For Immediate Release: September 30, 2007
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VALLEY FORWARD PRESENTS TOP ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
TO THE BIODESIGN INSTITUTE AT ASU, BUILDING B

PHOENIX, Ariz. (September 30, 2007) The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, Building B won top honors – the President’s Award – in Valley Forward’s 27th Annual Environmental Excellence Awards (EEA) program, Arizona’s oldest and most prestigious competition of its kind.

Building B opened in 2006 and has also received the highest possible designation for environmentally friendly design and construction from the U.S. Green Building Council, marking the first time a building in Arizona has received platinum certification from the organization for "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED).

Its companion facility, Building A, opened in 2004 and received LEED gold certifcation, as well as two Crescordias in Valley Forward's 2005 Environmental Excellence Awards. The two buildings were constructed separately, but are connected on all levels by glass walkways.

"In presenting our awards program for nearly three decades, we're definitely seeing a trend with more LEED certified buildings of all types throughout the Valley, as well as around the country," said Diane Brossart, president of Valley Forward. "Green building and environmental consciousness in general has become mainstream. The ASU project takes us to a new level - it demonstrates that doing what's right for the environment also makes economic sense."

The award was announced September 29 at Valley Forward's Environmental Excellence Awards gala, held in partnership with SRP. Nearly 800 community leaders throughout Arizona attended the event at the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale. Robin Sewell, host of Arizona Highways TV, served as mistress of ceremonies.

In addition to the President's Award (best of show), the ASU Biodesign Institute, Building B also won a first-place Crescordia Award in the Buildings and Structures/Large Scale and Community Development category. Crescordia is a Greek term meaning, "to grow in harmony," and Valley Forward's President's Award is selected from among all Crescordia recipients.

A state of the art research facility and world-class demonstration of ecological laboratory design; the Biodesign Institute fosters a strong connection with the natural environment. Research offices are oriented to provide views of a Sonoran desert garden, which is landscaped with drought-resistant native plants and serves as a natural storm management system.

In addition, a 5,000 gallon underground tank captures a full day's supply of condensate from the building's cooling system and supplies the landscape irrigation system. The Institute also mitigates the area's urban heat island, featuring a reflective roof membrane, high-albedo paving materials and landscaping design to shade the site's hardscape.

The Biodesign Institute at ASU represents the largest investment in biotech research infrastructure in Arizona and is the biggest generator of federal biomedical research funding in the Valley. It integrates such disciplines as biology, medicine, engineering, nanotechnology and advanced computing.

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

The environmental awards have become particularly competitive among Valley municipalities. This year, the city of Phoenix is associated with nine finalist projects, the city of Tempe with five projects, the city of Scottsdale with five, Maricopa County with four projects, the state of Arizona with three, the cities of Chandler and Peoria with two apiece, and one each for Avondale, Goodyear, Guadalupe, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and Superior.

"It is inspiring to spotlight projects that contribute to the sustainability and livability of Valley communities," said Richard Hayslip, assistant general manager of SRP. "Environmental stewardship has been a guiding principal at SRP since 1903, and we are proud to celebrate the achievements of so many who share that commitment."

Valley Forward received just shy of 100 entries in this year's competition. Projects were submitted in 22 categories, including: 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.

Mark Winkleman, Commissioner for the Arizona State Land Department, led a diverse panel of jurists whose collective expertise encompassed each of the award categories. Panelists included: Paul Moran, president and director of design for Moran Architects, P.C.; Peter Koliopoulos, president and founder of Circle West Architects, P.C.; Scott Peters, director of design services for EPG, Inc.; William Francis, principal for Pinnacle Design, Inc.; Trevor Hill, president and CEO of Global Water Resources, LLC.; Sam Campana, vice president and executive director of Audubon Arizona; Nan Ellin, director of urban and metropolitan studies in the college of public programs at Arizona State University; and Jamie Cowgill, founder of JRC Design.

Valley Forward is a 38-year-old association that brings business and civic leaders together to convene thoughtful public dialogue on regional issues and to improve the environment and livability of Valley communities. The organization operates with the belief that business must take a leadership role in solving the complex and sometimes controversial problems that confront growing population centers.

In addition to the Biodesign Institute at ASU, Building B, EEA first-place Crescordia winners and recipients, include:

Arizona State University Stardust Center - Guadalupe House (Daniel Glenn, ASU Stardust Center): The ASU Stardust Center for Affordable Homes and the Family’s design/build house in Guadalupe is a high quality multi-generational, affordable and environmentally sustainable home. The 1,500-square-foot house is built from a variety of green building materials produced in Arizona. Environmental features include a high efficiency cooling system, which uses chilled water instead of compressors or refrigerants; a photovoltaic system; and kitchen cabinets made of recycled building materials. A variety of water harvesting, recycling and distribution techniques have also been incorporated into the design. The house was selected as a LEED for Homes Pilot Project and is in the process of being certified.

The Galleries at Turney (Ed Gorman, Modus Development): The Galleries at Turney is the first project in Arizona to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Homes (LEED-H) certification, recognizing sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. The project features eight detached residences in an urban infill location a few blocks south of Phoenix's renowned Biltmore area. Environmentally friendly construction products, include: concrete, bamboo flooring, Forest Stewardship Council certified wood products, low VOC paints and carpets containing 80 percent recycled content. During construction, less than half the national average of jobsite waste was sent to the landfill.

Phoenix Union High School / University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix (Rick Naimark and Barbara Stocklin, Phoenix): Established in 1897, Phoenix Union High School was the city's first high school. However, construction of buildings did not begin until 1911, when the district created three monumental structures: the Science Hall, the Auditorium and the Domestic Arts and Sciences Building. These three original campus buildings are among few that still remain. In 2002, the city of Phoenix acquired the historic campus. A couple of years later, the Arizona Board of Regents came forward with a plan to establish the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix. A partnership was forged to rehabilitate and reuse the historic buildings. One of the most striking changes was the restoration of 211 full-size, double-hung wood windows into the original window openings that had been previously bricked up. Almost identical in appearance to the original windows, the new installation meets today's energy efficiency requirements.

North Gateway Transfer Station/Material Recovery Facility (Mark Leonard & Joe Giudice, Phoenix): Opened in 2006, the North Gateway Transfer Station/Material Recovery Facility allows the city of Phoenix to divert up to 320 tons per day of recyclable materials from the municipal waste stream, and the facility itself reflects a commitment to environmental awareness. Built on a 43-acre site in the north Valley, unflagging emphasis was placed on blending the facility with its Sonoran Desert surroundings. Construction design features include a low-to-the-ground profile, dramatic multiple sloped roof and earth tone colors, all of which help integrate it with the rapidly expanding urban environment.

Cesar Chavez Library (Toni Garvey, Phoenix; Line and Space, LLC): The Cesar Chavez Library was designed to enhance the environmental quality of the Town of Laveen that it serves, preserving the function of the lake and recreational area it shares in Cesar Chavez Park. It provides a place of respite, learning and a living room for the residents of the surrounding community. The facility blends into and compliments its desert environment. Shading strategies and solar orientation keep energy costs at a minimum. The design conserves natural resources, as 100 percent of rainwater falling on the library's 37,000-square-foot sculptural roof - nearly 140,000 gallons per year - is collected, stored in the lake and reused for irrigation. The project has applied for silver LEED certification.

Revegetation of DC Ranch Burned Lots (Patty Cascio, Native Resources International): This unique project resulted in the revegetation of three undeveloped and pristine lots within DC Ranch in north Scottsdale that were extensively damaged by fire due to human negligence in 2005. A survey of the vegetation was performed and the condition of plant material assessed. Vegetation beyond survival was cleared and removed from the site, then irrigation lines were trenched and short-term drip irrigation was installed. The revegetation plant palette was based on assessment data and observation of the species and distribution found within the natural areas adjacent to the burned lots. The project demonstrates an exceptional commitment to maximizing open spaces and creating homes that blend with the natural environment.

Tempe Marketplace (The Hon. Hugh Hallman, Mayor of Tempe): While shoppers enjoy the new Tempe Marketplace, few may realize that for more than 40 years, the ground it sits on was previously home to three unregulated landfills, 11,000 cubic yards of lead contaminated soil, 130 septic tanks and leach pits, 260,000 tons of buried construction and household debris, 42 drums of hazardous waste, methane gas and PCB waste. Tempe Marketplace is the result of more than a decade of creative thinking and partnerships between national and local government agencies and the private sector. Once a dangerous place, the land has become an economic generator, creating 4,800 jobs, $110 million in annual wages and $24.5 million in sales tax revenue during the first 10 years. The remediation effort may be the largest single brownfield clean up in Arizona history.

Tropics Trail (Jeff Williamson, The Phoenix Zoo; Weddle Gilmore Architects): The Tropics Trail strives to provide an engaging and interesting experience to Zoo visitors in the form of a public restroom building that blurs the lines between inside and outside, nature and architecture. It brings the bamboo forest of the Tropics Trail inside the open-air structure, providing views to the sky while a cantilevered roof plane protects users from the elements. The stone-filled gabion walls grow out of the landscape and utilize natural materials that have an extremely low embodied energy. The structural steel framing is approximately 95 percent recycled steel content. Water conservation is achieved through the use of waterless urinals and water efficient plumbing fixtures.

New River Trail, Rio Vista Park Segment (The Hon. Bob Barrett, Mayor of Peoria): The New River Trail, located along the east and west banks of the New River channel, contributes to open space, recreation and connectivity in Peoria and the West Valley. The trail was built as part of a bank stabilization project between the city and the Flood Control District of Maricopa County, with both agencies recognizing the potential of the corridor. The project is a regional showcase for the application of environmental technology to improve habitat values for a desert riparian system that has lost its natural historical hydrology. The irrigation system was designed to take advantage of future reclaimed water resources that may become available when the city's Butler Water Reclamation Facility is complete and operational in 2008. Until then, a sophisticated centralized water irrigation system collects environmental data to reduce landscape water consumption along the trail, which is as beautiful as it is functional.

Sonoran Mountain Ranch Neighborhood Park & East Wing Mountain Trail (The Hon. Bob Barrett, Mayor of Peoria):Sonoran Mountain Ranch Park is a landmark and activity hub of the Sonoran Mountain Ranch community in Peoria. Its East Wing Mountain Trail attracts hikers and outdoor enthusiasts from nearby neighborhoods. The community itself was designed to preserve and protect an existing natural butte that is the visual focal point and key element of the mountain trail. The park is comprised of two individual parcels that provide traditional recreational activities, as well as outdoor spaces for social gathering while also serving as the trailhead for the 1.5-mile East Wing Mountain Trail. Primary emphasis was placed on preserving and maintaining the existing character and vegetation, using techniques to protect the environment. Visitors now enjoy native plantings and wildlife in a unique Sonoran Desert setting.

Cactus Mirage (The Hon. Mary Manross, Mayor of Scottsdale): Seattle based artist Norie Sato's work celebrates the changing quality of light and atmosphere in the Arizona desert - shadows, reflections, the sparkle of water, sun cycles and movement of air. Desert cacti with their graceful curved segments inspire the light green translucent sculptural wall. Behind the wall an intricate framework holds thousands of Mylar disks that shimmer and catch the subtle movements of light and air. The environmentally sensitive art uses no energy or resources and requires little maintenance, upkeep, conservation or restoration. It makes a bold statement at the city of Scottsdale's McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center, where it mimics the play of light on water and reflects the subtle elemental beauty in the surrounding environment.

Historic Gibson Mine Reclamation (Pejman Eshraghi, Brown and Caldwell): The former Gibson Mine is located in southern Gila County, approximately 10 miles southwest of Globe and 70 miles east of Phoenix in the Miami Inspiration Copper District. In 1972, the Franciscan Fathers of the Province of Santa Barbara received a half-interest in the 220-acre property as a donation. A lessee and several sub-lessees conducted leaching operations at the mine from the early 1960s through 1990. The activity became a major source of copper loading to Pinto Creek along the tributary, causing the creek to be cited for non-attainment of water quality standards. Contributing pro bono services to the Friars, Bryan Cave, LLP and Brown & Caldwell assisted the Friars in developing and implementing a cleanup plan and innovative funding mechanisms to accomplish the necessary remediation, estimated to cost in excess of $2 million. The project included the removal of more than 100,000 tons of low-grade ore and tailings in approximately 5,000 truckloads over the course of 91 construction days.

Annual Green Building Expo Event (The Hon. Mary Manross, Mayor of Scottsdale):Now in its 10th year, this unique educational event is coordinated through the boundless energy of a 20-member volunteer committee and a municipal collaboration between the cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale. The grassroots initiative has helped to broaden the arena for environmentally sensitive building practices Valleywide and continues to expand consumer interest and demand for green building products, materials and lifestyle choices. Growing every year and involving nearly 90 exhibitors and 7,500 citizens, designers and builders, the expo provides environmental awareness to the general public and building industry. It features keynote speakers, workshops, films, book discussion and displays that demonstrate healthy, energy efficient design principles and building practices.

Global Water Center (Leo Commandeur, Global Water; Deutch Associates Architecture): With the distinction of being the fastest growing private water and wastewater utility in the Southwest, Global Water has implemented one of the largest total water management plans in the nation. A comprehensive and multi-faceted communications campaign was created to help the public and lawmakers better understand the need to conserve water and be willing to help fund state-of-the-art research and forward-thinking technology. The effort began with a consumer phone survey to benchmark Pinal County residents' perceptions and acceptance levels of recycled water. It further involved creating a brand position for Global Water, new logo identity and tagline, along with an educational advertising campaign. Professional videos were also produced to teach kids about the importance of conservation.

City of Scottsdale Aquifer Sustainability Program (The Hon. Mary Manross, Mayor of Scottsdale): Water is the lifeblood of the desert, and the city of Scottsdale is managing this valuable resource through advanced treatment technologies, demonstrating a proactive stewardship role. To achieve "safe yield," a balance between groundwater withdrawal and artificial/natural recharge as required by the Groundwater Management Act, Scottsdale implemented an innovative set of water resource management strategies. The city's surface water acquisition program was funded by the first impact fees in the state, developed by Scottsdale, dedicated exclusively toward water supply acquisition. Scottsdale now receives about 75 percent of its drinking water from surface water supplies. The city then maximized its reclaimed water supply through its Scottsdale Water Campus. The city also initiated a complex groundwater modeling effort, and helped to establish a strong water conservation ethic, achieving "safe yield" in 2006.

Sonoran Preserve Edge Treatment Guidelines (Rick Naimark and Debra Wilkins Stark, AICP, Phoenix): Phoenix has more than 29,000 acres of mountain preserve and desert parks and has embarked on an aggressive program to acquire an additional 20,000 acres for the Sonoran Preserve, which will have approximately 150 miles of preserve edge. To ensure the public has access to the Sonoran Preserve and to protect the public investment in these lands, Phoenix adopted the Sonoran Preserve Edge Treatment Guidelines, marking a significant change in public policy. Today, private development is required to provide a significant amount of public access, both physical and visual, to preserve lands. The guidelines require 60 percent of a development adjacent to the preserve edge to be accessible to the public, reinforcing the notion that the preserves are “ours.”

A Decade of Environmental Excellence And Leadership (Steve Megli, Intel Corporation): Intel has dedicated the past 10 consecutive years to creating and developing cutting edge environmental leadership strategies. The corporation's efforts have been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through Project XL (eXcellence and Leadership), a program that allows participating firms greater operating flexibility in exchange for commitments to superior environmental performance and public accountability. Intel and a diverse stakeholder group crafted an Environmental Master Plan incorporating air, water and waste requirements, along with several voluntary environmental goals. Intel established a unique water conservation partnership with the city of Chandler, resulting in more than three billion gallons of quality drinking water returned to the aquifer for eventual reuse. The corporation also recycled over 57,000 tons of solid waste over the past decade and reduced its energy use by approximately 20 percent on a normalized production basis from 2002 through 2006.

2007 Environmental Excellence Awards Winners

BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES
Single Family Residence

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry: ASU Stardust Center - Guadalupe House
Submitted by: Town of Guadalupe

AWARD OF MERIT
Name of Entry: The Palmer Residence
Submitted by: Roberts/Jones Associates, Inc.

BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES
Multi-Family Residential

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry: The Galleries at Turney
Submitted by: Modus Development


BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES
Historic Preservation

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry: Phoenix Union High School/University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix
Submitted by: City of Phoenix

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry: Verde Building
Submitted by: Resolution Copper

Name of Entry: Hotel Valley Ho
Submitted by: Allen + Philp Architects


BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES
Large Scale and Community Development

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry: The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, Building B
Submitted by: Gould Evans + Lord Aeck Sargent

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry: The Conservation Center at the Phoenix Zoo
Submitted by: Weddle Gilmore Architects

Name of Entry: Northsight Corporate Office Building
Submitted by: RSP Architects

BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES
Industrial & Public Works

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry: North Gateway Transfer Station/Material Recovery Facility
Submitted by: City of Phoenix Public Works Department

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry: East Valley Bus Operation & Maintenance Facility
Submitted by: RNL Design

Name of Entry: Global Water Center
Submitted by: Deutsch Associates Architecture

BUILDINGS & STRUCTURES
Public Assembly

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry: Cesar Chavez Library
Submitted by: Line and Space, LLC

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry: Phoenix Convention Center - West Building
Submitted by: City of Phoenix - Convention Center Department

Name of Entry: Verrado High School
Submitted by: Agua Fria Union High School District #216

SITE DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE
Residential

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry: Revegetation of DC Ranch Burned Lots
Submitted by: Native Resources International

SITE DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE
Large Scale and Community Development

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry: Tempe Marketplace
Submitted by: City of Tempe

SITE DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE
Industrial & Public Works

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry: Tropics Trail
Submitted by: Weddle Gilmore Architects

AWARD OF MERIT
Name of Entry: Arizona Avenue Gateway to Downtown Chandler
Submitted by: City of Chandler Public Works Department

SITE DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPE
Public Assembly

AWARD OF MERIT
Name of Entry: Phoenix Convention Center Phase I
Submitted by: A Dye Design/Ten Eyck Landscape Architects

OPEN SPACE AND CONNECTIVITY
Trails

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry: New River Trail, Rio Vista Park Segment
Submitted by: City of Peoria, Community Services Department

AWARD OF MERIT
Name of Entry: Maricopa County Spur Cross Trail System
Submitted by: Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department

OPEN SPACE AND CONNECTIVITY
Parks

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry: Sonoran Mountain Ranch Neighborhood Park & East Wing Mountain Trail
Submitted by: City of Peoria, Community Services Department

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry: Marley Park - Parks and Arbor Walk
Submitted by: EDAW, Inc.

Name of Entry: Reach 11 Recreation Area Phase I
Submitted by: D.L. Withers Construction

ART IN PUBLIC PLACES

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry: Cactus Mirage
Submitted by: Scottsdale Public Art Program

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry: Moving Memories - The Arizona 9/11 Memorial
Submitted by: colab studio, llc + Jones Studio, Inc.

Name of Entry: "Play Like a River" art for the North Tempe Multi-Generational Center
Submitted by: Thomas Strich - Artist

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES
Public Sector

AWARD OF MERIT
Name of Entry: Rio Salado Habitat Restoration
Submitted by: City of Tempe/Rio Salado

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES
Private Sector

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry: Historic Gibson Mine Reclamation
Submitted by: Brown and Caldwell

AWARD OF MERIT
Name of Entry: EnviroCar
Submitted by: David and Sam PR

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION / COMMUNICATION
Public Sector

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry: Annual Green Building Expo Event
Submitted by: City of Scottsdale

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry: Programs with Purpose - Interpretive Ranger Programs
Submitted by: Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department

Name of Entry: Bring Back Blue
Submitted by: Maricopa County Air Quality Department

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION / COMMUNICATION
Private Sector

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry: Global Water Center
Submitted by: Deutsch Associates Architecture

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry: APS' Road to Renewable Energy
Submitted by: Arizona Public Service Company

Name of Entry: ROHS Thought Leadership Campaign
Submitted by: Avnet Electronics Marketing

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION / COMMUNICATION
Educators, Students & Nonprofit Organizations

AWARD OF MERIT
Name of Entry: Foundation for Senior Living - Home Improvements
Submitted by: Arizona Department of Commerce, Energy Office

LIVABLE COMMUNITIES
Resource Management

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry: City of Scottsdale Aquifer Sustainability Program
Submitted by: City of Scottsdale Water Resources Department

AWARD OF MERIT
Name of Entry: Fort McDowell Yavapai Materials Resource Management
Submitted by: Eco-Edge, LLC

LIVABLE COMMUNITIES
Public Policy/Plans

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry: Sonoran Preserve Edge Treatment Guidelines
Submitted by: City of Phoenix Planning Department

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry: Goodyear City Center Specific Area Plan
Submitted by: City of Goodyear - Community Development

Name of Entry: Central Arizona Project Canal Multi-Use Path Master Plan
Submitted by: Logan Simpson Design Inc.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP - SRP AWARD

CRESCORDIA
Name of Entry: A Decade of Environmental Excellence and Leadership
Submitted by: Intel Corporation

AWARDS OF MERIT
Name of Entry: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program
Submitted by: City of Phoenix Public Works Department

Name of Entry: ECO, Inc.: 10 Years of Environmental Stewardship
Submitted by: Be The Solution

PRESIDENT'S AWARD
Name of Entry: The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, Building B
Submitted by: Gould Evans + Lord Aeck Sargent

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