Green Building Projects Awards
The first measurement for the “Top 10 Green Projects Awards” is based on Sustainable Design Intent and Innovation. Here the jury looked at the concept and innovative programming opportunities within the project. The key issues l covered how and why certain environmental issues became important priorities. Other topics included how goals and concepts were expressed in the design and how sustainability measures lead to a better overall project designs.
The second measure is the Regional/Community Design and Connectivity. Here, sustainable design “values the unique cultural and natural character of a given region”. They measure this by focusing on transportation policies, regional and community connectivity and how the design relates to local context.
Land Use and Site Ecology is the third measure. Here the jury look at the watershed, air, and water quality in the context of ecological design. They explore the project in terms of benefits for the ecosystems and wildlife habitat in the presence of human development.
The Bioclimatic Design measures the project were its conservation leans towards resources of regional climate conditions. This is measured through the site and climatic analysis, and strategies used that reduce or eliminate the need for non-renewable energy resources.
The first award for Green Projects was presented to the Yale Sculpture Building and Gallery. The project is on a former brownfield site, and has included various transportation options with bicycle stalls, and five bus line stops.
As part of their design they have installed waterless urinals, dual-flush toilet and collecting rainwater from the roof as part of their grey water solution. For energy, they designed the structure to include as many south facing windows to provide daylight without glare in the summer.
Here in South Africa, Green Building Media and Conferences, with Schneider Electric and the University of Johannesburg, launched their Green Building Award competition in the retrofitting area. They will be recognising excellence in relation to retrofitting of buildings for energy efficiency.