MNCBIA

Builders and developers throughout Maryland and Washington DC comply with a broad range of environmental regulations dealing with open space, water runoff, tree protection, sediment control and and stormwater management at the local, state and federal levels. Many members of the industry go to extra lengths to preserve, enhance and protect the environment and the MNCBIA Environmental Awards recognize and honor this outstanding commitment. Entries for the 2010 Environmental Awards will be accepted beginning next June.

Environmental Awards Entry Criteria and Entry Form
Environmental Awards Photographers release

Sponsorships available from $250 to $1,500.

Covell Communities for Chester River Landing in Chestertown, MD. This community was created from an EPA recognized brownfield site, previously a fuel transfer and storage location. Covell reestablished a wetlands conservation area and redeveloped tidal wetlands that had been silted in over the years. Oyster shell walking paths along the shoreline allow for a reduction of impervious surfaces. Below the paths a drainage system collects any remaining material and runoff and redirects it to a control pond before it reaches the Chester River. All homes include features such as tankless water heaters, high efficiency HVAC systems, Energy Star rated appliances, argon filled windows and maintenance free exteriors. The consulting engineer was McCrone Engineering. To read the full project description click here.

CATEGORY: GREEN BUILDING (Townhouse)

EYA for Capitol Quarter, an 8.8-acre, 323-home neighborhood on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. What was once seven city blocks of dilapidated public housing units is now a vibrant mixed-income community of new market-rate townhomes, affordable workforce homes, and public rental apartments all within walking distance to two Metro stations restaurants, shopping, museums and the new Nationals Baseball stadium. In addition to the neighborhood’s urban infill location, homes are designed to be environmentally friendly too. Features such as Energy Star labeling, low-emittance windows, low-flow toilets and faucets and recycled construction materials reduce environmental impact and conserved resources. The consulting engineer was VIKA. To read the full project description click here.

CATEGORY: GREEN BUILDING (Multifamily)

Gables Residential for Gables Takoma Park, a 145-unit infill development in the environmentally conscious Takoma Park community in Washington, DC. This progressive example of environmentally-friendly living incorporates a number of green building features. More than 30 percent of the project’s materials were extracted, processed and manufactured locally and regionally. The project also used building products that included recycled content. The landscaping consists of native, adaptive plants and pervious paving materials, and a drip irrigation system minimizes potable water use. The building itself has a solar reflective roof, energy-efficient lighting and Energy Star appliances, low-flow fixtures and recycling chutes in the trash room. The consulting engineer was GreenShape, LLC. To read the full project description click here.

CATEGORY: GREEN BUILDING (Commercial, Institutional, Educational)

Loiederman Soltesz Associates, Inc. for the Vansville Elementary School and Community Center in Beltsville, MD. The 10-acre school site adjoins the Vansville Community Park and was designed and built to be the County’s first LEED public school building. The building is oriented so all classrooms have a north south orientation to reduce heat gain and energy costs. Windows with sunscreens provide natural light and reduce glare. A geothermal system provides heat in winter and cooling in summer. Potable water consumption is reduced by 40 percent through the use of low flow fixtures and native, non-invasive plants that require no irrigation. The project included recycling of construction waste, selection of new building materials based on recycled content, selection of wood material from sustainable sources, and establishment of a recycling program. To read the full project description click here.