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26 June 2026
Not sure if your project is suitable for the Sustainability Awards? Wondering whether you have enough sustainability data, which category to enter, or if you’re eligible for a partner discount? We’ve answered the questions we hear most often as the Sustainability Awards celebrate 20 years.
Every year, there are projects that deserve to be recognised in the Sustainability Awards but never make it across the finish line.
Sometimes it’s because teams are unsure whether they’re eligible. Sometimes they assume they don’t have enough sustainability data. Often, they’re simply busy delivering projects and put recognition on the back burner.
As the Sustainability Awards celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions we receive from architects, designers, developers, builders and manufacturers considering an entry.
“Is my project actually eligible?”
If your project was completed between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2026, there’s a strong chance it is.
The Sustainability Awards recognises projects, products, practices and individuals across a broad range of categories spanning architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, adaptive reuse, commercial buildings, residential projects, sustainable products and industry leadership.
Many entrants are surprised to discover their work is suitable for multiple categories.
If you’re unsure, our team is happy to help identify the most appropriate category before you begin your submission.
Twenty years of recognising sustainable leadership
When Architecture & Design launched the first Sustainability Awards in 2007, sustainability was still emerging as a mainstream consideration in Australia’s built environment.
Over the past two decades, the Awards have documented the evolution of sustainable design—from early conversations around energy efficiency and responsible material selection through to today’s focus on embodied carbon, regenerative design, circular economy principles, biodiversity and net-zero outcomes.
Many of the projects recognised throughout the Awards’ history helped demonstrate what was possible long before many of today’s sustainability benchmarks, frameworks and industry commitments became standard practice.
As we celebrate 20 years of the Sustainability Awards, the program continues to recognise the people, projects and products helping shape the future of the built environment.
“Our project isn’t perfect. Is it sustainable enough?”
This is perhaps the most common misconception we encounter.
The Sustainability Awards are not looking for perfection. They’re looking for leadership, innovation and measurable progress.
Some projects enter with extensive post-occupancy data, certifications and years of operational performance. Others demonstrate sustainability through thoughtful design decisions, material innovation, community outcomes, circular economy initiatives or new approaches to longstanding industry challenges.
Judges are ultimately looking for evidence of meaningful impact and a clear sustainability story.
“What if we don’t have complete performance data?”
While measurable outcomes are encouraged, they are not the only measure of success.
Strong submissions often combine available performance metrics with evidence of innovation, design thinking, research, stakeholder engagement and environmental or social outcomes.
The key is explaining both the challenge and the solution.
“Can we enter a project that’s already won other awards?”
Absolutely.
Winning another award does not affect eligibility for the Sustainability Awards. In fact, many shortlisted and winning projects have previously received recognition elsewhere before being benchmarked against Australia’s leading sustainability-focused projects.
“Can we enter more than one category?”
Yes.
Projects may be entered into multiple categories if they satisfy the relevant criteria. In many cases, a project’s sustainability achievements span multiple disciplines and deserve recognition across more than one category.
Separate entries are required for each category.
“What makes a strong submission?”
The strongest entries tend to do four things exceptionally well:
- Clearly explain the challenge being addressed
- Demonstrate the sustainability strategy
- Provide evidence of outcomes and impact
- Tell a compelling story about why the project matters
The Sustainability Awards jury comprises leading architects, designers, academics and sustainability specialists who are looking beyond claims and seeking clear examples of how sustainability has influenced the final outcome.
“Why enter at all?”
For many entrants, the value extends far beyond the possibility of winning.
The Sustainability Awards have spent two decades celebrating the projects, products and people advancing sustainability in the built environment. Shortlisted and winning entries gain exposure through Architecture & Design’s editorial, digital, social and event platforms, helping showcase their work to a national audience of industry professionals and decision-makers.
Past finalists and winners have used the Awards to build credibility, strengthen client relationships, attract new opportunities and elevate their profile within the industry.
Member discounts available
The Sustainability Awards is proud to work alongside many of Australia’s leading industry organisations to support innovation and sustainability across the built environment.
Members of a number of our strategic partner organisations may be eligible for discounted entry rates, including:
- Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA)
- Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA)
- Association of Consulting Architects Australia (ACA)
- PrefabAUS
- Global GreenTag
- Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC)
- International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)
If you’re a member of one of these organisations and are unsure whether you’re eligible for a discount, get in touch with our team before submitting your entry.
Don’t leave it until it’s too late
The 2026 Sustainability Awards marks an important milestone: 20 years of recognising the projects, products and people helping shape a better built environment.
Entries close on Wednesday 24 June 2026 and, to be considered for this year’s program, your entry must be started before the deadline.
If you’ve been considering entering, now is the time.
Not sure if your project is suitable?
Get in touch with the Sustainability Awards team. We can help identify the most appropriate category, answer eligibility questions and advise whether you’re entitled to a partner discount.
Because the work shaping the future deserves to be seen.
About the Sustainability Awards:
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, the Sustainability Awards is Australia’s longest running and most prestigious program recognising excellence in sustainable design and architecture. Entries are evaluated by an expert judging panel, with winners across multiple categories announced at the annual Sustainability Awards Gala on 12 November 2026 in Sydney. For updates on entry openings or to enquire about remaining sponsorship opportunities, please click here.
Article originally published on www.architectureanddesign.com.au
Main image: 2025 Sustainability Awards Gala at Sydney Town Hall.
