Translated using ChatGPT service.
To promote the effective exchange of best practices, the use of digital tools, and the introduction of innovations in the construction industry, the State Real Estate Company (VNĪ), Riga Technical University (RTU), and the Latvian Standardization Association (LVS) have signed a cooperation memorandum to establish the new construction competition "Digital Construction Excellence Award 2025."
The goal of the competition is to highlight innovative solutions applied in Latvia, inspire industry participants to use modern technologies, inform public procurement entities about the specific benefits of BIM projects, foster experience exchange among construction industry participants, and encourage the implementation of new BIM projects in the public sector.
"The memorandum is signed by three significant public sector representatives – each with their own expertise, but with a common goal of creating a more sustainable future through innovation and digitalization. With the rapidly increasing digital maturity of the sector, projects must now be evaluated more thoroughly and comprehensively. Moreover, the competition is designed not only as a tool to recognize the most successful projects but also as a platform for the exchange of information and ideas among industry participants," says Renārs Griškevičs, Chairman of the Board at VNĪ.
The projects submitted for the competition will be evaluated in five categories: BIM Project, BIM Construction Object, Digital Twin, Sustainable BIM, and Digital Innovation. Participation in the competition is free, and anyone can submit an application. The deadline for submission is July 31. More information about the competition can be found here.
"The signing of the memorandum is an important continuation of collaboration, promoting the integration of digital solutions in the construction sector and highlighting bold, innovative ideas. Digitalization is a prerequisite for the sustainable development of the sector and a foundation for Latvia's competitiveness. Riga Technical University wants to establish the 'Digital Construction Excellence Award 2025' as a tradition, recognizing the most outstanding projects and promoting healthy competition in the industry," says Liene Briede, Innovation Vice-Rector at RTU.
"Looking ahead, this new competition for BIM projects will serve as a showcase of the best ideas. Even more importantly, it will help inspire the entire construction community to think creatively and set higher goals when implementing digital methods," emphasizes Ingars Pilmanis, Director of LVS.
The competition jury consists of industry professionals from both the public and private sectors: VNĪ, RTU, the Latvian Association of Architects, the Latvian Construction Contractors Association, the Real Estate Developers Alliance, the State Construction Control Bureau, the Latvian Heat, Gas, and Water Technology Engineers Association, the Latvian Association of Structural Engineers, and BIM Solutions.
About VNĪ
The State Real Estate Company (VNĪ) is currently implementing 110 projects with a total investment of 410 million euros. VNĪ provides professional real estate management and administration for 411 buildings and structures, including 979,000 m² of buildings and 6.27 million m² of land, as well as 3,203 land properties totaling 8.94 million m². In 2024, VNĪ received the Platinum Award for Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability from the Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Institute for the fourth time, confirming consistently high governance and sustainability performance. The company was founded in 1996, and its sole shareholder is the Ministry of Finance.