Best Green Building

This award recognises the most outstanding new or existing building on the island of Ireland that demonstrates excellence in sustainable design, construction, environmental performance, and long-term operational efficiency. Open to commercial, residential, industrial, public sector, education, healthcare, and mixed-use developments, this award celebrates buildings that set new benchmarks for sustainability while delivering measurable environmental, social, and economic benefits. The winning project will demonstrate how sustainability has been embedded throughout the building's lifecycle—from concept and design through construction, operation, and occupant wellbeing—while showcasing innovation, resilience, and outstanding environmental performance. Who can enter: The building owner, developer, architect, engineer, sustainability consultant, main contractor or any key project partner (with permission from the lead party—only one entry per building is accepted). The judges will be looking for clear information backed up by evidence, with particular attention to the criteria below:

• Project Overview & Sustainability Vision: Provide an overview of the building, including its purpose, location, size, completion date (or major refurbishment date), project value (where applicable), and intended use. Explain the sustainability vision established at the outset and the environmental, social, and wellbeing objectives the project sought to achieve.
• Sustainable Design & Environmental Performance: Demonstrate how sustainability principles were integrated into the building's design, construction, and operation. Include evidence of energy efficiency, carbon reduction, renewable energy integration, water conservation, sustainable materials, biodiversity enhancement, climate resilience, indoor environmental quality, and any other initiatives that contribute to the building's overall environmental performance.
• Innovation & Best Practice: Highlight any innovative technologies, design approaches, construction methods, or operational strategies that distinguish the building from comparable projects. This may include smart building technologies, circular economy principles, low-carbon materials, digital building management systems, modern methods of construction, or other pioneering sustainability initiatives.
• Measurable Results & Impact: Provide evidence of the building's environmental and operational performance. Include measurable outcomes wherever possible, such as reductions in energy consumption, carbon emissions, water usage, operational costs, waste generation, or improvements in occupant wellbeing and building performance. Reference any recognised certifications or independently verified performance standards achieved, such as BER, BREEAM, LEED, WELL, Passive House (PHPP), NABERS, DGNB, or equivalent.
• Collaboration, Challenges & Legacy: Outline how the project team collaborated to deliver the building's sustainability objectives. Describe any significant challenges encountered—including planning, procurement, technical, regulatory, or supply chain issues—and how these were overcome. Explain the building's long-term environmental legacy, including how it will continue to deliver sustainable outcomes for occupants, owners, and the wider community.
• Supporting Evidence: Include supporting documentation, performance data, photography, certifications, client or occupant testimonials, and any other independent evidence that demonstrates the building's sustainability achievements and overall success. Entries supported by quantified results and third-party verification will be viewed particularly favourably by the judging panel.