Holcim Foundation's US$2m competition

Holcim Philippines has announced the start of its 4th International Holcim Awards on Sustainable Construction. The search is now on for the best ideas on how the construction industry can improve sustainability with a grand prize of US$2m awaiting the competition winner. A global independent panel of experts from renowned technical universities will validate the entries.

Beng Prado, vice president for corporate communications, said that projects must have reached an advanced stage of design, have a high probability of execution, but must not have started construction before 1 July 2013. The main category is open to projects in architecture, building and civil engineering, landscape and urban design that show how incorporating sustainability principles construction can address environmental, socioeconomic and cultural issues.

The Holcim Foundation is also assessing visionary projects and bold ideas for the 'Next Generation' category, which is open to 18-30 year-old professionals and students.

The closing date for entries is 24 March 2014 and entrants can apply online at www.holcimawards.org
Meanwhile, a local official launch of the Holcim Awards will be held on 30 August at the SMX Convention Center, during the 10th Green Forum by the Green Architecture Advocates of the Philippines.

Don Gil Carreon, media relations specialist of Holcim Philippines, explained that the competition is conducted in parallel in five regions of the world in 2013-14 followed by a global phase in 2015. Regional winners will be announced at Holcim Awards ceremonies in late 2014 in Moscow (for Europe), Toronto (North America), Medellin (Latin America), Beirut (Africa Middle East) and Jakarta (Asia-Pacific).