FAQs

• What projects are eligible?

  Projects must be client-supported and/or commissioned by a client with the intention of real-world execution, at late design phase or already under construction, provided construction is not completed before February 11, 2025.

  The late design phase in architectural design typically refers to the stage where the major design decisions have been made, and the focus shifts to refining, detailing, and preparing the project for construction. While terminology can vary depending on the region or project type, this phase often includes the following milestones: construction documentation (CD) phase, design development (late stage), tender and bidding. 

• When does the competition close?

  All entry submissions must be started and participants registered before Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 14:00 hrs UTC. 

  Only registered participants can then edit and complete their submission until Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 14:00 hrs UTC.

  A high volume of users accessing the online entry form in the final days of the competition is anticipated. This may slow down the response time of the online entry form as well as the turn-around time for enquiries submitted to the Helpdesk. It is recommended to complete submissions well ahead of the final deadline.

• How can I “register” an entry in the Holcim Foundation Awards competition?

  To register an entry, follow these steps:

  1. Complete the Registration Form: 
     Fill out the web form at: Holcim Foundation Awards Registration.
      
  2. Confirm Your Email Address: 
     You will receive a verification email. Click on the link provided to confirm your email.
      
  3. Log In and Create an Entry: 
     Access the Awards platform and click the (+) button to create an entry.
     Add a working title, assign your role, and save the project by February 11, 2025, at 14:00 UTC.
      
  4. Refine and Submit: 
     You can continue refining your entry until the final submission deadline: February 18, 2025, at 14:00 UTC.

• What do I need to do to complete my project submission?

  Checklist for Submissions

  • Time
    Please ensure you leave sufficient time to complete the entry process and follow-up on any last-minute additions or alterations to the entry.
     
  • Project information
    Review all sections, upload any outstanding documentation and photos, ensure all mandatory elements are completed.
     
  • Data sheet
    The Data Sheet is optional, but if you plan to include it, be sure to fill out all relevant fields and upload the final PDF.
     
  • Team members
    Add each Main and Further Author under the Team Members tab. Main Authors must verify their email via a confirmation link before submission.
     
  • Client
    List the person representing the project’s commissioning and funding entity as the Client under the Team Members tab. Clients don’t need to verify their email, but the Holcim Foundation may contact them for project verification if nominated for a prize.
     
  • Confirmation
    Before submitting, complete a final check and accept the competition's Terms and Conditions.

• What is the prize money?

  The competition offers total prize money of USD 1 million with USD 200,000 allocated to each of five regions: Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East & Africa, and North America.

  Within each region, the Jury will select four (4) winning projects to receive USD 40,000 each. Winning projects will exemplify best practice and diverse innovative approaches to regional challenges relating to sustainable design and construction.

  In addition, the Jury will select one of the four winners to receive a special recognition prize of an additional USD 40,000.

  Representatives of each winning team will be invited to a Holcim Foundation Awards 2025 prize event to be held in Venice, Italy on November 20, 2025. Travel and accommodation expenses for team representatives are covered by the Holcim Foundation.

• Where can my project be located?

  The Holcim Foundation Awards competition is open to projects anywhere in the world by teams or individuals. The competition is conducted in five geographic regions: Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East & Africa, and North America.

• How do I enter the Holcim Foundation Awards?

  Complete the online entry form and provide general project information, explain how the project responds to the sustainability goals of the Holcim Foundation, provide detailed sustainability performance data and project images.

  Download the submission guide for an overview of everything you need before entering your project. 

• Are there any costs to enter?

  No. Entry in the competition is free.

• What is the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction?

  The Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction is an independent non-profit organization based in Zurich, Switzerland whose mission is to support people who are change accelerators for sustainable construction.

  In addition to its flagship Awards program first conducted in 2004, the Foundation partners with academics and industry-leading practitioners to create educational opportunities and organizes events to facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices.

  The Holcim Foundation believes that a number of interdependent goals and principles for sustainable construction must be understood, mainstreamed, and implemented to succeed in building a better world.

  Find out more about the Holcim Foundation.