Awards now open for applications!
The Breathe London Awards celebrate the incredible efforts of community groups, schools, hospitals, local authorities and local organisations working to improve air quality.
These awards recognise innovation, collaboration, and commitment to creating healthier environments for everyone. By shining a spotlight on your achievements, we aim to inspire others and strengthen the movement for cleaner air across London.
The Breathe London Awards aren’t just about recognition, they’re about amplifying your impact and giving your work the spotlight it deserves.
Join us on 21st May 2026 at Vodafone’s London office for an inspiring in person event that brings the Breathe London community together.
Timeline & eligibility
- 26th January 2026: Award applications open and application guidance published
- 2nd April 2026: Applications close
- 21st May 2026: Awards ceremony in London
Applicants must be in Greater London and either be a Breathe London sensor user or be using Breathe London data in application project
Why apply to the
Breathe London Awards
The Breathe London Awards aren’t just about recognition, they’re about amplifying your impact and giving your work the spotlight it deserves. Here’s what you gain by taking part:
- Celebrate your achievements: Showcase the incredible work your school, hospital, borough or community group has done to improve air quality and public health.
- Raise your profile: Winning or shortlisted projects will be featured as case studies and in social media highlights, putting your project in front of a wider audience, including policymakers, funders, and other community leaders.
- Inspire others: Your story can motivate other groups to take action, creating a ripple effect for cleaner air across London.
- Networking opportunities: Connect with like-minded organisations, experts and potential partners at the awards ceremony.
- Visibility on Breathe London channels: Featured case studies and social media highlights will help share your success far and wide.
- Strengthen your funding applications: Recognition from the awards can add credibility to future grant or funding proposals.
What we're looking for
We’re looking for applications from all sensor users that can tell stories of creative and inspiring projects to raise awareness of and improve air quality. We want to celebrate projects that go above and beyond to make London’s air cleaner and healthier. As you think of your application, some questions to consider include:
- Have you created a project where the local community has been involved in meaningful ways?
- Have you used teamwork or external collaborations to come up with new or innovative air quality-related ideas or solutions?
- Have you delivered an air quality project that has inspired others to act?
- Has your project used or created data to display air quality information in interesting ways?
- Has your project used media to raise awareness of air quality?
- How has your project changed behaviours or increased knowledge of air quality?
Application Guidance
You can apply for an Award under any one of five categories:
- Schools Impact Award
- Community Collaboration Award
- Storytelling Award
- Health & Wellbeing Award
- Local Authority Leadership Award
Below are some questions to get you thinking about what to include in your application.
Schools Impact Award
Celebrating schools that lead the way in air quality action and inspire future generations.
- How has your school involved students in air quality science, activities, or community engagement?
- What actions have you taken to tackle air pollution in your school or local area?
- What difference have you seen as a result of your project (for example: changes in air quality, awareness, or student participation)?
- Did you work with external groups or organisations? What did each contribute?
- How did you raise awareness about air quality among students, staff, or the wider community?
Community Collaboration Award
Recognising partnerships and collective efforts that drive cleaner air for all.
- How has your community group raised awareness about air quality?
- What shared goal did you set out to achieve, and how did you work together to achieve it?
- What changes have you seen as a result of your project (for example: increased awareness, new resources, or actions)?
- Did you work with external groups or organisations? What did each contribute?
- How did you raise awareness about air quality among your audience?
Storytelling Award
Honouring innovative storytelling that raises awareness and sparks change.
- What message or story did you want to share, and why was it important?
- How did you share it and what innovative techniques have you used (for example: social media, blogs, events)? How did your audience respond?
- What difference have you seen as a result (for example: increased awareness, new actions)?
- Did you work with external groups or organisations? What did each contribute?
- What message or topic about air quality did you focus on conveying?
Health & Wellbeing Award
For projects that put health and wellbeing at the heart of their impact.
- What health-related issues did your project aim to address?
- What evidence or strategies did you use to achieve this?
- What difference have you seen as a result (for example: improved health outcomes, participation, or early reach)?
- Who was involved?
- What impact could your project and learning have for others?
Local Authority Leadership Award
Recognising outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact by local authorities in improving air quality for their communities.
- What specific actions, policies, or interventions has your authority implemented to demonstrate leadership in improving air quality?
- What creative or original approaches did your authority use to address air quality challenges? How did you use data, technology, or new ideas to drive change?
- What improvements in air quality or public health (or other) have resulted from your work? And how have they benefited residents, schools, or businesses in your area?
- How were these actions developed and delivered? Did you work with others - local authorities, businesses, or other external partners?
- How did you engage residents and community groups in your air quality initiatives?
FAQs
Who can apply for the Breathe London Awards?
Any community group, school, hospital, NGO, or local organisation that uses Breathe London sensors or is using the sensor data for air quality projects.
Applicants must be in Greater London and:
- either be a Breathe London sensor user or
- be using Breathe London data in application project
How do I apply?
Complete the online application form. Make sure to answer all questions in detail and upload any supporting materials such as photos, quotes, and links.
When do applications open and close?
- Applications open: 26th Jan
- Deadline for submissions: End of day 2nd April.
- Awards ceremony: 21st May, 4:00–6:00 PM at Vodafone’s London office.
What are the award categories?
- Schools Impact Award – Schools leading air quality action
- Community Collaboration Award – Partnerships for clean air
- Storytelling Award – Best use of media to raise awareness
- Health & Wellbeing Award – Projects improving public health outcomes
- Local Authority Leadership Award – Recognising outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact by local authorities in improving air quality for their communities.
What will the judges be looking for?
Judging Criteria & Weighting
- Innovation (20%): Creativity or originality in approach, or evidence of making a real difference.
- Actions Taken (20%): What actions were taken to tackle air pollution, and how effective were they?
- Impact & Difference Made (20%): What measurable difference did the project make (e.g.: air quality, awareness, participation)?
- Collaboration (15%): Evidence of working together with others, including external groups or organizations.
- Community Engagement (20%): How well did the project engage and raise awareness among the intended audience?
Please refer to the application guidance for how these criteria apply to each category.
What do winners receive?
Winners will receive:
- Recognition at the awards ceremony
- A certificate and feature on the Breathe London website
- Opportunities for media coverage and case studies
- Networking with other community leaders and experts
Can I attend the awards ceremony?
We will be sending out email invites to the winners to attend the awards ceremony. The ceremony will be held on 21st May, 4:00–6:00 PM at Vodafone’s London office.
Do I need permission for photos and quotes?
Yes. If you upload photos or provide quotes, you must confirm you have the appropriate permissions for them to be shared externally.
Can my project be featured as a case study?
Yes, if you consent. There’s a tick box in the application form to confirm if you’re happy for your project to be featured on the Breathe London website.
Can we submit a joint application?
Yes, joint applications are welcome. Please ensure only one application is submitted per project or partnership. Please select a lead organisation for the application.
Can I submit the same project for more than one category?
No, please just apply for one category per project.
Who will be judging the awards?
The judging panel will include representatives from the Greater London Authority, Vodafone, Global Action Plan and a representative from the community.
Will there be a shortlist?
It is possible there may be a shortlist of recognised organisations, but this decision will be at the discretion of the judging panel.
What will the awards ceremony involve?
A VIP keynote speech will be delivered, followed by an awards presentation and networking opportunities.
I have accessibility needs, who can I speak to support me?
Please email the helpdesk - helpdesk@breathelondon.org
Can I submit my application in an alternative format? Eg video
No, please just use the form provided, but supporting documents can be added.
The new Breathe London programme will continue to launch through 2025.
If you need to get in touch with the new Breathe London team, have a specific question about your air pollution sensor or on taking action on air pollution, please get in touch using the form below or call us on 020 4591 5660.
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