RICHMOND, VA — USGBC Virginia announces the winners of the 2020 Community Leader Awards, which recognize the people and projects leading the way to a greener future for all in Virginia. 84 attendees from across the state came together for an online ceremony honoring the recipients.The department was consolidated into one new building. The natural setting resulted in a building with bays that reach into the site, preserving mature trees, providing areas for gardens and outdoor activities, increasing viewing angles to the site, and introducing daylight into the core of the building.North Court at the University of Richmond was converted from hall-style, single, double, and triple rooms with shared hall baths to suite-style rooms with private baths. Additional renovation work included common areas, three large assembly spaces, a social and academic lounge, a community kitchen, a faculty apartment, and laundry facilities.The James B. Massey Jr. Leadership Center is a net zero building powered by 1,950 solar panels. Three touch-panel kiosks are installed in high-activity spots on campus. Plants in the courtyard and in enclosed beds at the front of the building are part of a rainwater filtration system. Other features of the building that spotlight sustainability include motion-sensor LED lighting; an energy-efficient HVAC system; and low-flow and hands-free plumbing fixtures.The comprehensive modernization of New Cabell Hall at the University of Virginia began in 2011 and was awarded LEED Gold certification in 2015. It has made a legacy contribution to sustainability by helping set the standard for sustainable HVAC design at the university and by outperforming the U.S. national median site energy use intensity for colleges and universities.Bonnycastle is a four-story, 60,000-square-foot residence hall at the University of Virginia. Bonnycastle opened in August 2018. The Castle and its surrounding outdoor plaza are now a hub with sustainable menu choices. Nearly all occupied spaces now have exterior views, and potable water use was reduced by 44 percent. The indoor air quality was improved with an outside air system that provides fresh filtered air to each room.Kent/Dabney is a four-story, 60,000-square-foot residence hall at the University of Virginia. Kent/Dabney opened in August 2018. A dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) with total energy recovery wheels was critical to the high performance of the HVAC system. Nearly all occupied spaces now have exterior views, and potable water use was reduced by 44 percent. The indoor air quality was improved with a DOAS that provides fresh filtered air to each room.Firehouse 19 is a new 11,000-square-foot firehouse, which houses full-time staff, with 12 individual dorm rooms and three drive-through apparatus bays. The project's sustainability strategies include energy and water efficiency and the indoor air quality of the interior environment. In addition to optimizing response times and firefighter health and safety, the design also included 12 individual gender-neutral sleep rooms with individual lighting and thermal control.This new 101,000-square-foot Class A office building is now home to four UVA departments. The C-shaped, three-story structure provides daylight to almost all regularly occupied spaces and allows for increased densities per floor. Collaboration spaces such as team rooms, huddle spaces, and a variety of conference areas were key to the design.The Virginia Beach Convention Center (VBCC) was the nation’s first convention center to earn LEED Gold certification. The organization has attained their LEED v4.1 O+M certification using the Arc platform. Their staff continually seek ways to share their sustainability initiatives with over 583,000 annual visitors. VBCC provides building tours and speaks to local businesses on sustainability best practices. VBCC is also an active partner in the Commonwealth’s Virginia Green program.Carrie Webster is currently the Energy Manager for Henrico County, Virginia. She is a longtime volunteer for the USGBC Virginia community. She previously served as Board Chair and is currently Chair of USGBC Virginia’s Communications Committee, where she plays a role in helping the community stay connected.The People’s Choice Award was decided by popular vote among attendees. This year there was a three-way tie. The three People’s Choice Award winners for 2020 are: Consolidated Science Research Facility (Davis Hall) - Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Massey Leadership Center, and University of Virginia New Cabell Hall.