Execution of projects entered in the LafargeHolcim Awards competition may not have started before January 1, 2019. It’s important to understand exactly how the start date is defined. The condition means that physical construction/manufacturing of the project must not have started before January 1, 2019 – but it’s perfectly acceptable for design/research work to have already started before they key date. 

Execution of the project means slightly different things for each group. For Building and civil engineering works (Group 1), and Landscape, urban design and infrastructure projects (Group 2), the “start date” (execution) is defined as when the first site preparation (including site clearing), excavation, and/or environmental remediation for building and/or civil engineering takes place. Materials, products and construction technologies (Group 3) are considered to start when manufacturing for commercial returns (commercial production) begins. To be eligible for the LafargeHolcim Awards competition, execution may not have started before January 1, 2019.

The “start of execution” date applies to both the LafargeHolcim Awards Main Category and Next Generation Category. Please note that for entries in the Next Generation category of the competition it is not essential that the project will be built. The category is open to “bold concepts (including research and design studio work)” as well.

There are further details under “planned start of construction/production” in the Glossary on the LafargeHolcim Foundation website ... but if you want to “get off to a flying start” or have further questions, please contact the Helpdesk.

14 tips in 14 days

This is the sixth in a series of 14 short articles providing tips on entering the LafargeHolcim Awards competition. The 6th cycle of the international competition is open for entries until February 25, 2020 (14:00 UTC).

The Awards offer a total of USD 2 million in prize money and foreground projects and concepts from architecture, engineering, urban planning, materials and construction technology, and related fields. Can you picture yourself as a winner in the LafargeHolcim Awards – the world’s most significant competition for sustainable design.

www.lafargeholcim-awards.org