Build Up Nepal wins 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize

January 13, Kathmandu: Nepal-based organisation Build Up Nepal has been awarded the 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Climate Action category at a special ceremony held during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) on Tuesday.

The award was presented by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. Established in 2008, the Zayed Sustainability Prize is one of the UAE’s most prestigious international awards, recognising impactful and innovative solutions in sustainability. The prize honours the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.

Build Up Nepal was recognised for its innovative and sustainable construction model, particularly the production of low-carbon, earthquake-resilient eco-bricks. According to the organisation, it has so far produced 3.3 million eco-bricks, constructed over 12,000 resilient homes, created 2,000 green jobs, and helped avoid 110,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. The technology has been widely used in earthquake-prone areas, including Jajarkot and West Rukum.

The award highlights Nepal’s growing contribution to global climate action and the role of locally driven innovations in addressing disaster resilience and sustainable development.

Nepal’s Ambassador to the UAE, Tej Bahadur Chhetri, attended the award ceremony. The award was received on behalf of Build Up Nepal by its Managing Director, Bjorn Soderberg. The Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi appreciated the organisation’s contributions to sustainable development.