As part of our mandate to promote organizational sustainability around the world, ISSO recognizes individuals who have dedicated their lives and who have made remarkable contributions to the global sustainability movement. These are role models — people whom we should try to emulate — who challenge individuals, organizations, and governments to change our thinking, our values, and our practices to make this world a better place now, and for future generations.
The following individuals have been presented ISSO Lifetime Achievement Awards after a vote by ISSO’s General Assembly of members.
| 2019 (inaugural year) |  David Suzuki PhD, CC, OBC, FRSC Geneticist, Broadcaster, Environmental Activist | Awarded for his extensive body of work making laypeople aware of environmental issues by explaining scientific issues using everyday language, plus his work lobbying governments around the world to change their policies and laws to protect the natural environment. |
 Paul Hawken Author, Activist, Environmentalist, Promoter of Corporate Sustainabilty | Awarded for his pioneering work in promoting sustainable business models and practices, plus his influential publications on the subject of corporate sustainability. |