COLUMBUS, OH — The USGBC Ohio community announces the winners of its leadership awards, which recognize individuals who have made outstanding commitments to their local communities and projects in the state of Ohio, with outstanding achievement in the realm of green building design and construction.

USGBC Ohio recognizes four people: one Volunteer of the Year Award, two honorable mentions, and one winner for the Legacy Leadership Award. They also recognize five projects: three leadership awards and two honorable mentions. The volunteers receiving the Leadership Awards have all been involved with USGBC Ohio's community and have spent much of their time focusing on supporting sustainability locally. The volunteer receiving the Legacy Leadership Award helped to establish the initial USGBC Ohio chapter and has continued to dedicate passion and time to support local sustainability for decades. Eligible projects were judged based on the categories in the LEED rating system.

These people and projects were celebrated during a virtual awards ceremony. This event included awards presentations, recipient remarks, and a keynote by Joseph Allen, DSc, MPH, an Associate Professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and co-author of "Healthy Buildings: How Indoor Spaces Drive Performance and Productivity." This event was sponsored by Tarkett, Green Building Consulting, Case Western Reserve University, Inspire PR Group, and Waibel Energy Systems.

• Robert Stroup, LEED AP | USGBC Ohio’s MLAB Programming and Education Committee and Ohio Central Local Leadership Team | Project Architect, DesignGroup

• Jill Ziegler | USGBC Ohio’s MLAB, MLAB Communications Committee Chair and Northeast Local Leadership Team | Director of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility, Brookfield Properties
• Madison Butcher, Green Rater | USGBC Ohio’s MLAB Programming and Education Committee and Southwest Local Leadership Team | Project Manager, Green Building Consulting

• Tom West | USGBC Ohio’s MLAB Advocacy and Service Committee and Northeast Local Leadership Team | Senior Vice President, Cushman Wakefield/CRESCO Real Estate

Fairwood Commons | Project Administrator: Sol design + consulting

This Platinum LEED for Homes project was certified in August 2019 and has a footprint of over 60,000 square feet. Fairwood Commons is an affordable senior living community in Columbus, Ohio. The project not only earned LEED Platinum, it is also Ohio's first Passive House Multifamily Project and earned Energy Star, Zero Energy Ready Homes, and Indoor AirPLUS certifications. The benefits of this approach reduced utility bills that furthered the project's affordability goals, as well as improving air quality and thermal comfort for the residents, and enhancing access to transit and community amenities.

White Castle Home Office | Project Administrator: M+A Architects

This Gold-level project was certified on August 24, 2020, under LEED for Interior Design and Construction, and encompasses over 96,000 square feet. Since its inception in 1921, White Castle's core values have focused on environmental sustainability and community outreach. Its ongoing commitment to these efforts was instrumental to the new home office design strategy. The resulting space is reflective of White Castle's dedication to sustainable operations and growth, environmental and resource stewardship, and sustainability education.

The John Elliot Center for Architecture and Environmental Design | Project Administrator: Kent State University

This LEED Platinum project was certified in April 2018 under LEED for Building Design and Construction. The center demonstrates to students of architecture, interior design, and construction management both how and why to design and construct green buildings. The 120,000-square-foot building is a physical and social connection between the campus, Kent's downtown, and the neighboring residential area, and the building has green features that support a healthier environment.

City of Cincinatti Police Station District 3 | Project Administrator: emersion DESIGN

This LEED Platinum project, which was certified in January 2017 under LEED for Building Design and Construction, is a facility that fulfills the city's requirement for high levels of sustainability while maintaining functionality for police activities, security for occupants, and an aesthetically appealing design within the community. The designers employed energy conservation measures such as geo-exchange wells, solar arrays, and a tight building envelope.

Oatey Corporate Headquarters | Project Administrator: Vocon

This LEED Gold building, which was certified in January 2018 under LEED for Building Design and Construction, is perched in such a way as to overlook Cleveland's Rocky River Reservation and features clean lines that connect the human to the landscape. Along with Oatey's roots in plumbing, manufacturing, conservation, and well-being are cultural commitments. Oatey also integrates WELL building concepts to enhance the daily lives of its team.