Finalists for the 2015 Sustainable Business Awards from the North Carolina Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC NC) include 23 individuals, companies or non-profits who have demonstrated commitment and success in creating a more sustainable future for North Carolina.
In each of four main award categories the finalists are:
Talking Walls (systematic integration of sustainability standards)
Residential: Crescent Alexander Village; Crescent Main Street; Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte; VandeMusser Residence
Small Contractor: Ingersoll Rand Building B; North Carolina Department of Transportation Rest Area & Visitor Center; Time Warner Cable Call Center; Winston-Salem State University Student Success Center
Large Commercial: 4601 Park Capital Improvements; MetLife U.S. Retail Headquarters; Red Hat
A Green Apple A Day (schools that exemplify leadership by integrating sustainability principles)
- Cumberland County Green Schools Program
- North Carolina State University LEED Labs
- Project Greenhouse
Fearless Leader (established/early-career professionals who provide outstanding leadership)
Redwood: Douglas Byrd, Ernie McLaney, Mark Case and Robin Emmons
Sapling: Ben Miller, Devki Wright
The Thomas Edison (companies demonstrating innovative performance/transferable solutions)
- Ingersoll Rand
- Innovative Design
- Interface
USGBC is best known for establishing the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system. In North Carolina there are more than 1,600 LEED-certified buildings, over 5,700 North Carolinians with LEED credentials, and more than 300 organizations represented by USGBC NC. In 2014, North Carolina ranked seventh in the nation for LEED buildings.
Winners will be announced at the 2015 Green Gala on Friday, Sept. 18 in Charlotte, NC at the Ritz Carlton-Charlotte (LEED Gold). Tickets are available on-line at www.usgbcnc.org.