents that have successfully integrated diverse green equipment, showcasing a comprehensive approach and significant environmental impact of funded projects. APPLY HERE
We are excited to announce the winners of the Green Award 2025 – outstanding initiatives and projects that contribute to the green transition and sustainable development of the Republic of Moldova!
PROJECT: Protection and Preservation of Biodiversity in the Plant Quarry The cement plant’s operations are closely linked to natural resources and have an impact on the ecosystem adjacent to the quarry. Thus, in 2017, a forest reclamation and conservation project for inactive areas was initiated. Through collaboration with the Institute of Ecology and Geography and the subsequent implementation of a Biodiversity Indicator Reporting System, Lafarge has contributed to creating a 33.5-hectare natural forest ecosystem within the plant's quarry. This area serves as a habitat for various species of insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals, including rare species listed in Moldova’s Red Book.
PROJECT: Vio Parc Varnița Project The project began in 2015 in the village of Varnița, Anenii Noi district, on fields that had previously been used as a gravel and sand quarry. The project aimed at land reclamation, reducing the negative impact of wind erosion, and restoring the water balance of neighboring lands, following the technology of Austrian agrarian scientist Zepp Holzer. The project covers an area of 127 hectares. Today, Vio Parc produces organic crops and medicinal plants, which are widely used by "Viorica Cosmetics," a member of the DAAC HERMES S.A. holding. The production is certified by the international certification body Organic Standard.
PROJECT: Implementation of Subsurface Drip Irrigation and Monitoring System for Water Consumption Optimization in Viticulture In the Purcari vineyards, water becomes a valuable ally through an intelligent underground drip irrigation system that optimizes every drop. With an investment of 3 million euros and advanced digital monitoring, this technology reduces water consumption by up to 30%, minimizes evaporation, and eliminates herbicides, protecting both soil and vines. Through this initiative, Purcari not only improves wine quality but also paves the way for more sustainable and responsible agriculture.
PROJECT: Water Consumption Reduction Projects Over the past two years, Efes Moldova, which owns the country's first and only private wastewater treatment plant, has implemented six projects: a) Modernization of cooling towers b) Expansion of recoverable water storage capacity c) Reduction of water consumption in CIP processes and use of recovered water in CIP CCT 26-35 programs d) Use of recovered water at the wastewater treatment plant e) Installation of Reverse Osmosis (Phase II) at the water treatment plant f) Optimization of the washing and disinfection station in the brewhouse The total water savings from these projects exceed 55,000 cubic meters per year.
PROJECT: "Planting Oxygen," "Eco School," "Less Waste, More Good," "Friendship Forest" Less Waste, Better – This project, implemented by the Food Bank with Kaufland’s support, organized an awareness caravan in 12 schools, educating around 1,500 children through interactive activities on rational food consumption. Additionally, 200 tons of food were recovered in three years, transforming them into 400,000 meals for those in need. Friendship Forest – 16,000 trees were planted in a single day, restoring 4 hectares of degraded land. Planting Oxygen – 5,000 saplings were planted on land cleaned of waste in Băcioi. An illegal waste dump in Cruzești was also successfully cleaned, and 2,000 saplings were planted on 2 hectares. Eco School – Over 3,000 participants, 4,500 kg of paper collected, five cleanup campaigns organized, over 2,000 kg of waste collected from nature, and more than 4,000 saplings planted.
RENERGY.MD is an informational hub dedicated to renewable energy, green technologies, investments, smart cities, climate, and the environment, with a primary focus on Moldova and the surrounding region while also covering global trends. In almost two years since its launch, RENERGY.MD has built a global audience and positioned Moldova as a strategic point of interest in the renewable energy and sustainable investment sector. RENERGY has showcased the local market’s potential, reopened Moldova to foreign investors, and connected the national energy sector to international dialogue, actively promoting the energy transition.
In the heart of the Purcari vineyards, the vines are now getting a new source of strength: UV-C light. This revolutionary technology reduces the use of plant protection products by up to 50%, protecting the soil, the water, and the vines themselves. With significant investment and strategic partnerships, the Purcari Group is transforming viticulture into a model of sustainability where innovation and respect for nature go hand in hand. This project not only regenerates vineyards but also inspires a new era of clean and responsible wine.
The Bank's total green portfolio reached RON 760 million as of 30.09.2024, up 127% in less than 2 years (since the end of 2022), currently comprising both renewable energy and electric transportation. In 2023, maib's green portfolio is estimated to have directly contributed to avoiding 45.2 thousand tons of CO2e emissions. To contextualize this achievement, it is worth noting that this represents about 0.3% of the total carbon footprint of Moldova in 2022.
For 2 years, Efes Moldova has implemented five projects in this area, the most important of which is the installation of the biogas recovery plant from the water treatment plant, which will decrease the company's annual carbon footprint by about 274 tons. These improvements have saved over 1.5 million kWh and about 135,000 m3 of gas.
In the period 2023-2024, S.A. "CETNord" has implemented two pilot projects for the modernization of the collective heat supply system (SCAET) in residential blocks in Balti municipality. So far, a total of 10 blocks have been modernized, i.e., obsolete vertical distribution systems have been replaced with new horizontal distribution systems, individual thermal points have been installed, individual metering of apartments has been installed, and domestic hot water service has been restored.
By implementing innovative measures and adopting the latest technologies, the company aims to create a positive impact on the environment. Key initiatives include efficient energy management, the use of innovative LED lighting, the installation of photovoltaic panels in all nine stores in the network, and the provision of electricity supply from renewable sources. Furthermore, Kaufland Moldova has taken an important step towards sustainability by fully switching to 100% green electricity, and the stores are equipped with modern and environmentally friendly technologies, thus actively contributing to a greener future.
PROJECT: Substitution of Traditional Raw Materials with Alternative Sources (waste, by-products from other industries) The project consists of optimizing the technological process and increasing the rate of use of waste/mineral by-products as raw materials. By 2024, the Lafarge plant has replaced 10.33% of traditionally used natural resources with mineral waste. Thus, in addition to preserving more than 50,000 tons of raw materials, an equivalent volume of waste has been diverted from landfills, and carbon emissions have been reduced by 18kg per ton of cement.
Strictly adhering to international standards, the MoldRec group of companies holds the necessary local and international authorizations for processing more than 250 waste codes. The company provides the entire logistics of waste collection and transportation at 450 waste collection points, regardless of type or volume, using vehicles of various capacities, from vans to heavy-duty trucks. In addition, MoldRec Group cooperates with more than 10 recycling plants worldwide, enabling the selection of the best processing solutions for each type of waste.
With a total of 13 projects with a total investment value of more than 600 000 Euro, Efes has achieved a reduction in water consumption of 55000m3 per year, a saving of more than 1.5 mln kwh electricity, and 135000 m3 gas. The replacement of the gas forklift fleet with electric ones and the installation of the biogas recovery station at the treatment plant has reduced the company's carbon footprint by 578 tons. Achievements: a) Replacement of the remaining gas forklifts with another fleet of electric forklifts b) Installation of Reverse Osmosis c) Optimization of the wash disinfection station in the brewhouse d) Modernization of the cooling tower e) Heat recovery from PET blowing machine f) Insulation of pipes and equipment g) CO2 evaporator installation
With a total investment of approximately 8.8 million lei, Monicol has implemented two key projects that demonstrate the economic feasibility of adopting sustainable solutions. Photovoltaic system (2022) - An investment of 2.8 million lei, which resulted in a 47% reduction in grid electricity consumption, generating 340 MWh of green energy and offsetting 136 metric tons of CO₂ annually. Sewage Treatment Plant (2022- 2023) - A 6 million lei investment to optimize water use and reduce pollution, with significant improvements in wastewater quality: 180-fold reduction in COD, 450-fold reduction in BOD, 40-fold reduction in suspended solids.
PROJECT: Independent Energy System Combines the properties of 4 types of equipment in a single installation: boiler, solar collector, air conditioner, and photovoltaic panels; Supplies the building with electricity, heating, cooling, and hot water; Uses no fuel (gas, coal, oil, or firewood) and makes the building energy-independent; Operates all year round: day and night, winter and summer in all weathers (rain, snow, frost, wind and sun); Overall energy efficiency exceeding 80%; It is ecologically clean (does not generate harmful gases or dust, operates without noise) and simple to maintain.
The company has developed an innovative technology that uses agricultural straw as an insulating material in the construction of energy-efficient houses. The process is based on the use of a hydraulic pressing station, which transforms the straw into a prefabricated wood-framed panel system. In order to minimize waste in the production process, EVECO has implemented a pelletizing line, which converts the resulting straw waste into bioenergy pellets. Straw in construction and bioenergy.
The company is the market leader in the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in the Republic of Moldova. Its network comprises 304 charging points distributed in 130 stations, covering 60 localities. The company actively contributes to the transition to electric mobility, having a positive impact on the environment by reducing carbon emissions and protecting the ecosystem.
Renter is an innovative electric mobility start-up offering long-term electric bike rental services, addressing the needs of couriers and logistics companies in Moldova and Romania. In 2024, Renter e-bikes saved more than 3500 tons of CO₂, equivalent to removing 674 cars from traffic.
World Cleanup Day is one of the largest civic actions that brings together millions of volunteers, governments, and organizations to tackle global environmental challenges and build a sustainable future. The Republic of Moldova joined the initiative in 2018, and since 2022, the campaign has been coordinated by the National Environmental Center. In 2023, the NMC coordinated the national sanitation campaign held between September 1 and 16, 2023, under the aegis of the Ministry of Environment. This initiative culminated in a national sanitation action on September 16, in which more than 8000 volunteers from more than 120 localities participated, collecting more than 6000 bags of waste. In 2024, CNM continued to actively promote World Clean Up Day, working with local authorities, non-governmental organizations, and citizens to organize clean-up activities and selective waste collection.
With 20 years of professional experience, Mr. Grigore Stratulat, currently State Secretary at the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Moldova, is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of environmental policies and initiatives in the areas of circular economy, waste management, chemicals management and sustainable use of mineral resources. Mr. Stratulat provides strategic leadership and guidance to the various departments within the Ministry, ensuring effective management of environmental resources and promoting sustainable development practices. Before joining the Moldovan civil service, Mr. Stratulat managed multiple donor-funded programs at the international level and coordinated local projects in the Republic of Moldova.
Carolina Novac is the State Secretary on Decarbonisation covering renewables, energy efficiency and energy transition at the Ministry of Energy. For the past year she was the Energy Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova in the midst of the country's biggest crisis. She holds experience in European energy public affairs and over eight years of experience. Previously, she was the EU Policies and Regulations Manager at National Grid in Brussels. Before she worked at ENTSOG (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas) as a Policy Advisor, Weber Shandwick – top consultancy in Brussels, the European Commission at the Directorate General for Research and Innovation, energy think-tank Energy Policy Group.
Environmental leader with over 25 years of expertise in environmental governance, policy development, project management, and financial resource mobilization. Former Minister of Environment and Presidential Advisor on Environment and Climate Change. She has initiated, promoted, and secured funding for the country's afforestation through the National Afforestation Program under the aegis of the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu.
Ms. Tatiana Țugui is the Executive Director of the Association of Experts Pro-Environment and a passionate ecologist with over 30 years of experience in the environmental field. She specializes in waste and chemicals management, climate change, sustainable development, and the promotion of a circular economy. As an international environmental expert, Ms. Țugui has managed an impressive portfolio of projects, including developing national policy documents such as those on waste management, the Green and Circular Economy Promotion Program, and the Low Emission Strategy. Her outstanding contribution includes drafting several framework laws, including the Waste Act and the Chemicals Act, as well as secondary legislation supporting the implementation of an integrated waste management system. Ms. Țugui strongly advocates the principle of extended producer responsibility, contributing to the transition from a linear to a circular economy. Currently, Ms. Tatiana Țugui plays an active role in the assessment and preparation processes for Moldova's accession negotiations to the European Union under Chapter 27, "Environment," with a focus on waste management and the promotion of a circular economy.
Mila Malairau is the Executive Director at the American Chamber of Commerce in Moldova (AmCham Moldova). Mila joined AmCham in 2007 as a Project Manager and was promoted to Executive Director in 2008. Under her ambitious and responsible leadership, AmCham continues to grow and now encounters more than 180 member companies, engaged in 8 active Committees – a proven tool for the fulfillment of the AmCham mission and members' needs. She got extensive training and experience in the fields of policy research, improving the business regulatory environment, and institutional strengthening. Mila is a member of various working groups and forums where business meets government authorities and policy makers. From 2016, Mila is leading the working group on the elimination of constraints in entrepreneurial activity within the Economic Council to the Prime-minister of RM. Mila has graduated from the Academy of Economic Studies in Moldova and, later on, received her Master's Degree in Law at the State University of Moldova.
Ion Muntean holds a PhD in Energy Management and serves as a university lecturer at the Faculty of Energy and Electrical Engineering at the Technical University of Moldova. He is certified by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Potsdam, Germany, as a European Energy Manager and has completed numerous professional training and development courses in energy efficiency and renewable energy, both domestically and abroad. For over 10 years, he has worked as an associate expert in the energy field at the Institute for Development and Social Initiatives "Viitorul" and as an expert in various national and international projects implemented by financing and development institutions in the field, such as UNDP, GIZ, UNIDO, USAID, and others.
Alexandru is a Director at PwC Moldova and has 20 years of professional experience. Since 2004, he has been actively involved in developing and implementing public policies, including those relevant to the European integration process of Moldova. His tasks during various positions in the Ministry of Economy and Government of Moldova included inter alia initiating, implementing, and reporting results on various policies, impacting investment climate (regulatory reform, SMEs development, fiscal and budgetary policies). During his activity in PwC Moldova, since 2011, Alexandru has been actively involved in projects designed to attract foreign investments in the Republic of Moldova, public policies development in various areas, including in the position of program lead for the UK Good Governance Managed Fund in Moldova, as well as drafting feasibility studies and participating in transformation programs of foreign and local private clients, etc. Alexandru is a Board member of AmCham Moldova and the European Business Association in Moldova. Alexandru has a bachelor's degree in Psycho-sociology and a mini-MBA diploma. PwC
Marcela LEFTER is an energy professional, experienced in energy sector for about 25 years, including power distribution and renewable energy. Marcela Lefter is the CEO and founder of Sedera Green. Sedera Green (www.sedera.green) is providing high-level assistance to international and local companies, interested to invest, develop, or extend their energy businesses. The business areas are development of the utility scale renewable energy projects, EPC for commercial use PV plants, distribution of the renewable energy equipment. Sedera has under development in Romania & Moldova more than 600MW of renewable projects most of them wind. Board Member & Chair of Green Transition Committee in Amcham Moldova. In Amcham Sedera & Marcela Lefter is acting on behalf of Qair International & CWP Global.
Discover the essential steps of the contest, from registration to the announcement of the winners.
The launch of the contest
Deadline for submitting participation forms
Evaluation of nominations by the jury
Award ceremony
COMING SOON