About the 2026 challenge.
The Africa-Wide Green Building Research Challenge 2026 is a continent-spanning design and research
initiative organised by Cadright Global Research Cell (CGRC) in collaboration with the
School of Architecture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
This challenge brings together students, early-career professionals, established practitioners and experts
across the built environment to explore innovative, climate-responsive and resource-efficient design
solutions tailored to Africa’s diverse contexts.
Unlike conventional concept competitions, this is a research-driven and practice-oriented platform.
Participants are encouraged to investigate local climate realities, social and cultural needs, material
availability, affordability constraints, and on-the-ground sustainability challenges, then translate their
findings into feasible, high-impact green building proposals.
Through this challenge, participants will explore:
- Passive and active climate-smart design strategies suited to African climates
- Human-centred design that responds to people, place and community
- Low-carbon, affordable and context-appropriate material choices
- Practical solutions for Africa’s evolving built environment, grounded in research
Although this competition is not centred on EDGE, to ensure fair and transparent evaluation, submissions will be assessed using three performance pillars commonly applied in green building practice: energy performance, water efficiency and material resource optimisation.
Download the full competition brief and detailed guidelines below.
Download Full Competition Guide (PDF)Who can participate?
- Architecture, engineering and built-environment students.
- Recent graduates and young professionals.
- Self-taught learners and career-switchers interested in sustainable buildings.
You do not need to be an expert. Curiosity, effort and clear thinking are enough.
How the 2026 challenge works.
Three simple steps
-
Register
Complete the online registration form. -
Develop your design
Prepare the following:- Architectural drawings (plans, sections, elevations)
- Performance calculations (energy, water, materials)
- Sustainability explanation (1–2 pages)
- 3D images or renderings
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Submit your files
Upload all required documents before the deadline using the submission form.
What you will submit.
The submission form uses multiple upload fields for clearer, more organised review by the jury.
Required files
- Performance calculations file – showing your design’s projected energy, water, and material efficiency outcomes (Excel, CSV or calculation sheet).
- Environmental performance summary (PDF) – a concise summary highlighting the sustainability indicators of your project.
- Architectural drawings – plans, sections, elevations.
- Sustainability explanation – 1–2 pages outlining your key strategies.
- 3D images or renderings – visualising your final design.
- Optional files – climate diagrams, simulations, or any supporting research.
When your files are ready, upload them using the form below.
Go to submission formQuick questions.
Tap to expand.
Challenge data use.
Participation in the challenge is voluntary. Data collected in the registration and submission forms will be used only for administering and evaluating the challenge. It will not be sold or shared with third parties without your consent.
For enquiries about the challenge, email: research@cadrightglobalresources.com
