Biodesign Institute wins Valley’s top environmental excellence award

Joe Caspermeyer, Media Relations Manager & Science Editor
(480) 727-0369 | joseph.caspermeyer@asu.edu

The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University Building B won top honors in Valley Forward’s 27th annual Environmental Excellence Awards program.

The Biodesign Institute was honored with the Presidents Award (best of show). The Biodesign Institute’s Building B also won a first-place Crescordia Award in the Buildings and Structures/Large Scale and Community Development category.

The latest award adds to the institute’s honors for its cutting-edge green laboratory design. The Biodesign Institute’s Building B opened in 2006 and was cited this summer by the U.S. Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” as the state of Arizona’s first building to receive platinum certification. Its companion facility, Building A, opened in 2004 and received LEED gold certification. In addition, the institute was named 2006 Laboratory of the Year by R&D Magazine.

Featuring large expanses of glass, the facilities attempt to bring the scientific source of inspiration indoors. All offices have views of a native Sonoran Desert garden irrigated by a 5,000-gallon cistern that collects water from the building's air conditioning system. A central atrium skylight runs the length of both buildings,

Valley Forward and SRP recognized 46 projects submitted by Valley businesses, government agencies and non-profit organizations. In addition to the President’s Award, 18 first-place Crescordia awards and 28 awards of merit were presented.

Valley Forward received nearly 100 entries in this year's competition. Categories included buildings and structures, site development and landscape, livable communities, open space and connectivity, art in public places, environmental technologies, environmental education/communication and environmental stewardship.

The President’s Award was announced September 29th at Valley Forward’s Environmental Excellence Awards gala. More than 750 community leaders attended the event at the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale.

For a complete list of winners, go to www.valleyforward.org.