Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Award

Celebrating people-centered leadership in vertical urbanism

CVU recognizes that advancing vertical urbanism requires a deep understanding of who our built environments serve and how they shape opportunity, safety, health, and belonging. The Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Award honors organizations, project teams, and initiatives that meaningfully advance inclusive excellence within the AEC and development industry — demonstrating that innovation is inseparable from representation, collaboration, and equitable engagement.

This award highlights efforts that broaden participation in the creation of our cities, expand access to safe and healthy environments, and elevate diverse perspectives in design and decision-making. It recognizes programs, policies, and project approaches that move our industry toward a future where all people feel welcome, valued, and empowered.

Entries may include internal organizational initiatives, external partnerships, or project-specific strategies. Submissions should demonstrate:

• Clear Intent & Objectives Evidence that Inclusive Excellence principles — equity of access, representation, participation, and safety — were explicitly embedded in the program or project’s goals.
• Demonstrated Progress & Outcomes Measurable advancement over time, with tangible impacts on people, practices, or communities.
• Adaptability & Scalability Approaches that can grow, evolve, or be replicated across the changing AEC and real estate development landscape.
• Industry Influence The potential to inspire broader adoption within firms, project teams, and the global vertical urbanism community.
• Contextual Understanding Clear articulation of the cultural, social, and environmental conditions shaping the initiative’s relevance and impact.

Examples of Innovation in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

In Practice:

• Talent development, leadership training, or mentorship programs that expand pathways into the industry
• Inclusive workplace policies, recruiting strategies, and organizational models
• Outreach, partnerships, or community relationships that broaden representation
• Project team structures that elevate diverse voices and expertise

In Projects:

• Development frameworks that advance equitable access to housing, public realm, and civic / community resources
• Community engagement strategies that meaningfully shape decision-making
• Post-occupancy or long-term collaborations that continue to support community needs
• Design approaches that prioritize safety, accessibility, health, and cultural inclusion

All project data (Completion Date, Heights, Function, Structure Type, etc.) should follow CVU Tall Building Criteria, which can be found here.

Please prepare the below materials to ensure that your submission is completed efficiently.

• Basic Info: Name, Status, and General Overview

Written Description

The submission will ask the submitter to describe the following:

• Where the project, program, policy, or initiative in question has been implemented and the process/schedule
• How the project, program, policy, or initiative addresses Equity, Diversity, and/or Inclusion (EDI)
• How this project, program, policy, or initiative scalable to create a lasting influence on the industry
• The project team involved in the development/implementation of this project, program, policy, or initiative

Participation consent: although there is no charge to submit to the awards program, all winning projects must be CVU Organizational Members and commit to present at the annual VU Summit and attend the Awards Ceremony & Dinner.

Right to usage of materials: all submitted text, images, and drawings may be published in CVU print and digital publications. This submission requires at least one drawing and/or image to further explain the project, program, policy, or initiative.

Further information on Participation Consent & Rights to Usage of Materials can be found on the official submission form.