Applications are open for the COP31 International Sustainable Buildings Competition for sustainable building projects from around the world to demonstrate how innovation, efficient resource use and measurable climate action can transform the buildings sector.

The competition is led by the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC), hosted by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), in partnership with the COP31 Presidency of Türkiye. It brings together governments, building professionals, businesses and other practitioners to highlight projects delivering meaningful environmental and energy-performance improvements throughout the building lifecycle.

The initiative features two complementary award programmes: the YeS Honor Awards and the World Championship for Energy Savings (WCES).

YeS Honor Awards

The YeS Honor Awards recognise outstanding green building projects across areas such as sustainable design, indoor environmental quality, materials, facility management and energy performance. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, during COP31.

Eligible projects can compete in several categories:

• Green Building Main Category: Open to existing buildings demonstrating sustainable materials, efficient water use, waste and emissions reduction, and environmentally responsible design and operation.
• Sustainable Design Main Category: Open to new buildings featuring climate-responsive architecture, passive design strategies, carbon-neutral approaches and integration with ecological systems.
• Facility Management Category: Open to existing buildings with strong systems for monitoring and improving water, energy and material use, circular waste management and emissions reduction.
• Energy Efficiency Category: Open to both new and existing buildings implementing measures such as renewable energy, efficient insulation, HVAC optimisation, smart-grid technologies and reductions in energy consumption and emissions.

World Championship for Energy Savings

The World Championship for Energy Savings (WCES) focuses on actual building performance rather than design alone. Participating buildings submit historical and monitoring-period energy data, allowing their performance to be assessed using measurable energy savings.

National energy leagues will identify leading buildings that can progress to the global championship. Evaluation considers both the percentage improvement in energy performance and absolute energy savings, with the programme designed to recognise operational excellence and real-world results.

Applications for the COP31 International Sustainable Buildings Competition must be submitted by 1 October 2026.