The 2026 results underline the growing importance of sustainability in lighting, with judges recognising not only exemplary design but also projects and initiatives that challenge conventional approaches to how lighting is specified, manufactured, installed and reused.
The five Platinum awards represent the highest level of recognition in the competition, highlighting entries that demonstrated exceptional performance against the awards’ criteria. The 12 Green awards, meanwhile, acknowledge projects and initiatives that put environmental responsibility at the heart of their approach, from extending product life and reducing waste to rethinking the materials and processes used in lighting.
Among the stand-out entries was the exterior lighting of Akershus Fortress in Norway, which secured both Platinum and Green recognition. The project demonstrated that ambitious lighting design and environmental considerations need not be competing priorities.
Two industry initiatives also achieved the double distinction. Circle Construct’s luminaire leasing scheme offers an alternative to conventional ownership, potentially helping to retain the value of lighting products and materials through longer-term relationships between suppliers and customers.
Louvres In Loop, developed by Trilux and Otto Fuchs, addresses another challenge facing the sector: what happens to lighting components when their original purpose comes to an end. The process turns recovered louvres into housings for new luminaires, illustrating how components can become resources for future products rather than waste destined for disposal.
The awards also recognised a broad range of projects, reflecting the many different ways in which lighting professionals can contribute to more sustainable buildings and public spaces. With 13 projects among the entries receiving awards, the results highlighted the role of designers, manufacturers and clients in making environmental considerations part of everyday practice.
The three product awards further demonstrated the importance of innovation at the luminaire level, while the industry initiative award recognised efforts to drive change beyond individual projects or products.
The awards were presented on 8 October at the Minster Building in London, where winners collected the competition’s distinctive ‘B’ trophies. The record number of Platinum awards and the strong showing for Green entries provided a snapshot of an industry increasingly focused on combining lighting quality with measurable progress towards a more circular economy.
Build Back Better Awards 2026 WINNERS
PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES
Akershus Fortress, Norway by Zenisk PLATINUM + GREEN
Circle Construct PLATINUM + GREEN
Louvres in the Loop by Trilux and Otto Fuchs PLATINUM + GREEN
Cologne Cathedral by Licht Künst Licht PLATINUM
V&A East Storehouse, London by Arup PLATINUM
Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Ireland by Dark Source GOLD + GREEN
Arup office, London by The Regen Initiative GOLD + GREEN
Grosvenor Square Gardens, London by BDP GOLD
Keel Crossing, Sunderland by Arup GOLD
Woolwich Town Centre, London by Michael Grubb Studio GOLD
Chapter Spitalfields by Lightology and Cucumber Lighting Controls GREEN
Guildhall Great Hall, London by Light Projects Evolve GREEN
Impact Hub, Berlin GREEN
The Loop, Düsseldorf GREEN
Leadenhall Market, London by Light Projects Evolve GREEN
LIGHTING PRODUCTS
Obscura65 by Lucent Lighting GOLD + GREEN
Pebble by Holophane GOLD
Sierra Solaflex by DW Windsor GREEN
See all winners and more information at www.buildbackbetterawards.com
