Designs submitted to this competition must exemplify sustainable architecture and meet LEED certification standards. 

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is a globally recognized rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to evaluate the environmental performance and sustainability of buildings. Achieving LEED certification is important for architecture because it not only validates a commitment to sustainable practices but also demonstrates a project's environmental responsibility and efficiency. 

Participants are encouraged to integrate innovative solutions that prioritize environmental responsibility without compromising functionality and aesthetics.

The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students studying sustainability, architecture, and engineering in the United States.

Both individual and team entries are accepted. In the case of team entries, please designate a team leader for communication purposes.

Participants must submit a comprehensive design package including architectural plans, 3D visualizations, and a written explanation of their design's sustainability features.

Designs should be adaptable and provide an engaging and positive user experience.

Submissions should be made through the competition's official website.

COMMITMENT:

By participating in The Home Depot's New Frontiers of Sustainability Competition, participants will work toward a more sustainable future and inspire others to embrace environmentally conscious architecture.

CONDUCT:

Participants are expected to adhere to a code of conduct that promotes respectful and ethical behavior throughout the competition.

The competition is open to participants of all backgrounds, and there will be no discrimination based on race, gender, age, nationality, religion, or any other personal characteristic.

All participants are required to comply with the competition rules and guidelines. Non-compliance may result in disqualification.

Participants are encouraged to collaborate, learn, and share knowledge throughout the competition.

ORGANIZER'S RIGHTS AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AGREEMENT:

The competition organizers reserve the right to amend the guidelines or make decisions related to the competition's operation and judging process.

By entering The Home Depot Sustainable Architecture Design Competition, participants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to these guidelines and will abide by them. These guidelines are subject to change, and participants are advised to review them regularly for updates.

The winning designs may be featured in The Home Depot's promotional materials, website, and social media channels.

Participants retain full intellectual property rights to their designs. By entering the competition, participants grant The Home Depot a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use their design for promotional and marketing purposes.

Evaluation will be made by a panel of judges from The Green Building Council, in line with established LEED certification criteria.

More information about the certification criteria can be found under Scoring Rubric.

Registration is free and open to all eligible participants.

Participants must register on the competition's official website. 

Registration Opens: March 15, 2024

Registration Closes: May 1, 2024

Designs Due: June 17, 2024 

Review Period: June 17, 2024 - July 1, 2024 (2 weeks)

Winners Announcement: July 2, 2024

Build Process: July 8, 2024 - August 19, 2024 (6 weeks)

LEED-certification Day: August 20, 2024