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Published on January 28, 2008

Entries close at the end of next month.

The competition encourages building that goes beyond convention to address the challenges of sustainability.

The Holcim Awards are open to anyone involved with sustainable construction projects, be they architects, planners, engineers or project-owners. All building projects are eligible for the competition if construction had not started before June 1, 2007. Entries are submitted using a web-based form at holcimawards.org in English only.

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology engineering professor and head of the competition's technical committee Dr Hans-Rudolf Schalcher, explained that sustainable construction was a critical part of addressing climate change.

"Building and construction is at the heart of achieving a more sustainable future since they determine environmental, economic and social capacities for communities, cities and cultures," he said.

"The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development estimates buildings account for more than 40 per cent of energy consumption in developed countries, making sustainable buildings a cornerstone for securing long-term environmental, economic and social viability," he said.

Submissions are evaluated by independent juries in five regions of the world, including Asia-Pacific, using a five-point definition of sustainable construction.

The "target issues" serve to compare each submission and cover environmental, social and economic performance.

One target issue applies specifically to building, and a further recognises the need for quantum change and transferable approaches.

Internationally renowned architects and academics will chair the juries in the five regions, including Ashok Lall in Asia-Pacific and Charles Correa for the global jury.

Holcim is a big cement-manufacturer with a presence in 70 countries.

The Nation