“The future will be green, or not at all.” – Bob Brown
Welcome to an extraordinary event that recognizes and celebrates excellence in sustainable building and eco-friendly architecture. The Sustainable Building Awards, also known as the Green Awards, are a prestigious annual event organized by the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC). These awards honor the remarkable achievements of individuals and organizations in advancing green building practices and creating sustainable communities.
Award Categories and Nomination Process
The Sustainable Building Awards encompass diverse award categories that acknowledge various aspects of sustainable building practices. These categories serve as a platform to recognize and celebrate individuals and projects that have made significant contributions towards creating a greener and more sustainable future.
Award Categories
The Sustainable Building Awards feature the following categories:
| Award Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Zero Carbon Design | Recognizes projects that demonstrate outstanding performance in achieving zero-carbon emissions. |
| Deep Carbon Retrofit | Celebrates innovative projects that significantly reduce a building’s carbon footprint through retrofitting. |
| New Construction (Commercial or Institutional) | Acknowledges exceptional new construction projects in the commercial or institutional sector that prioritize sustainability. |
| Inspiring Home | Honors residential projects that exemplify sustainable design and inspire eco-friendly living. |
| Green Building Champion Award | Recognizes an individual or organization for their outstanding advocacy and leadership in the green building industry. |
| Green Building Visionary Award | Salutes visionaries who have made remarkable contributions to advancing sustainable building practices. |
| Emerging Green Leader Award | Recognizes young professionals who have shown exceptional promise and leadership in the sustainable building sector. |
| Government Leadership Award | Honors governmental entities or agencies that have demonstrated exemplary commitment to sustainable building practices. |
| Andy Kesteloo Memorial Project Award | Named after a sustainable building pioneer, this award celebrates projects that exemplify innovation and excellence in sustainable construction. |
Nomination Process
The Sustainable Building Awards nomination process is open exclusively to corporate CAGBC members in good standing. Nominations must be submitted online through the official awards portal. The submissions undergo a thorough review by a panel of expert judges who evaluate the projects based on specific criteria such as:
- Contribution to the CAGBC’s vision and mission
- Advancement of green building practices
- Leadership in sustainability
- Commitment to improving current sustainable building practices
It is important to note that nominees must not be current members of the CAGBC Board of Directors or paid staff members. However, individuals or projects previously nominated can apply again as long as they have not won an award in previous years. The nomination period opens well in advance of the awards ceremony to allow ample time for submissions and rigorous evaluation.
The Sustainable Building Awards represent a prestigious recognition of excellence in sustainable building practices. The diverse award categories and stringent nomination process ensure that deserving individuals and projects receive the green building industry’s highest accolades.
Past Winners and Recognitions
Over the years, the Sustainable Building Awards have recognized outstanding sustainable building projects and individuals who have made significant contributions to the field. These past winners serve as exemplars of innovation, sustainability, and environmental stewardship in the building industry.
Here are some notable award winners from previous editions:
| Category | Project |
|---|---|
| New Construction – Commercial | Kennedale EcoStation by the City of Edmonton |
| New Construction – Institutional | Humber River Hospital |
| Existing Building – Commercial | Royal Bank Plaza by Oxford Properties Group |
| Zero Carbon Building | evolv1 by Cora Group |
In addition to these project-specific awards, the Sustainable Building Awards also honor individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to sustainable building practices and advocacy. Some of the recognition categories include:
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Inspired Educator
- Emerging Green Leader
- Government Leadership
- Volunteer Leadership – Technical Expertise
- Volunteer Leadership
- Green Building Champion
- Green Building Pioneer
- Andy Kesteloo Memorial Project Award
These past winners and recognition categories demonstrate the breadth and depth of sustainable building accomplishments and the commitment of individuals and organizations to creating a greener and more sustainable future.
Conclusion
The Sustainable Building Awards play a vital role in promoting and advancing the sustainable building industry in Canada. By recognizing and celebrating excellence in eco-friendly architecture, these awards inspire innovation, encourage the adoption of green building practices, and showcase the positive impact of sustainable construction on the environment and communities.
Building Lasting Change, the annual conference where the awards are presented, serves as a platform for industry professionals to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on sustainable building solutions. This gathering of like-minded individuals and organizations fosters a culture of innovation, where the latest trends and advancements in eco-friendly architecture are showcased and discussed.
Through the Sustainable Building Awards, the sustainable building industry in Canada continues to grow, evolve, and contribute towards creating a greener and more sustainable future. As the demand for sustainable and energy-efficient buildings increases, these awards serve as a beacon of inspiration and recognition for individuals, companies, and projects that are leading the way in the industry.
