The “Best in Heritage & Conservation” category in Cork’s Better Building Awards honours projects that skilfully preserve the city’s historical character while embracing sustainable practices. This award recognizes efforts to protect Cork’s architectural heritage through careful restoration and environmentally conscious design. It celebrates buildings that balance tradition with modern sustainability, enhancing the city’s cultural legacy. The category highlights leadership in conservation and the importance of integrating sustainability into heritage projects.

The “City Living” category in Cork’s Better Building Awards honours residential developments, including upper floor conversions, completed in recent years that enhance urban life in the city. This award recognises projects that offer high-quality living spaces, prioritize sustainability, and contribute positively to Cork’s urban landscape. Emphasis is placed on innovative design, efficient use of space, and integration with the surrounding community. The category highlights developments that make city living more attractive and accessible, supporting a vibrant and thriving urban environment. Overall, it celebrates projects that elevate the standard of residential living in Cork, and encourage people to choose to live within the city.

The “Climate Resilience & Sustainability Award” category recognises buildings and projects that prioritise sustainability and environmental resilience. Buildings are honoured for their efforts to reduce carbon footprints, enhance energy efficiency, and adapt to climate challenges. Innovative design and construction practices that contribute to a more sustainable future for Cork are celebrated. The category also highlights leadership in creating buildings that are both eco-friendly and prepared for climate impacts, setting a standard for responsible urban development.

The “Best Commercial Premises” category celebrates businesses that create exceptional and visually appealing storefronts completed or upgraded in recent years. This award recognises commercial properties in the professional services sector that enhance the streetscape through thoughtful design, attention to detail, and effective use of branding. The category highlights how a well-maintained and attractive frontage can positively impact both the business and the surrounding area, and overall honours businesses that contribute to Cork’s vibrant commercial environment.

This award recognises outstanding placemaking projects that enhance Cork’s urban environment through innovative urban design, high-quality public realm improvements and the creation of welcoming, inclusive and sustainable spaces. Open to projects including parks, bridges, streets, plazas and other communal spaces, the award celebrates initiatives that strengthen a sense of place, improve connectivity, encourage environmental sustainability and enrich the experience of those in the area.

The “Best Pub Front” category celebrates the most visually appealing and well-maintained pub exteriors in the city, focusing on work that has been completed in recent years. This award highlights establishments that enhance Cork’s streetscape with creative design, vibrant colour schemes, and attention to detail. It recognises pubs that contribute to the city’s charm and heritage while creating inviting and welcoming spaces for customers to enjoy. Judging criteria include architectural style, upkeep, and how the pub’s façade complements its surroundings. This category honours the fusion of tradition and modernity in Cork’s vibrant pub culture.