A contest to (quite literally) change the world.

As we’ve continued to hone our new vision here at BUILDINGS and i+s, we’ve been asking our readers and ourselves: How can we help encourage product manufacturers, architects and designers to truly express their core values in their work? How might we encourage building owners and facility managers and all those who collaborate to create buildings—to aim higher, to inspire to something greater?

The ideas continue to roll in, but here’s our favorite so far...

Introducing the Purpose Awards.

Join us as we celebrate and elevate the products, projects, designs, and spaces that contribute most to the Triple Bottom Line—People, Planet, Profit. The products and projects that not only do no harm, but best support the health and wellness of humans and the planet.

For once, it's not just about the glitz and glam—although we appreciate beauty as much as anyone. It's about the power of great design to affect positive change.

For you, it’s an opportunity to both seek and provide inspiration, to receive the recognition (and the new business leads!) you deserve for thinking outside that blue-pencil box. And, most importantly, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate how each of us can lead the change we want to see.

The jurors are well-known thought leaders on sustainable design, corporate social responsibility, equity and design. The winners and finalists will be showcased first at a gala event this fall (because who doesn’t love a party?)—and will receive glowing press and editorial kudos in BUILDINGS and i+s magazines—both in our print and digital editions and through our social media channels.

It sounds amazing, right?

It will be! Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase the results of your hard work.

Whatever it is you’ve been MOST proud of these last two years—it’s time to share it with everyone.

Timeline

Entries accepted: July 7-October 11, 2021; entries received by midnight CT on Oct. 11.

- Standard rate August 1-October 11: $375 for first entry; $150 each additional entry; (Use this discount code for any additional entries: PURPOSE2021)

Judging: October 15-November 1, 2021

Winners announced: December 2021

NOTE: If you are submitting multiple entries (either in one category or in multiple categories), you must enter the project/product information and pay entry fees each time you complete a submission.

Winners will be presented in special edition issues of BUILDINGS and i+s print and digital magazines in December 2021. Announced at live or virtual event early December.

Prizes

One winner and finalist(s) will be chosen for each of the product and project categories.

Winners Receive:

1. A Purpose Awards trophy (well, of course!)  2. Recognition during The Purpose Awards Event* 3. Editorial coverage in the December special edition issues of i+s and BUILDINGS magazines 4. Additional exposure through our publications’ digital and social media channels

Finalists Receive:

1. Recognition during the Purpose Awards Event* 2. Exposure/coverage through our digital and/or social media channels

All Entrants Receive:

1. Use of Purpose Awards Winner, Finalist or Entrant logos 2. One ticket to The Purpose Awards Event*

*In person vs virtual event to be determined by COVID travel and event restrictions

Terms & Conditions

1. Only complete entries will be considered. Incomplete or ineligible entries will be disqualified without notice or return of payment.

2. By entering, the submitter authorizes Endeavor Business Media to publish the project in print and digital editions of BUILDINGS and i+s magazines and across our digital and social media platforms and share with any media and/or industry partners affiliated with the Purpose Awards, with photographer attribution.

The entry may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for editorial and promotional purposes. Photography fees and publication rights are transferred via the submitter only, and Endeavor Business Meida will not be held responsible for obtaining photography usage rights by any means. 

3. Purpose Awards judges reserve the right to not award a winner in a category and/or to reassign an entry to a different category as they deem necessary.

4. No refunds will be issued under any circumstances.

Product Submissions

Products will be evaluated on the following six pillars: 1. Human Health 2. Environmental Sustainability 3. Material Transparency  4. Circular Economy 5. Corporate Responsibility  6. Innovation + Design

Evaluation Criteria: For each pillar, submit a statement detailing out how the product in question proves excellence with regard to that pillar and the intent behind the product. If available, provide any supporting documentation such as third-party certifications or test results.

Project Submissions

Projects will be evaluated on the following six pillars: 1. Equitable Communities 2. Innovation + Design 3. Ecosystems 4. Resource Management 5. Energy Conservation + Management 6. Health + Well-Being

Evaluation Criteria: For each pillar, submit a statement detailing out how the project in question proves excellence with regard to that pillar and the intent behind the project. If available, provide any supporting documentation such as third-party certifications or site plans.

Meet Our Jurors

Holley Henderson

LEED Fellow / Author / Speaker / Consultant + Founder of H2 Ecodesign