Message from the Chairman of Panel of Judges

I was delighted to hear the inaugural launch of the award scheme to recognize exceptional leadership towards sustainability practices in the Sri Lankan construction industry by the Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB) and to be the first Chairman of the panel of Judges.

This initiative demonstrates the CIOB’s commitment to promoting sustainable practices recognizing and honoring individuals, organizations, products and systems that have demonstrated outstanding innovation in advancing sustainability. There is no doubt that this award scheme will inspire the practitioners to embrace sustainable practices, contribute to environmental preservation, fulfil social responsibility, and demonstrate new order reshaping the industry to global best practices.

I was very pleased to see the enthusiasm for the first call of applications and I expect the industry to build the momentum so that an increasing number of participants not only embrace sustainability practices but also make use of the awards scheme as a platform to showcase their expertise, innovations, products, systems and commitment to sustainable development. The awardees were selected using a carefully designed assessment scheme under two categories: (a) organizations, (b) products/systems. Organizations category was evaluated considering the extent of: Incorporation of sustainable practices in their business strategies and operations; Implementation of green building standards, certifications, or such initiatives; Adoption of environmentally friendly construction materials and practices; Employee training and engagement in sustainability initiatives; Demonstration of social responsibility and community involvement; Leadership examples of application of sustainability concepts to various projects; Significance of environmental, social, economic outcomes of such projects; and the impact on sustainability in the construction industry.

Products/Systems category was evaluated considering the extent of: Use of eco-friendly materials and construction techniques in product; Life cycle assessment and consideration of environmental impacts; Innovation in sustainable product design and development; Compliance with relevant sustainability certifications or standards; Leadership examples of application of such products/ systems in various projects; Significance of environmental, social, economic outcomes of such products; and the impact on sustainability in the construction industry. Despite the fact that there is significant room for improvement in both the sustainable practices and the application rigour, the panel was pleased to witness the awareness and deliberate attempts towards enhancing sustainability practices and their drive for further improvement.

On behalf of the panel of Judges, I wish to congratulate the winners for their outstanding achievement and the participants for their enthusiasm and learning experience and wish all of them very best in their future endevours in promoting sustainability and green building in the construction industry.