Systems Award

The Systems Award recognizes projects whose building systems, taken individually or collectively, contribute replicable, innovative methods to the tall building industry and enhance the livelihood of occupants. Systems may include, but are not limited to, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, vertical transportation, sustainability, energy generation, indoor air quality, and life safety. To be considered, the system must demonstrably advance innovations in systems engineering in an efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable fashion.

For the 2026 Awards Program, a project is eligible for submission if:

• The system has completed on-site installation and the building is still under construction (according to CVU Tall Building Criteria)
  OR
• The project must have been completed, according to CVU Tall Building Criteria, between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2025 (36-month eligibility window). Note: For systems that have not been installed into a tall building project, please submit for the Innovation Award.

This award is intended to recognize a specific system within a project. If a single project has multiple innovative systems, these should be submitted as separate nominations.

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 and Location

Written Description

The submission will ask the submitter to describe the following:

• The discipline/field the system is most closely related to
• The design and installation schedule for the system
• The building where the system was realized
• The innovations achieved by this system in the building
• How the system is efficient, cost-effective, and replicable to other projects
• Sustainable qualities exhibited by the system
• The project team involved in the design and installation of the system

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. Required images and drawings may include:

• Drawings: Floor Plans, Sections, and Details
• Images: Views of the Building, Views of the System, and any additional information.

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