Groundbreaker Awards Are Back In Person!
Green Building United’s Groundbreaker Awards are back in person this fall! The Green Building United staff and Board are thrilled to welcome long-time members and invite new faces to commemorate the amazing work happening throughout the Philadelphia region, Lehigh Valley, and Delaware. With support from our hosts at Brandywine Realty Trust, we’ll be back at 1900 Market Street on November 17th at 6PM. You can register here and nominate projects here.
Since our last time in person, we have experienced a global pandemic, increasing effects of the climate crisis here in our region, and historic investments at the state and federal levels to combat these incredible challenges. These events have fundamentally changed how many of us live, work, and relate to one another. They have put a spotlight on historic inequities and presented opportunities to reimagine and achieve the solutions necessary to transform our society with equity and community at its core.
So, with all that has occurred since we were last together in person in 2019, it’s appropriate to ask: What is “groundbreaking” in the field of green, sustainable, and efficient building and design today? Who are our new visionary leaders on the frontlines doing the work to achieve our collective climate goals and build a future that affirms our vision of a healthy, equitable, and resilient region?
In years past, the Groundbreaker Awards have celebrated new developments, major renovations, and community leaders. This year we’re broadening our focus to recognize a diversity of leaders and projects that also uplift communities and center equity and environmental justice so that green buildings can be lived in and celebrated by all. That is why we’ve expanded our award categories to better recognize the diversity of leaders, community partnerships, organizations, and unique community projects across Green Building United’s membership.
New Types of Awards
This year, we’re going beyond our traditional design, renovation, and construction categories. In less than two months, and with your help, we will be awarding leaders, projects, or partnerships that are fighting to ensure all of our communities have access to healthy, sustainable, and resilient homes, workplaces, and cities that they deserve.
This year’s award categories include:
Sustainable New Development and Major Renovation: This award will celebrate major advances in sustainability for recent new construction and major renovations.
Sustainable Building Operations: This award will celebrate projects that seek to improve the operations, efficiency, and livability of existing buildings.
Equity and Community Leadership: Green Building United is excited to be calling for nominations for individuals, groups, and projects that explicitly center equity and justice.
Green Building United Member of the Year: Our members are at the heart of GBU’s work and key to our success. This year’s Groundbreaker Awards will celebrate an active volunteer within our membership.
To learn more about these awards and nominate a project, group, or individual, click here.
