Projects receive awards for green design, construction and operation
USGBC Colorado recently presented Leadership Awards to seven local, sustainable building projects at their 2023 Fall Summit. The summit featured speakers on financial incentives for proven green building practices, decarbonization and electrification strategies and other topics. Leadership award winners were recognized for their outstanding achievements in design, construction and operation of buildings that have proven significant reductions in water and energy use, carbon emissions and waste and that, overall, provide healthier spaces for occupants and communities.
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The selected award winners achieved LEED certification between 2021 and 2023.
Leadership Award Winners
Exceptional Sustainable Technology Award
Platte River Power Authority Headquarters, LEED Gold
Key project features include a rooftop solar array, battery storage technology and an on-site pond for obtaining and rejecting heat through a geo-exchange mechanical system. The building has also achieved a zero net carbon footprint through the City of Fort Collins’ Green Energy Program.
Health and Wellbeing Award
Plaza Tower One, LEED Gold Recertification
A series of updates in this building, including an abundance of natural light, views of nature, and clean indoor air technology, provided a more productive, sustainable and wellness-focused work environment.
Design and Construction Award
University of Denver Burwell Center for Career Advancement, LEED Platinum
This fossil fuel-free, all-electric facility includes geothermal heating and cooling, onsite renewable energy generation and a mass timber structural system with 100% sustainably harvested wood, resulting in a 50% decrease in embodied carbon from a baseline structure.
Community Champion Award
CSU Spur – VIDA, LEED Gold
This facility advances animal health and fosters a spirit of curiosity across generations. The building’s interactive design engages visitors and allows the community to learn about animal research, science and related career paths.
Marquee Green Building Award
The Alliance Center, LEED Silver
This 1908 historic building became the second in the world to earn two LEED certifications in 2006. The fully electric building has since achieved LEED Gold recertification, was Colorado’s first LEED Platinum-certified building in 2017, achieved WELL Health-Safety certification and, most recently, was recertified LEED Silver.
Judge’s Choice
Block 162, LEED Gold
This 30-story office building in downtown Denver prioritizes comfort, health and optimal workspaces with floor-to-ceiling windows for daylighting and views, building automation systems and constant on-site indoor air quality monitoring.
Honorable Mention
Markel Homes – West Grange Community, LEED Certified
Homes in this community development prioritize sustainability and energy efficiency. Features include resource efficiency, water conservation, energy performance, indoor environmental quality and homeowner education.
