True Zero Carbon Challenge 2026 Awards Night

The True Zero Carbon Challenge is a Design Matters National initiative to showcase carbon-positive homes. It brings together building designers, architects and NatHERS assessors to push beyond minimum compliance standards and explore practical, high-performance solutions for residential construction.

Participants tackle key industry challenges including energy efficiency, embodied carbon reduction, climate resilience, and real-world project delivery.

The Awards Night recognises the projects and teams whose work demonstrates leadership in sustainable residential design, while providing a unique opportunity to connect with professionals from across the built environment sector.

Previous Challenge participant, ARKATA’s Ben Walsham, says the program really sets participants up for what the future is going to be – where carbon is going to be a central part of projects.

“It’s becoming a regulatory requirement for big businesses and corporations, and that will filter down into the smaller business world eventually,” he says.

“[The Challenge creates] that connection between assessor and designer at the earliest stage, where you can actually really see the results and the impact of the work.”

As industry expectations around sustainability, resilience and building performance continue to evolve, the True Zero Carbon Challenge offers insights into the future direction of Australian residential design and the professionals leading that transition.

Event details: 2026 Awards Night
Date: Friday, August 21, 2026
Time: 6–11pm (AEST)
Location: North Melbourne, Victoria

Organisers say attendees can expect an evening of industry connection and recognition, featuring the presentation of the 2026 True Zero Carbon Challenge Awards, project showcases, and a professionally catered three-course dinner with free-flowing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the evening.

Registrations are open here.

---