Four winners in the sustainable realm will be acknowledged by the U.S. Green Building Council-Illinois Chapter during the organization’s 6th Annual Emerald Gala on May 21st. Award recipients include Donna Ducharme, Wilbur Wright College, Advocate Health Care and the Center for Neighborhood Technology.
The Natural Leaders Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that are contributing to the regions’ sustainability and help support the USGBC – Illinois Chapter’s mission to lead the regional transformation of the built environment through education, advocacy and collaboration. Awards are given in four categories: Intent to Matter, Re-Generation, SMALL feet/large FEAT and Environmotion.
Donna Ducharme will receive the Intent to Matter award, which recognizes an individual or organization that is deliberate in embedding sustainability into building design, construction, or operation. “I am honored by the USGBC’s recognition – and, more important, by its long-time partnership. Delta and USGBC have long been allies in the quest to embed sustainability into our buildings, operations, and economy. When I helped found the Delta Institute 13 years ago, our goal was to make the Great Lakes region an innovator and leader in the new green economy. I’m proud of what we have accomplished, and it’s gratifying to know that our colleagues at USGBC are proud of us, too,” said Ducharme.
Wilbur Wright College will be honored with the
Re-Generation award, which recognizes an individual or organization in the field of environmental education. Victoria Cooper, Director of their Environmental Technology Program will be accepting the award. “We are proud and pleased to be designated Natural Leaders in the category of Re-Generation by the USGBC – Illinois Chapter for the Year 2011. This award provides us with recognition for all the work involved developing the Building Energy Technologies Program and The LEED® Nuts and Bolts program for contractors. Our efforts demonstrate that education can be part of transforming the marketplace and helping innovation take hold. The Environmental Technology Team at Wilbur Wright College will continue to work to keep our programs up to date and relevant to a sustainable future.”
Albert Manshum will be accepting the award for
Advocate Health Care who was chosen to receive the
SMALL feet/large FEAT award which recognizes an organization that made strides to reduce its impact on the environment. “Advocate Health Care has long recognized the strong connection between environment and health. Health care organizations have a large environmental footprint and as the largest system in Illinois, we are deeply committed to reducing energy consumption, improving safety and constructing healthy buildings for our patients and communities,” said Al Manshum, Vice President, Facilities and Construction. “I am deeply honored to accept this award on behalf of Advocate Health Care. We are proud to have our efforts to reduce our environmental footprint recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council’s – Illinois chapter.”
The Environmotion award, which recognizes an individual or organization that notably advances an idea that improves or restores the environment, discovers and imitates a process inherent in nature, or averts a negative impact on nature, will be awarded to the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT). “CNT’s work is rooted in demonstrating to communities large and small that efficient use of the built environment and natural resources is key to economic well-being and environmental sustainability,” said Kathryn Tholin, CEO of CNT. “Whether helping to bring the energy efficiency retrofit market to scale or redefining affordability with our Housing+Transportation (H+T®) Affordability Index, we strive to move the needle forward for people and the environment. We are thrilled to have our efforts recognized by the IL USGBC with the 2011 Environmotion award.”
Join USGBC – Illinois to celebrate these sustainability heroes at the 6th Annual Emerald Gala on May 21st at Soldier Field in Chicago. “The Natural Leaders Award program is a showcase of the best and brightest contributors to the sustainable built environment,” said Doug Widener, Executive Director, “We applaud their efforts to make changes that impact the building community.”
Emerald Gala tickets are on-sale through the USGBC – Illinois Chapter’s website, www.usgbc-illinois.org or contact Karin Barden, kbarden@usgbc-illinois.org or 312-245-8300 x202 in the Illinois Chapter office.
