2026 German Environmental Prize
The German Environmental Prize is awarded to recognize commitment and achievements that make a decisive and exemplary contribution to the protection and preservation of our environment, both now and in the future. The award, which comes with a prize of 500,000 euros, is intended for individuals whose innovative products and technical process improvements, successful research findings, or lifetime achievements are dedicated to sustainable environmental protection. The prize is awarded annually and may be shared among multiple recipients.
The next awards ceremony will take place on October 25, 2026, at the Eurogress Aachen. We are very pleased that Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will once again present the awards this year. Host Katie Gallus will lead the event.
Please note that the German Environmental Award ceremony is a private event. Guests who have not been invited are welcome to watch the event online via a livestream on our YouTube channel.
Here you will find more information for guests, about the award recipients, the criteria for the German Environmental Award, sustainability at the award ceremony, the nomination process, the jury, and the symposium held as part of the German Environmental Award.
DBU German Environmental Award 2026
This year, the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) is awarding the German Environmental Prize, worth a total of 500,000 euros, to Hamburg-based environmental lawyer Dr. Roda Verheyen and membrane filter engineer Dr. Klaus Vossenkaul, founder and CEO of Membion. The award, which is one of the most highly endowed environmental prizes in Europe, will be presented by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Sunday, October 25, at a ceremony in Aachen. For more information about the German Environmental Prize, click here.
Dr. Roda Verheyen
Dr. Klaus Vossenkaul
