Revealing the 2026 Sustainability Awards shortlist

For two decades, the Sustainability Awards have documented the changing face of sustainability across Australia’s built environment. What was once largely defined by environmental performance, energy efficiency and material selection has evolved into a much broader consideration of the long-term impact of the places we create – how they perform, endure, adapt and contribute to the communities around them.

That evolution is strongly reflected in the 2026 shortlist. This year’s finalists span projects, products, practices and people demonstrating an increasingly sophisticated approach to sustainability. It’s one in which environmental performance remains fundamental, but is increasingly considered alongside resilience, longevity, adaptability and lasting social and community value.

Across the judging process, a recurring theme was the role buildings and places can play in sustaining communities themselves. From projects responding more thoughtfully to their environmental and social context to innovations designed around circularity, durability and long-term performance, the 2026 shortlist demonstrates how sustainability is becoming more deeply embedded in the way Australia designs and builds.

“Over the past 20 years, we have seen sustainability move from something that was often considered an addition to good design to something that is increasingly inseparable from it,” says Branko Miletic, Program Director of the Sustainability Awards and Editor of Architecture & Design.

“This year’s shortlist demonstrates just how far the industry has progressed, while also challenging us to consider what the next 20 years of sustainable design must deliver,” he continues.

“What’s particularly exciting is seeing sustainability extend beyond the built structure itself and into the communities these projects serve. Buildings are increasingly being considered not only for how efficiently and responsibly they perform, but for how they contribute to the resilience, longevity and sustainability of communities. That broader, lasting impact is where some of the most meaningful progress is now being made.”

The 2026 Sustainability Awards recognise excellence across 16 categories, encompassing residential, commercial and public architecture; interior and landscape design; adaptive reuse; sustainable products and materials; prefabrication and modular construction; sustainable practice; community impact; and leadership across the built environment.

Related: The 2026 AIA National Awards shortlist

The shortlist will now progress to the final stage of the 2026 program, with winners announced at the Sustainability Awards Gala on 12th November 2026 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA), Sydney.

The Gala will bring together architects, designers, builders, developers, manufacturers and sustainability leaders from across the country to celebrate not only the achievements of 2026, but 20 years of progress in sustainable design and construction.

View the 2026 shortlist

The complete 2026 Sustainability Awards shortlist, including shortlisted projects, people and organisations, is available at: www.sustainablebuildingawards.com.au. You can also view them in this table.