2026 Groundbreaker Awards

Celebrate 25 Years of Impact at the Groundbreaker Awards

Join Green Building United at the Cira Centre for an inspiring evening celebrating the people, projects, and partnerships advancing sustainability across our region.

Each year, the Groundbreaker Awards spotlight the achievements of developers, designers, advocates, and community leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in high-performance building and sustainable development. Honorees represent a powerful mix of innovation, environmental stewardship, and positive social and economic impact.

This year’s event marks 25 years of Green Building United, and we look forward to honoring the members, partners, and champions who have helped shape our work while looking ahead to the next 25 years of green building.

Connect with the people behind this year’s nominated projects, explore emerging trends and developments, and celebrate the growing momentum for healthier, more resilient, and more equitable communities!

About the Awards

The Groundbreaker Awards recognize leadership and innovation across the built environment:

• Sustainable New Development or Major Renovation: Celebrating recent projects that demonstrate excellence in sustainable design, construction, or renovation.
• Equity & Community Leadership: Honoring individuals or organizations advancing sustainability through equity, environmental justice, and community-centered work.
• Sustainable Building Operations: Recognizing existing buildings making measurable progress in performance, efficiency, and occupant well-being.
• Sustainable Design & Planning: Highlighting forward-thinking projects in the design or planning phase that prioritize sustainability and resilience.

Who Should Attend?

Architects, engineers, developers, contractors, building owners, sustainability professionals, policymakers, students, advocates, and community leaders committed to creating a more sustainable and resilient built environment.

Ticket Pricing

• Non-Member: $275 Early Bird ($325)
• Member: $150 Early Bird ($200)
• Student, Government & Nonprofit: $120 Early Bird ($150)

VIP Tour & Happy Hour

Upgrade your evening with an exclusive VIP tour of the iconic Cira Centre. Attendees will gain insights into the building’s design, ongoing operations, and sustainability strategies while earning continuing education credits. Details forthcoming.

The VIP experience includes an exclusive networking happy hour, offering a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, award nominees, project teams, sponsors, and fellow sustainability professionals.

VIP access is available for a $75 donation add-on to event registration and is included with select sponsorship packages. Spots are limited!

Sponsorship & Anniversary Giving Options

Celebrate 25 Years. Invest in the Next 25.

Sponsorship provides valuable visibility at a key juncture in the organization’s history among the region’s leading developers, designers, engineers, contractors, building owners, policymakers, and community advocates.

Packages include event tickets with VIP access for your team and guests, sponsorship recognition, and more.

Contact us for more information about available sponsorships.