(Washington, DC) October 17, 2025 – Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC) is proud to announce that its DC Contractor Incubator, part of the E-Contractor Academy, has been awarded the esteemed 2025 Climate & Energy Leadership Award by the Council of Governments (COG). The award highlights the program’s significant contributions to the region’s climate and energy goals.
ECC’s DMV Region Leads the DC Contractor Incubator
The DC Contractor Incubator is specifically designed to support local small and disadvantaged firms in Washington, DC, equipping them to thrive in the 21st-century construction industry. Through its comprehensive 5 to 8-week program, it provides coaching and strategic business support, ensuring that small and minority firms are well-prepared for DC’s expanding market of building retrofits. The DC Contractor Incubator is especially committed to supporting businesses located in or serving Wards 5, 7, and 8, offering training in green building technologies, climate policy readiness, and aligning projects with investment opportunities in green energy and infrastructure.
Non-governmental Organization Sector Award: Emerald Cities Collaborative’s DC
Contractor Incubator The DC Contractor Incubator was recognized among other distinguished awardees for implementing a wide array of climate solutions. These efforts contribute to COG’s regional goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and advancing equity in traditionally disadvantaged neighborhoods. The awards were presented by Fairfax County Supervisor and COG Board Chair Rodney Lusk and City of Alexandria Vice Mayor and COG Climate, Energy, and Environment Policy Committee Chair Sarah Bagley. For more information about the award, read the full press release.
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