Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction

As a pioneer in the sustainable design and construction movement, the Holcim Foundation has been a beacon of thought leadership for the building industry since its inception.

With six international award competition cycles, over 100 events conducted, and 50 publications produced, the foundation aims to accelerate systems change in the built environment.

[5] The Holcim Foundation Awards competition recognizes and promotes projects that combine sustainable design and construction with architectural excellence.

By highlighting visionary projects, the Holcim Foundation Awards contribute to a global dialogue on sustainable development, inspiring a new generation of professionals to embrace holistic and responsible approaches to building design and construction.

Possible innovations could include: Projects must adhere to the highest ethical standards and promote social inclusion at all stages of the process, from planning and construction to use, servicing, renovation, and decommissioning.

To ensure an enduring positive impact on communities, proposals must demonstrate how to enhance the collective realm and how affordable and socially-inclusive habitats can be sustained, including the fair distribution and management of resources.

Long-term environmental concerns, especially in view of optimizing circular flows of material, water, and energy, should be an integral part of the design and construction approach to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, reduce waste, and promote the use of regenerative resources throughout the industry.

Possible approaches could include: Projects must be economically feasible and able to secure financing, whether from public, commercial, co-operative or concessional sources, while having a positive impact on the social and physical environment.