Nepali organisation honoured in Climate Action category for low-carbon, earthquake-resilient construction
KATHMANDU, JANUARY 13
Nepal-based social enterprise Build Up Nepal has been awarded the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize 2026 in the Climate Action category, recognising its innovative contribution to sustainable and disaster-resilient construction.
The award was presented by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week on January 13.
Build Up Nepal was honoured for its production of low-carbon, earthquake-resistant eco-bricks, which have helped construct over 12,000 resilient homes across Nepal. The organisation has produced 3.3 million eco-bricks, created around 2,000 green jobs, and avoided an estimated 110,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, particularly benefiting earthquake-prone districts such as Jajarkot and West Rukum.
Established in 2008, the Zayed Sustainability Prize is among the UAE's most prestigious international awards, recognising impactful solutions in sustainability and climate action.
Nepal's Ambassador to the UAE, Tej Bahadur Chhetri, attended the ceremony, while Bjorn Soderberg, Managing Director of Build Up Nepal, received the award on behalf of the organisation.