Including the "Exemplary Sustainable Building' Award and the 'Best Sustainable Practice' Award

Washington, DC: Recent events around the United States reinforce the significant impact sustainable and durable buildings can have in the marketplace. For the fifth year in a row, the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council will recognize professionals who are making exceptional contributions to sustainability across the United States. This is your opportunity to be acknowledged for the valuable contribution you and your firm are making to the built environment.

SBIC is now soliciting submissions for the 2005 Awards Program. This year, as in past years, SBIC members (only) are encouraged to submit their "Best Sustainable Practice" for consideration. Now entering its fifth year, the Best Sustainable Practice Award will continue to recognize the excellent innovations and sustained contributions SBIC members are making toward building a sustainable future in America.

Based on the success of last year's newly established "Exemplary Sustainable Buildings" program, SBIC is once again pleased to invite all building professionals (both SBIC members and nonmembers) to submit projects for consideration under the "Exemplary Sustainable Buildings" category. This Award will recognize outstanding buildings that have incorporated whole building design principles with a focus on "durability" and "sustainability". Qualifying buildings will have been occupied for at least one year and will fit into one of the following categories: government, institutional / commercial, or residential.

This year is SBIC's 25th anniversary and applicants are urged to remember the Council's passive solar roots (including energy efficient envelope, windows, and equipment; passive heating, daylighting, etc.) and highlight any passive solar strategies that were used.

Please visit www.sbicouncil.org/prog_bpawards.htm to learn more about the awards program. Entries must be submitted by Friday, October 21, 2005. Federal, state and private sector entries are welcome.

Winners will be announced on December 15 in Washington, D.C. SBIC's Awards Ceremony will culminate the day-long "SBIC's Super Thursday" events, to be held during this year's Ecobuild Federal Conference. To register for Ecobuild Federal visit the conference web site: www.ecobuildfederal.com