BUILDING NATIONS – 2024 IMPACT AWARDS
WINNERS
The 2024 Building Nations Impact Awards celebrate those projects, individuals and teams which have exemplified climate consciousness and a focus on social outcomes. Check out the winners from 2024 below.
INFRASTRUCTURE DECARBONISATION AWARD
This award recognises projects which embed an outstanding ‘whole of life’ approach to reducing carbon to respond to a carbon zero future. This award celebrates projects that embed carbon reduction into decision making and delivery.
WINNER:
Lodestone Energy for Lodestone Solar Farms Phase 1: Kohirā
Lodestone is pioneering utility-scale solar farms in New Zealand, making them the first to adopt this innovative technology over traditional rooftop solar. Their first five solar farms are designed to generate enough renewable energy to power 50,000 homes, significantly reducing carbon emissions and offering an independent, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional electricity generation. By integrating agriculture with solar energy production and focusing on operational viability, Lodestone is setting a new standard for sustainable energy while providing more affordable and accessible renewable power to Kiwi.
2024 Finalists:
- Mataura Valley Milk, Aurecon, and Windsor Engineering for Mataura Villey Milk Project Recharge
- Hiringa Energy for Hiringa Green Hydrogen Refuelling Network
SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD
This award recognises projects which have delivered outstanding social outcomes through collaboration with Māori, stakeholders and communities. The approach to collaboration and the tangible outcomes achieved raises the bar in delivering best practice in improving social outcomes and serves as a model for future projects.
WINNER:
The Kind Foundation for Papa Hou
The Kind Foundation and Papa Hou were chosen as the winner due to the achievement of positive social outcomes for a range of communities in Ōtautahi, Christchurch. The strong leadership, meaningful partnership with iwi and the positivity of designers, contractors and Papa Hou community tenants contributed to a project and facility with heart and innovative approaches. The judges were impressed with the focus on connected infrastructure and the clearly articulated social procurement principles which integrated community values into infrastructure design and delivery from the get go.
2024 Finalists:
- Tūpore Infrastructure for Central Hawkes Bay Cyclone Response Work
- Tainui Group Holdings for Ruakura Superhub
Highly Commended:
- Kainga Ora for Te Mātāwai
- GHD for PCC Central Stormwater Upgrades – Stage 1
EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION AWARD
This award celebrates projects and project teams that have used new technologies or approaches to partnership to deliver best practice outcomes for their regions.
By this we mean the use of a unique technology or approach to planning or construction that saves significant time and money or delivers improved project outcomes and is a replicable best practice for industry, and/or, the employment of a unique approach to partnership either by an innovative structure or enduring collaboration that provided significant benefits to project delivery and is a replicable best practice for industry.
WINNER:
Beca for Waimarie – Lincoln University
Thirteen years after the Canterbury Earthquakes, Lincoln University’s campus has been revitalised, with the flagship Waimarie science facility showcasing innovative low-damage design. Initially planned with conventional structural systems, the project embraced Tectonus Resilient Slip Friction Joints (RSFJs) to enhance seismic performance while maintaining comparable costs and reducing upfront carbon by 40%. The result is a state-of-the-art, resilient building that not only meets life-safety standards but also ensures asset protection and business continuity, setting a new benchmark for seismic design.
2024 Finalists:
- McConnell Dowell for SH25A Taparahi Slip Remediation
- Kainga Ora for Housing Delivery System
Highly Commended:
- Link Alliance for Mahi Rauora Aratohu
OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AND CONTRIBUTION TO INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD
For infrastructure professionals who, over the course of their career, have demonstrated exceptional and sustained commitment to changing and improving the way things are done.
WINNER:
David Carter, Beca
David Carter has been a transformative leader in Aotearoa’s infrastructure sector for over three decades, significantly raising the bar on sustainability, mentorship, and cultural competency. As Executive Chair of Beca since 2017, he has driven strategic vision, championed diversity, and advocated for innovative solutions that align with New Zealand’s progress and wellbeing. David’s leadership and mentorship have influenced peers, clients, and the industry at large, fostering an inclusive and sustainable future for the infrastructure sector. His stewardship of the next generation’s success through his tertiary education sector roles and broader community involvement speaks to his dedication for the future of the industry, and of Aotearoa New Zealand.
2024 Finalists:
- Craig West, Downer
- Ian Sloane, Aurecon
- Mark Foster, Tonkin+Taylor
