Grupo Albia, part of Grupo Santalucía and a leader in the funeral sector in Spain, has opened the call for the third edition of the Albia Sustainability Awards, aimed at recognizing and promoting projects with a positive impact on society and the environment. This year, as a novelty, the awards include an international category, allowing global projects to participate, thus expanding the reach and exchange of best practices on a global scale.

Daniel Palacios, CEO of Grupo Albia, explained that “as drivers of an essential change in our sector, our commitment is to guide it toward a more ethical, human, and sustainable model. We are excited to discover what this new edition of the awards will bring, which has already become a true reference both inside and outside our borders. We are convinced that the projects presented will continue to promote, year after year, key aspects such as innovation and social awareness.”

For his part, Carlos Gallego, Director of Sustainability, Communication, and Marketing at Grupo Albia, highlighted that “with this third edition, we are taking another step in the consolidation of an award that was born with a clear transformative vocation. Our goal is to continue generating a space where innovative and committed proposals are recognized, capable of improving the impact on the environment and people, and inspiring new ways to accompany and say goodbye.”

Grupo Albia is one of the leading funeral services companies in Spain, with more than 250 centers across the country. The group, the most highly rated by families for their funeral farewells, manages an extensive network of funeral homes, crematoriums, and cemeteries, as well as floristry businesses and a marble transformation factory. Additionally, it has a fleet of approximately 480 vehicles and employs over 1,400 professionals who provide personalized and high-quality care to more than 6 million people each year.

Success of previous editions and notable participation

Throughout previous editions, the Albia Sustainability Awards have achieved remarkable success, with nearly 300 projects submitted and more than 600 people attending the various events it has organized, including business leaders and representatives from different sectors. Among the organizations recognized in previous editions are prestigious institutions such as the 'Cris contra el cáncer’ association for its support of cancer research; Radio Televisión Española (RTVE) for its contribution to sustainability awareness; and the Spanish Military Emergency Unit (UME) for its work in fires, floods, earthquakes, and humanitarian crises. These and other organizations have demonstrated a tangible commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Highlights and categories of the third edition of the awards

The main novelty of the third edition of the Albia Sustainability Awards is the inclusion of an international category. This change broadens the scope of the competition, allowing projects from outside Spain to participate. This year, the awards aim to recognize global efforts to promote more responsible and sustainable sectors, encouraging innovation in environmental, social, and governance practices. This category will highlight initiatives that promote decarbonization, the circular economy, and innovation in sustainable processes.
In addition to the international category, the recognition of projects in Spain that have shown a clear commitment to sustainable values is maintained, whether through efficient management of natural resources, the implementation of clean technologies, psychological support in mourning, or social inclusion.

Participation and registration period

Applications can be submitted from May 25 to July 17, 2026, through an online form available on the official awards portal: www.premiosalbiasostenibilidad.com.   Participants may include individuals, freelancers, companies, non-profit organizations, and public and private entities that develop initiatives with a positive impact or the potential to generate a positive impact on society and the environment, particularly in the funeral sector.

A panel of experts in sustainability and the funeral sector will evaluate the projects and select the winners, who will be announced at a ceremony scheduled for November this year. The panel will consider various factors, such as innovation, sustainability, social impact, and the potential for replicability of the projects, to ensure that the best proposals from each edition are recognized.

Beyond the funeral sector

With this third edition, the awards aim to expand their international projection and become a global reference in the recognition of best practices in sustainability. The inclusion of the international category will allow projects from other countries to participate and be showcased, fostering the exchange of ideas and best practices between different cultures and contexts. This international focus also reinforces Grupo Albia's commitment to global sustainability, providing a platform to share innovative solutions that benefit communities, people, and the environment.

The experience of previous editions has demonstrated the potential of the Albia Sustainability Awards to inspire tangible changes in the funeral industry and beyond. In past editions, projects that have stood out for their impact on reducing carbon footprints, using eco-friendly technologies, and promoting inclusive and responsible business models have been recognized.