Monte Rosa Hut, a hikers’ lodge with 120 beds
isolated high in the Swiss Alps at 2,883m above sea level, proves that
buildings can be designed for self sufficiency even in extreme
environments. The building is not connected to public utility systems.
The design incorporates photovoltaic panels that cover most of the
energy needs, solar heating and water heating, water harvesting from
glacial meltwater, a micro-biological septic system, graywater reuse,
and optimized climate control based on projected occupancy loads – with
data used for ongoing research by the ETH Zurich. Monte Rosa Hut was
winner of the Holcim Awards Bronze 2008 for Europe.
 Read project update – Autonomous alpine shelter, Monte Rosa hut, Zermatt, Switzerland
Definition – Innovation and transferability – “Progress”
The project must demonstrate innovation at the forefront of sustainable construction. Breakthroughs and trend-setting approaches, irrespective of scale, must be transferable to a range of other applications.
- Innovative concepts regarding design, integration of materials and products, structure, enclosure and building services.
- Outstanding approaches regarding construction technology and processes, operation and maintenance.
- Contributions to the disciplines of architecture, urban and landscape design, civil, urban and environmental engineering and other related fields pertaining to construction.
- Long-term monitoring to evaluate the fulfillment of the initial expectations and goals.
- Dissemination of knowledge (project documentation and communication, education and training).
Outstanding examples of sustainable construction should not only mark significant advancement, the innovative idea should be one that can be copied again and again, thus promising the greatest benefit at a global scale. Transferable ideas are those that are affordable, simple, and broadly applicable.
 | Example – Development Alternatives world headquarters, India
The building is designed as prototype for low-cost sustainable urban architecture and proposes a new approach particularly relevant, especially in rapidly growing Asian cities.
|
 | Example – California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, USA
The structure is rigorously designed for energy efficiency, low carbon emissions, and environmental compatibility - covered by a living roof.
|
 |  | | Progress
PeoplePlanetProsperityProficiency |
|