What is the BBA Sustainable Innovator Award?

It is a BBA- initiated competition designed to recognise and support innovative construction products that deliver measurable improvements in quality, safety and sustainability. The award gives manufacturers the opportunity to gain recognition and access the BBA certification process free of charge.

Who can enter?

The award is open to growth-ready manufacturers, specifically startups and small businesses, that develop and manufacture construction products. Entrants must be the original developers of the product and willing to engage fully with the BBA assessment process.

What types of products are eligible?

Eligible products must:

• Be innovative and already manufactured
• Be intended for use in the built environment (including civil and highways applications)
• Not already be BBA-certified or under contract with the BBA
• Be suitable for independent assessment and certification
• Meet the required Technology Readiness Level (TRL 8+, or TRL 7 with supporting test data. You can find out more about Technology Readiness Levels HERE.)

Can I submit more than one product?

No. Each organisation may submit one product only as part of the Innovation Award.

Does winning guarantee BBA certification?

No. Winning the Innovation Award provides free access to the BBA assessment and certification process, but certification is not guaranteed. All products must successfully complete the standard BBA assessment process and meet all technical and procedural requirements.

What does the prize include?

The winning product will receive:

• A full BBA Agrément assessment (or HAPAS assessment for civils products)
• Assessment, scoping and certification activity in line with standard BBA processes
• Where certification is awarded, a three‑year standard maintenance cycle
• A dedicated account manager
• Expert feedback from industry professionals
• Post-award publicity, including interviews, case studies and social media activity
• A physical award presented in November 2026

The approximate value of the prize is £50,000. The award prize is non‑transferable and non‑exchangeable, and no cash or other alternative will be available.

What costs are covered, and what is not?

The prize covers access to the assessment and certification process, including the first three-year cycle of standard planned maintenance audits.

It does not include:

• Product testing
• Unplanned maintenance activities, including any amendments, reissues or additional assessments required due to product or name changes, or assessment status.

Any additional work will be quoted separately.

What do I need to submit?

All entries are submitted digitally and typically include:

• A business or product overview
• Technical description and supporting evidence
• Demonstrations or validation (e.g. video, test data, use cases)
• Confirmation of commitment to certification

Full submission requirements will be provided as part of the entry process.

How are entries judged?

Entries are reviewed through a structured process involving:

• Eligibility and completeness checks by the BBA
• Review by an expert judging panel
• Shortlisting and further clarification where required

Products are assessed against published criteria focused on quality, safety, innovation, feasibility and sustainability.

Who are the judges?

The judging panel will include experts from across:

• Construction and product manufacturing
• Standards and certification
• Safety, quality and innovation

Final panel membership will be confirmed ahead of judging.

When will the winner be announced?

The winning product will be announced in November 2026, with post-award publicity following the announcement.

What happens after the award?

The winner will be invited to begin the BBA assessment and certification process, supported by a dedicated account manager. Post-award communications and case study activity will also take place.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Please email [email protected]