Builders and developers throughout Maryland and Washington DC comply with a broad range of environmental regulations dealing with open space, water runoff, tree protection, sediment control and and stormwater management at the local, state and federal levels.  Many members of the industry go to extra lengths to preserve, enhance and protect the environment and the MNCBIA Environmental Awards recognize and honor this outstanding commitment.  

Click here for 2014 entry information
 

Congratulations to the 2013 Environmental Award Winners

CATEGORY: LAND DEVELOPMENT

Gutschick, Little & Weber, PA was honored for its work on Brightview at Rockville, a senior Assisted Living facility. An important goal of the development was to preserve a mature American elm tree located at the center of the site. Additionally, the existing double row of mature pines and other existing mature vegetation was retained utilizing retaining walls and sensitive site design. Although there was no existing forest to retain, 105 of the 160 trees that existed on site were saved. New stormwater management regulations were met using innovative, environmentally sensitive design.  Many smaller bio-retention facilities were scattered around the property and landscaped with ornamental wetland plants. All downspout and parking lot runoff was piped to the bio-retention facilities or drywells for no additional untreated drainage leaving the developed area.  Additionally, all parking spaces and sidewalks were constructed using permeable pavement. A special Alzheimer's garden was designed at the rear of the building, which adds a finishing touch to this environmentally and human-friendly community. Click here to read the full project description.

CATEGORY: PARTNERSHIP WITH A CIVIC OR ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATION

Soltesz received the only award in the category of Partnership with an Environmental or Civic Organization for teaming up with the Center for Watershed Protection to provide a pro-bono stormwater retrofit design for a low-income apartment complex, Greenview Knolls in Lexington Park, MD. Soltesz and CWP’s challenge was to provide an efficient and expeditious design, while maximizing the benefits to both the Housing Authority and St. Mary’s County. Soltesz recommended a customized media filter layer that achieved better infiltration capabilities resulting in enhanced water quality management, while maintaining the same initial construction cost as the standard specifications. The media filter layer also provides less probability for clogging, ultimately decreasing long-term maintenance costs for the County. 

Additionally, this partnership between Soltesz and CWP provided an environmental education program for Greenview Knolls Elementary School. During the installation of plant materials for the bioretention facility, school students were enlisted to participate with the planting. As a result of this successfully completed project, St. Mary’s County received a pollutant credit towards their WIP program while minimizing long-term maintenance costs. The Housing Authority was also able to meet their deadline to open apartment units while correcting problematic drainage problems. The project was a prime example of community engagement and interagency cooperation. Click here to read the full project description.

CATEGORY: GREEN BUILDING 

EYA is being recognized for Chancellor's Row, a 10‐acre redevelopment of the St. Paul's College campus in Northeast DC. Chancellor's Row is built to LEED‐ND standards and the homes are LEED for Homes certified. Townhome footprints are purposefully small, yet boast an average of 1,800 sq. ft. Some of the many green home features include panelized construction; light roofs to reduce heat island effect; low VOC paints, carpets and pads; upgraded filters; solar rough‐ins for solar hot water; and optional rough‐ins for solar power and electric car charging stations. As part of the development effort, EYA upgraded a significant amount of nearby stormwater and sewer system, in addition to replacing several leaded watermains. 

Furthermore, over 2,000 tons of construction waste was recycled and diverted from landfills thanks to enhanced recycling efforts. The community of Chancellor’s Row is a major catalyst for economic revitalization of the greater Brookland neighborhood. The site was carefully designed to respect the environment, while maximizing the quality of life for its residents. Click here to read the full project description.

CATEGORY: GREEN BUILDING 

SK+I Architecture was also honored in this category for its work on Sheridan Station. The project is the redevelopment of a failed public housing development in Ward 8 in DC. The first phase of the project is completed and represents a $27 million investment in the neighborhood. It consists of 104 units of multifamily housing, 20 condominiums and townhomes, an onsite medical clinic, fitness center and rain garden. All structures have energy star lighting and appliances, low flow plumbing fixtures, high efficiency HVAC systems and windows, and low VOC paint. Sheridan Station is the first multifamily development in the District of Columbia to be awarded the LEED Platinum designation and contains the largest privately-owned solar photovoltaic system in the city.  At 100 kilowatts, the system on the roof of the multifamily building will produce 100,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year to offset up to 40 percent of the annual electric costs for the building’s common areas. What was once a reminder of the worst of the city’s times is now an attractive, vibrant community. Click here to read the full project description.