Why last year's champions won - and how you can join them
Every 2024 Big 5 Global Impact Award winner beat the competition by proving real-world results – measurable impact, industry influence and a clear story the judges could back. Below you’ll see exactly why each entrant took home the trophy. Use these insights to sharpen your own submission:
- Benchmark your work against the standard the judges set.
- Add proof points that matter – hard data, sustainability wins and sector-wide reach.
- Refine your narrative so every claim is backed by evidence and outcomes.
- Inspire your team and start drafting while the ideas are fresh.
Entries for Big 5 Global Impact Awards 2025 are closed. If you missed this year’s deadline, you can register your project with us and be the first to know when entries open in 2026.
Sustainable construction organization of the year 2024
AECOM
Around the world, demand for sustainability and resiliency has never been greater. The effects of climate change, worsening impacts from extreme climate events and increasing societal challenges compel the organization to act. This is the foundation of it’s ESG strategy, Sustainable Legacies; a commitment to ensuring that the work done in partnership with clients leaves a positive, lasting impact on communities and the planet.
Over the past year, AECOM has made noteworthy progress on these initiatives, positioning it at the forefront of sustainable practices. This progress has extended its competitive advantage as an industry leader and enabled it to lead more comprehensively.
Why they won
- Sustainability aspects were presented in relation to infrastructure as a whole.
- The winner developed their own approach to reducing and measuring carbon reduction on their client projects.
- Strong evidence of contribution to ESG principles.
- Clear measurements of success implemented for DEI, HSE, carbon reduction, risk management, stakeholder and employee engagement.
Partnership of the year 2024
El Seif Engineering Contracting Co. and
China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East
Located near the At-Turaif district in Ad-Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Riyadh, Diriyah Gate is an iconic destination celebrating Saudi Arabia’s rich history. The mixed-use project includes heritage sites, entertainment, retail, mosques, and residences. Launched in 2021, the ESEC & CSCEC JV is executing this mega project, comprising multi-level tunnels, a gas storage farm, utility services, MSE walls, infrastructure, roads, pumping stations, and other works to provide access and utility connections for the development of super plots within and adjacent to the project area.
Why they won
- This partnership structure provided innovative and well-planned strategies in developing the project KPIs to enhance safety and knowledge transfer, quality, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and project management processes—an excellent example of a successful partnership.
- Great evidence of collaboration across a number of entities all striving to achieve a quality product and deliver against high standards. Clear evidence of pride by all team members in the collective achievements. Also, very clear evidence across the other criteria of innovation and the positive impact on the wider industry. Most impressive was the wide-ranging knowledge transfer initiatives.
Award for diversity, equity & inclusion 2024
ROSHN Group
ROSHN Group is dedicated to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Their recruitment attracts diverse talent from over 44 nationalities, is inclusive of gender and disabilities, and supports female professionals re-entering the workforce. ROSHN Group provides cultural development programs, continuous training and values employee feedback, internal communications, and social events, ensuring employees are engaged in its processes. Recognizing the value of a multigenerational workforce, the HIMAM program, COOP, Leadership Academy, and Youth Committee develop young leaders and shape company culture. These initiatives, and more, have earned ROSHN Group #1 “Best Place to Work” in 2022 and 2023 with over 90% employee satisfaction.
Why they won
- This company should be commended for reaching out to multiple underrepresented groups, including women and neurodivergent people, and has implemented innovated programs with strong outcomes.
- Their outreach and facilitation of collaboration between employees at both ends of the age spectrum is impressive. This broad spectrum of DEI initiatives shows true commitment.
Carbon net-zero initiative of the year 2024
GAUTAM & GAUTAM ASSOCIATES
Initiative: EcoCity Zero
EcoCity Zero is a transformative initiative aimed at creating carbon-neutral cities in South Asia, particularly Northern India. It focuses on reducing embodied carbon through innovative construction methods, sustainable material selection, and energy-efficient designs. The project integrates renewable energy systems like solar and wind and implements extensive carbon offsetting measures. Advanced monitoring and reporting systems ensure transparency and continuous improvement. EcoCity Zero demonstrates significant reductions in both embodied and operational carbon, setting a new benchmark for urban sustainability and resilience. Evidence shows substantial carbon impact reduction, making it a leading model for future city developments.
Why they won
- EcoCity Zero exemplifies a very well-considered, holistic approach to sustainable development, emphasizing energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste management and measures to reduce embodied carbon. These ambitious goals required deep collaboration across all stakeholders including government and employees – including empowerment schemes.
- An excellent initiative towards carbon net-zero urban development. As stated, EcoCity Zero not only leads by example but also inspires a new era of urban development focused on sustainability and resilience.
- Beyond the specific achievement in this specific project it inspires future urban developments. Research through materials science development, use of energy efficient technologies, Pneumatic Waste Management Systems & Monitoring and Reporting are key components.
Conservation & heritage initiative of the year 2024
Msheireb Properties
Initiative: Msheireb Museums
Msheireb Museums, located within the Msheireb Downtown Doha regeneration project, offers a compelling cultural experience that traces Qatar’s social and cultural history. Designed to inspire dialogue and reflection, the Museums provide a space where the public can engage, exchange ideas, and connect with both their heritage and aspirations for the future. This experience is centred around the careful restoration of four historic houses: Bin Jelmood House, Company House, Mohammed Bin Jassim House, and Radwani House, which now form the heart of Msheireb Museums. Together, they reflect a meaningful blend of tradition and modernity within one of Doha’s most architecturally and commercially forward-thinking developments.
Why they won
- Addressing the issue of human slavery and the context of the homes and buildings where they actually lived is a powerful statement for future generations of Qataris. The DNA and work being done is most impressive. The plans for the regeneration of the buildings are well thought out and in line with sustainable development at its finest.
- The Msheireb Museums project excels in its integration of conservation, heritage, and sustainability. It demonstrates an elevated level of commitment to preserving Qatar’s cultural identity while embracing modernity. The project’s educational and social impact, along with its alignment with global sustainability goals, further enhances its value.
Circularity initiative of the year 2024
China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East
Initiative: Waste Management and Low-Carbon Materials.
The DGCL project’s Sustainable Waste Management and Low-Carbon Construction Materials Initiative demonstrates our commitment to minimizing environmental impacts in construction. We recycle 85.47% of waste, surpassing the LEED and Mostadam target of 75%. We prioritize regional materials within a 500-mile radius, recycled content at 50%, and low-carbon materials, reducing emissions and supporting local economies. This initiative significantly lowers our carbon footprint and fosters a circular economy. Leading in environmentally responsible construction, the DGCL project highlights our dedication to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, making it a strong contender for the Big5 Global Impact Awards.
Why they won
- Judges were impressed that this project sought to reduce the virgin materials used in the construction of buildings and to lower the amount of construction waste – two very important issues that can and should be scaled and encouraged more widely.
- The “Waste Management and Low-Carbon Materials” initiative received a high score due to its comprehensive approach to sustainability in construction. Key factors include: effective waste management, innovation in materials. Significant environmental impact, strong collaboration, scalability, rick management and long-term vision.
Sustainable initiative of the year 2024
LEAD Real Estate Developer
Sustainable Initiative: Planting 1M Mangrove Trees in Jubail Island
Jubail Island plans to plant one million trees at the Jubail Mangrove Park (JMP) within eight years. The park serves as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and an educational resource to communicate the significance of mangroves to the ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Additionally, since November 2022, Jubail Island has collaborated closely with major entities from across the UAE, aiming to develop the island into an ecotourism hub in Abu Dhabi. This development prioritizes community development, environmental preservation, and protection of the island’s flora and wildlife.
Why they won
- The “Planting 1M Mangrove Trees in Jubail Island” initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and community engagement, aligning well with the SDGs. It stands out with its innovative approach and significant impact but could improve by providing more specific data and detailed feedback to enhance its overall effectiveness and replicability.
- This project holds tremendous potential and substantial impact on the environment, checks all the boxes and serves as a living laboratory for the community to engage and learn about the importance of building a sustainable plant that is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. In particular, the impact on the future generations is palpable when they make field visits to study the importance of coastal ecosystems and their vital role in preserving the marine ecology.
Digitalization initiative
of the year 2024
KEO
Initiative: KEO’s Digital Transformation Deployment
This entry effectively highlights KEO’s ongoing innovation efforts and the core elements of its digital transformation roadmap—an ambitious digitalization initiative that translates strategic vision into actionable processes. It reflects the strong and explicit commitment of KEO’s team to fostering innovation and adopting a forward-looking approach grounded in operational digitalization.
Through the development and implementation of this roadmap, the initiative emphasizes the integration of cutting-edge technologies and the embrace of continuous change and growth as fundamental aspects of KEO’s business culture. This approach spans both Digital Project Delivery and Digital Business Management, beginning with its largest division, PM/CM International.
Why they won
- The entry provided tangible and quantifiable improvements with further opportunities for integration.
- The submission is great initiative, with clear impact and outcome.
- They exceeded cutting-age digitalization in almost all AEC aspects, as well as Digital Transformation teams acting in multi-levels with updated road maps. They are going beyond all the limitations.
Liveable city initiative of the year 2024
Msheireb Properties
Initiative: Msheireb Downtown Doha
Msheireb Downtown Doha is the flagship regeneration development of Msheireb Properties, representing the company’s approach to sustainable urban development. The district officially opened to residents and commercial tenants in 2018. More than a smart and sustainable city, it offers a dynamic urban environment designed to support living, leisure, and business in balance. Situated in the heart of the capital, it is a prime destination for retail, commercial, residential, and civic services. As Qatar’s leading sustainable real estate developer, Msheireb Properties aims to reshape perceptions of urban living and enhance quality of life through environmentally responsible and forward-thinking developments.
Why they won
- Excellent project which stating a new benchmark internationally in urban regeneration.
- Impressive approach to green building and neighborhood design that incorporates heritage principles and community living. Msheireb Properties pioneered a ‘Seven Principles’ framework that integrates the essence of Qatari heritage with contemporary design, making it adaptable for global applications. Msheireb Downtown Doha also features one of the highest concentrations of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified sustainable buildings, with both Gold and Platinum certifications.
Workforce of the future initiative
of the year 2024
ROSHN Group
Initiative: HIMAM
ROSHN Group’s Himam Graduate Program is designed to nurture and empower Saudi youth, offering a unique 18-month experience that combines world-class academic programs and on-the-job training. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, significantly increasing participant numbers and fostering innovation, knowledge transfer, and a diverse, inclusive culture at ROSHN Group. The Himam program attracts and develops young talent, equipping them with the skills needed to contribute to ROSHN Group’s mission of creating future-ready communities.
Why they won
- Clearly an excellent initiative, with a fantastic safety record and good to read about the Culture Development Programme and Youth Committee
Retrofit project of the year 2024
Muchmore Consultancy
Name of Project: NCM – NAKHEEL COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT, THE GALERIES 4
The “The galleries 4” project focuses on the renovation of an existing building with an emphasis on Interior Design, sustainability, and efficiency. Using eco-friendly materials, LED lighting systems, and energy management sensors, it has reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Indoor green spaces and increased natural lighting have improved air quality and employee well-being. Additionally, the renovation reduced costs compared to a complete demolition, increasing the value of the surrounding area, and stimulating investment. The project has become a model of sustainability and innovation for future corporate initiatives.
Why they won
- Judges were impressed by the detailed metrics on energy and water savings.
- Social impact was well-addressed.
Modular construction project of the year 2024
Sobha Constructions LLC
Name of Project: The Crest Project
The Crest Residence represents an inspired way of life. Comprising of 3 interconnected residential towers with interlinked Sky Gardens, the project hosts world-class amenities and experiential community living at its best. Considering the volume of the project, we decided to reap the benefits of off-site construction in terms of delivery, quality, cost, and safety. Four key initiatives were identified and implemented to do so – namely Prefabricated Bathroom Units (PBUs), MEP Modular System, Gypsum Prefabricated Unit, and the Tile Craft Center.
Why they won
- The Crest project stream has effectively used modular construction to create a beautiful result. Most impressive are the efficiencies measured in the use of modular construction not only for the bathroom units and MEP, but also for the tips of prefabrication and the title craft center.
- Project displayed thorough utilization of modular and off-site solutions with thorough impact analysis. Sustainability, Efficiency, and various other aspects have been layed out. Additionally, the project utilized digital delivery methods like BIM and PlanGrid and made use of Automation in manufacturing.
- Modular implementation, centered on MEP and toilet units, significantly accelerated construction timelines for this large-scale project, demonstrating improved efficiency and quality in these critical areas.
Sustainable construction project of the year 2024
Masdar City
Name of Project: Estidama Mosque
Estidama Mosque has been designed by Emirati design studio “X-Architects” and achieves the highest possible sustainability ratings with a LEED “Platinum” accreditation (NB: yet to be obtained) and Estidama PBRS “Pearl 3” rating (NB: Yet to be obtained). Masdar City are proud to have developed this as a gift to the people of the United Arab Emirates as part of the UAE’s Year of Sustainability. Note that the project was delivered with the UN’s Climate Change Conference – COP28 – held in the UAE in December 2023.
Why they won
- Blending the socio-cultural requirements and sensitivities of this project with the environmental impact was going to be a tall order, and I am glad to say the team did a great job. They have demonstrated a significant amount of collaboration and social impact in terms of the project and created a facility that is likely to serve the community for many years.
- Estidama Mosque project excels in blending cultural heritage with contemporary design, integrating sustainability at its core, emphasizing symbolism and user experience, and providing a visually striking and culturally significant architectural representation. These factors collectively justify a high score of 97 out of 100 for the project’s exceptional quality, innovation, and alignment with its design brief and context.
Best use of technology
of the year 2024
ROSHN Group
Technology Name: ROSHN Worlds
Our ground-breaking Unified Interactive Development Experience Platform is poised to revolutionize the landscape of real estate development. This transformative platform reimagines the way we evaluate development opportunities across ROSHN Group’s land bank, seamlessly integrating hyper-realistic gamification, BIM, generative design, and AI algorithms. It immerses stakeholders in VR/AR digital world scenarios, empowering them with data-driven insights. Integrating live analytics elevates decision-making and fosters real-time collaboration, presenting many viable development options. ROSHN Group is at the forefront of the real estate industry and is committed to technological innovation, driving superior results, and aligning with the Saudi 2030 Vision.
Why they won
- An innovative company applying very advanced technologies to daily operation, construction as well as using Unreal Engine for sites overseeing all over KSA.
- There is a clear sense of direction in this submission relating to a very real challenge in combining planning – real estate through simulation as well as management of the assets. This is an excellent example of the approach and will serve this organization really well moving forward.
Technology leader
of the year 2024
Ramzi Jaber, Director, e.construct & Cofounder of VAES.ai
Ramzi leads in e.construct with a focus on sustainable design, reducing material usage, cost, and carbon emissions. Through technology and innovation, he aims to reshape design thinking and construction methodologies. His work centers on climate technology, structural engineering, and material science.
Deep Tech: Ramzi is co-founder of VAES.ai, a climate, deep tech startup focused on developing structural and geotechnical optimization that reduces the volume of concrete and steel when designing our cities. By combining civil engineering expertise with machine learning and powerful optimization algorithms, VAES.ai rapidly generates and analyzes millions of design iterations to identify the most efficient, cost-effective solutions, delivering optimal results in a fraction of the time.
Structural Engineering: Ramzi directs projects consisting of complex structures and specialist systems, including precast, post-tensioned and pre-stressed steel.
Material Science: Ramzi is part of an R&D program developing Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) mixtures that reduce steel reinforcement needs while providing versatile, strong, and durable structures. These efficient materials ultimately lower a structure’s carbon footprint.
Why they won
- Impactful contributions by a leader in the digital transformation of the construction industry, leveraging AI, ML, and other tech innovations.
- Driving sustainable practices by integrating them into the core of engineering and decision-making process.
Sustainability leader of the year 2024
Omnia Halawani, Co-CEO and Founder, grfn
Omnia Halawani stands as an exemplary candidate for the Sustainable Leader Award, grounded in a wealth of experience, transformative project outcomes, and a steadfast commitment to advancing sustainability, energy efficiency, and industry standards. Beyond the quantifiable metrics of energy and cost savings, Omnia’s strategic advisory services significantly contribute to the long-term resilience and efficiency of energy systems in the region, making her a standout nominee for this prestigious accolade.
Why they won
- This candidate possesses qualities of a real thought leader who pushes boundaries and goes beyond the call of duty.
- Sharing of the candidate’s knowledge and experiences through different platforms mean that her sphere of influence is well beyond her workplace and peers.
- The nominee performed very well in her field of work and contributed to sustainability in other fields.
