In parallel with the International Day of Climate Action, Built Green Canada announces the launch of its niche awards that profile trailblazers in sustainability—recognizing the organization’s key underpinnings: innovation; transformation; and ambassadorship.

As the impacts of climate change are increasingly felt around the world, government, industry, and individuals work to mitigate effects—and leaders emerge. For Built Green, leadership began in 2003, when builders wanted a means to progress and showcase their sustainability efforts through rigorous, relevant, and practical third-party certification programs. From this, they created the non-profit organization, Built Green Canada, formed in collaboration with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Alberta Research Council, Natural Resources Canada, Climate Change Central, and other key stakeholders.

“The organization has grown a lot since then”, says Chief Executive Officer at Built Green Canada, Jenifer Christenson. “It’s only fitting that we recognize those who were with us from the beginning, including our founding member, Jayman BUILT. These builders, and the many who have come since, embrace change and progress. To us, they’re mavericks: the ones who see things differently and who were the early adopters of sustainable building, going back over 20 years, ahead of market demand, ahead of regulation, driving innovation—and an industry forward.”

To these leaders, the organization pays homage, as it introduces its Maverick Awards. Like their mavericks, Built Green Canada is doing things differently. This program offers three exclusive awards; develops assets for winners; and occurs primarily online.

The three award categories reflect Built Green’s foundations:

• The Innovation Award recognizes creative ways sustainable building is happening and progressing industry. It’s in this spirit that Built Green’s programs were originally developed and continue to evolve.
• The Transformational Award recognizes the impact sustainability practices can have in driving real change. These achievements embody Built Green’s mission.
• And the Ambassador Award recognizes those on the ground, encouraging and promoting sustainable building. It speaks to Built Green’s origins in industry engagement and the value of word of mouth.

To celebrate winners and to elevate excellence in sustainable building, the Maverick Awards program will create assets for winners’ use, including professional short-form videos and feature articles, which Built Green Canada will share through its virtual communities, networks, and campaigns. Promotional activity will be staggered to enable a longer campaign, encouraging ongoing engagement, and increasing the frequency winners’ content is seen and shared—ultimately, expanding the audience reach beyond the confines of an in-person event.

The online format is based on the knowledge that much of our life and work happen online; when did you last check your social media? Through earned media and paid advertising, finalists and winners will be recognized across a collection of platforms and browsers, as well as through the organization’s other communication vehicles, including the inaugural Maverick Awards Newsletter.

As part of Built Green’s membership requirements, builders are required to be part of a professional association. Examples include Canadian Home Builders’ Associations, Urban Development Institute, Victoria Residential Builders Association, Infill Development in Edmonton Association, construction, environmental, etc. Through their awards programs, these associations do great work to highlight industry achievement over comprehensive award categories—Built Green recognizes this important role filled by these valued industry associations, who provide in-person events.

Meanwhile, Built Green Canada works to guide industry progress through its third-party certification programs. While building code is focused on energy efficiency, these programs provide pathways to holistic sustainability gains, with entry levels for all builders—from those struggling to reach building code to those achieving net zero energy (build produces as much energy as it consumes). Even from its origins 20 years ago, Built Green’s leadership recognized that energy efficiency was but one critical pillar of environmentally friendly design. Other key areas in Built Green’s programs are materials and methods, water and waste management, air quality and ventilation, alongside occupant wellness and business practices.

The Maverick Awards are open for submissions now through February 15, 2024.