Celebrating its 20th year, the 2026 Sustainability Awards arrive at a pivotal moment for the built environment—one defined by increasing regulatory pressure, housing supply challenges, and the mainstreaming of sustainability as a commercial imperative rather than a design aspiration.

Entries open on 29 April and close on 24 June 2026, with submissions invited from professionals delivering measurable impact across projects, products and practice.

This year’s program introduces two significant category updates that reflect the evolving priorities of the industry, including the return of established and emerging areas of practice.

The introduction of Sustainable Builder/Developer of the Year, marks a decisive shift in recognising accountability for sustainability outcomes. The category acknowledges that leadership has moved beyond the drawing board—rewarding builders and developers who are embedding environmental performance, social responsibility and long-term value creation into delivery at scale. It signals a broader industry recalibration, where sustainability is judged on execution, not intent.

Equally, the return of the Prefab & Modular category—absent since 2020—reflects the sector’s rapid maturation and growing strategic importance. Once considered niche, prefabrication is now firmly positioned as a scalable solution to some of Australia’s most pressing challenges, including housing affordability, construction productivity and waste reduction. Its reinstatement underscores increasing industry adoption and alignment with government and institutional support for modern methods of construction.

“Sustainability in the built environment is no longer aspirational—it’s essential. These awards not only celebrate the innovators getting it right but also amplify their impact to drive broader change,” says Branko Miletic, Program Director.

Key Dates:
• Entries open: 29 April 2026
• Entries close: 24 June 2026
• Judging commences: 17 July 2026
• Shortlist announced: 27 August 2026
• Awards Gala: 12 November 2026

The Awards Gala will be held at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), Sydney, bringing together leaders shaping the future of Australia’s built environment.

About the Sustainability Awards
Established by Architecture & Design, the Sustainability Awards spotlight excellence in ecological and socially responsible design. Over two decades, the program has become one of Australia’s most trusted and influential platforms for recognising leadership in the built environment.

For entry submissions, judging information, sponsorship opportunities or event details, visit: www.sustainablebuildingawards.com.au