Considering we spend approximately half a century of our lives working, at some point we would like to think that we might achieve something that would recognise our contribution to the industry in which we work. No matter how great or small, achievements shape our legacies, influence the future, and become a fond memory for us to look back in later life.

The Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Sustainability Awards endeavours to champion a champion. Someone who has made a world of difference to the world of architecture, and furthermore, sustainability, in an effort to drive higher standards and better practice into our daily existence. The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a person who has, over their career, shown exemplary efforts in advancing the progression of the sustainable built environment in Australia. It is open to individuals, firms or building products companies and is presented in recognition of outstanding leadership and contribution to the field of sustainability for more than 20 years. This achievement can vary from new product innovation, uncovering new knowledge, or creating ways to improve a design that has been deemed to be above and beyond the everyday with a long-lasting impact within the built sector.

The application process for Lifetime Achievement also requires that candidates provide information about their life and times within the design industry, as a biography so that we can fully assess each candidate. 

2020’s virtual event saw Ha Architecture’s Paul Haar receive a Sustainability Award for the Lifetime Achievement category. Haar has been an influential figure in the world of sustainability throughout a career spanning four decades. The architect has been immersed within architectural practice informed by deep green principles and active inside small local economic and social systems.

The early years of Haar’s career centred around revitalising a self-help housing culture among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This gave him a solid understanding of material science, timber and earth construction, land, water and energy systems. The architect oversaw the design and construction practices of the Mullum Creek eco-housing project, and was heavily involved in mitigating construction industry activities that are harmful to the environment. Haar was also a founder and supporter of CERES Fair Wood, a now thriving not-for-profit timber retail enterprise that promotes and celebrates the use of sustainable wood products.

A deservingly decorated architect, Haar has received 13 national awards for his work in architectural practice and education, and has contributed to various written works that outline his environment-first approach.

BlueScope is the award sponsor for Lifetime Achievement. A provider of innovative steel materials, products, systems and technologies, BlueScope is an Australian-owned company that was born in the steelworks of New South Wales’ south coast. Integrating sustainable practices from top to bottom has shaped BlueScope’s development, and drives how it manufactures and sells steel products and solutions. Understanding its place in the world as a global corporation, BlueScope’s desire to be a truly sustainable entity for the decades to come and makes it an ideal sponsor for Lifetime Achievement – just as its executive team and employees endeavour to ensure the company benefits the wider society and the environment.

The 2021 Sustainability Awards will be held in Sydney in November, with the announcement of the Lifetime Achievement award a true showpiece of the event. To be recognised for your efforts during an illustrious career, we ask that you register here.