However, CIAL sustainable transition leader Claire Waghorn said she was privileged to receive the award on behalf of the airport.
"This award means a lot to us because our environmental work matters deeply and personally to so many of us," she said.
"We take our climate, biodiversity and circularity work seriously. It is measured, independently audited, grounded in science and led by ambition based on the knowledge our rangatahi depend on."
The judges said CIAL had gone from being carbon neutral to climate positive, and had a bold vision to reduce emissions.
"They are at the forefront of airport environmental initiatives globally.
Former airport chief executive Malcolm Johns won TIA’s Sir Jack Newman outstanding industry leader award in recognition of his contribution to sustainability and decarbonisation in the global aviation industry, and leadership through an earthquake, terrorist attack and a pandemic.
Ms Keith was among protesters outside the awards function.
CIAL’s plans to build a new international airport at Tarras emerged in 2020.
If it goes ahead, it would be the country’s first new airport in 50 years.
CIAL’s website says is still validating its proposal and has not decided whether to seek development approvals.
Sustainable Tarras has a range of environmental and community concerns about the Tarras plan.
"It would interesting for TIA to review their awards criteria given they have a new [net zero carbon emissions] 2050 criteria blueprint they published yesterday [November 7].
"They may want to assess the outcome of the awards last night and see if they are fit for purpose any more.
"From our perspective, it makes a farce of the award."
Other award winners included Wellington wildlife sanctuary Zealandia (supreme award and small-medium business excellence), Skyline Queenstown (big business excellence), EcoZip Adventures (engagement) and Altitude Adventures (visitor experience and emerging tourism leader award for operator Heidi Farren, of Queenstown).
