Construction projects across North America one of five designated regions worldwide and encompassing the United States, Canada, Bermuda, and the Bahamas
Construction projects across North America Û one of five designated regions worldwide and encompassing the United States, Canada, Bermuda, and the Bahamas Û are eligible to compete for the Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction, which recognize projects that meet current needs for housing and infrastructure without compromising resources for future generations. With $2 million in prize money at stake, the international competition was initiated by Switzerland-based Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction to celebrate innovative, future-oriented, and tangible sustainable construction projects from around the globe.
The program is supported in North America by Holcim (US) Inc., St. Lawrence Cement, and Aggregate Industries. This is the second time the competition has been organized; previous regional winners were announced in 2005, with the international awards ceremony taking place in 2006.
Any party involved in planning, design, or development of a sustainable construction project, including architects, planners, engineers or owners, may enter the Holcim Awards competition, open to projects commencing after June 1, 2007. The contest does not restrict types of building material or application, as long as projects embody the environmental, economic and social values of sustainable construction.
Following their selection in 2008, winners of the North American regional competition will advance to the 2009 Global Holcim Awards. Prizes for the 2008-2009 competition include regional honors ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, and international honors from $50,000 to $300,000. Detailed descriptions of each target issue, a full list of jury members, and comprehensive competition information are available at www.holcimawards.org. Nominations and entries (submitted online in English only) will be accepted through Feb. 29, 2008.
Award applicants are evaluated by independent juries in five regions of the world using a five-point definition of sustainable construction. Serving as a benchmark to measure the degree to which a structure contributes to sustainable development, target issues include: Quantum change and transferability; Ethical standards and social equity; Ecological quality and energy conservation; Economic performance and compatibility; and, Contextual and aesthetic impact.