Excellence In Innovation Award

Awarded: October 7, 2025 | Submission Deadline: August 13, 2025

This award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated creativity and forward-thinking by implementing innovative construction practices within the past two years. Whether through new approaches to project delivery, process design, mentorship, digital technology, or environmental sustainability, the winning company will exemplify a commitment to improving the construction industry through bold and effective change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • The nominee must be a CANS member company in good standing.
  • The nominee must conduct work in Nova Scotia.
  • Nominees may be involved in any sector of the construction industry.
  • Innovation must have taken place in 2022-2025 though longstanding or ongoing commitments may also be considered.
  • Innovations may include, but are not limited to:
    • New methods of construction or project management
    • Process improvements that enhance safety, culture, or inclusion
    • Technological advancements or digital integration
    • Environmental sustainability and climate-conscious design
    • Workforce development or mentorship models
  • Self-nominations and third-party nominations are welcome.

Submission Requirements:

All nominations must include a written submission of no more than 1,200 words that clearly address the following five criteria. Supporting materials are welcome and encouraged.

1. Description of the Innovation (maximum 25 points)

Clearly explain the innovative practice, product, process, or approach your company has developed or implemented in the past three years. Be specific in outlining:

  • The problem or opportunity it addressed
  • What makes the approach new, original, or significantly improved over past practices
  • Whether this is a company-wide initiative, project-specific, or team-led effort

2. Implementation and Execution (maximum 20 points)

Describe how your organization introduced and applied the innovation. Include:

  • The timeline, planning, and steps taken to bring the innovation to life
  • Collaboration or engagement across departments, trades, or external partners
  • Any barriers or challenges encountered and how they were addressed

3. Measurable Outcomes and Results (maximum 25 points)

Highlight how the innovation created value or impact. Describe:

  • Tangible benefits to project delivery, workplace culture, safety, sustainability, or client outcomes
  • Data, metrics, or testimonials that demonstrate success
  • Any unintended positive outcomes or lessons learned

 4. Sector Influence and Knowledge Sharing (maximum 15 points)

Explain how your company contributed to broader sector learning through this innovation. Be specific about:

  • Whether the innovation has been shared through presentations, panels, articles, or site visits
  • Its reception by others in the industry
  • Any influence it may have had on peers, policy, or best practices

5. Scalability and Replication Potential (maximum 15 points)

Discuss the innovation’s potential for application beyond its original use. Outline:

  • Whether it can be adopted by other companies or applied to other projects
  • What supports or resources would make it transferable
  • How it might help address broader sector challenges (e.g., workforce, productivity, sustainability.)

 Supporting Materials

Nominees are encouraged to submit up to three additional supporting documents to strengthen their application, such as:

  • Photos or media coverage
  • Program or process documentation
  • Testimonials from partners, clients, or staff

All supporting materials should be clearly labelled and referenced in your written submission. Appendices should be included at the end of the nomination package.

How to Submit

  • Submit your nomination by August 13, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time).
  • Email nominations to: kderksen@cans.ns.ca
  • Use the subject line: Excellence in Innovation Award – [Nominee Name]
  • Include primary contact information for a company representative.
  • Include 3-4 high-resolution photos that complement the submission and/or company.
  • Submissions must be in PDF or Word format.
  • Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

 Selection Process

A committee of industry leaders will review all nominations. Each submission will be scored out of 100 points based on the criteria outlined above. The award recipient will be selected based on total score, clarity and quality of submission, and demonstration of innovation in industry.

The winner will be notified of the outcome in September 2025. The award will be presented at CANS 163rd Annual General Meeting on October 7.