Trust used to be built through proximity: the brands offering products and services in the local community either earned trust, or they earned a reputation for being unworthy. Great, consistent work could be rewarded. Failing to meet expectations would be penalized.
These days, it’s easier than ever to get to “know” a brand thanks to things like websites and social media presences, but genuine trust is a more precious currency than ever. That’s why the BEAM Awards take the time to showcase and recognize brands that go above and beyond the everyday standard.
Last year, we recognized 11 brands that met—and exceeded—our criteria, demonstrating that they’ve rightfully earned a glowing reputation. Get to know these businesses, and see who’s building trust in their communities and how they build it, by reviewing our BEAM Trust Builder Award winners from 2025.
2025 NY Trust Builder Award Winners
These companies have made an outstanding positive impact in the City and the greater NY area:
- New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Clean Energy Academy — The NYCHA Clean Energy Academy was recognized for creating workforce pathways that align climate action with economic opportunity for public housing residents.
- Spring Bank — As a mission-driven financial institution and certified B Corp, Spring Bank centers historically excluded communities by providing access to capital, financial education, and relationship-based banking.
- Plantega — By embedding sustainability into everyday commerce, Plantega advances a model of food transition that is practical, scalable, and deeply rooted in trust—demonstrating how values-led brands can reshape consumption patterns without sacrificing accessibility or authenticity.
- TOTEM/AILANTHUS — This collaboration’s broader body of work reflects a long-term commitment to aligning climate resilience with economic justice—ensuring that the communities most affected by climate change are also positioned as leaders in shaping solutions.
2025 National Trust Builder Award Winners
These companies have made a difference on the national scale through their excellent work and a strong dedication to upholding their values:
- Tradewater — Tradewater was recognized for tackling one of the most overlooked drivers of climate change: legacy refrigerants and industrial gases. Through recovery, destruction, and market-based climate solutions, Tradewater addresses emissions at their source—delivering immediate climate impact.
- Climate First Bank — As a values-driven bank and certified B Corp, Climate First Bank’s central initiative directs capital toward projects and businesses that accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, regenerative economy.
- L’Occitane — By investing in ethical supply chains and long-term partnerships with producers, L’Occitane demonstrates how global brands can use their scale to advance fairness, transparency, and environmental responsibility. Their work reinforces trust by showing consistency between stated values and operational decisions.
- Orijin, PBC — Through technology-enabled traceability and deep partnerships with farmers, Orijin creates systems that reward sustainable land stewardship while improving livelihoods for producers.
2025 Global Trust Builder Award Winners
These companies have managed to accomplish a rare feat: having a global footprint without producing net-negative global impacts. Instead, they are driven by their missions to ensure that their operations have a truly positive effect on communities they touch around the world.
- Concepta Ingredients — Concepta Ingredients was recognized as a Global Trust Builder for advancing sustainability and equity through responsible ingredient sourcing and food system innovation. Their initiative focuses on delivering high-quality ingredients while reducing environmental impact and supporting fair supply chain practices.
- Mustela — By prioritizing product safety, sustainability, and family wellbeing, Mustela demonstrates how consumer brands can earn trust through consistency and care. Their approach reflects a commitment to reducing environmental impact while delivering products aligned with social responsibility.
- Future Food Institute — Through immersive learning, research, and cross-sector collaboration, the Institute equips leaders to address food security, climate change, and social equity simultaneously. Their initiative builds trust by investing in people—developing shared language, skills, and values that enable systems-level change.
Applications for the 2026 BEAM Trust Builder Award Available Soon
At its core, BEAM is about recognition—with intention.
We are honored to celebrate those who choose responsibility over convenience, collaboration over control, and impact over optics. In recognizing their work, we hope to inspire others to act boldly, build trust intentionally, and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world.
If you feel that your company matches these qualities in the work and impact it achieves, it could be your chance to be the next award winner. Our jury panel has been selected for the 2026 BEAM Awards, and applications will open soon. You can submit your company’s information to learn more and receive notifications when the submission criteria and formal applications for consideration are available.
As we get set to consider our next set of nominees, we look forward to the opportunity to highlight those seeking to accomplish the most good within the communities they serve.
