ORANGE COUNTY, CA—The US Green Building Council-OrangeCounty recently presented seven Orange County-basedbusinesses, one city, one university, one non-profit and oneindividual with Eco-Awards in recognition of theirextraordinary efforts in making Orange County a moresustainable, eco-friendly place to live, work andplay. The USGBC—which is focused nationally primarily ongreen buildings and LEEDCertification of buildings, neighborhoods and homes—hasexpanded its mission and purpose in Orange County to help makesustainability and healthier, greener living a priority amongcitizens and organizations.

Then ten categories and winners of the Eco-Awards for being the“greenest in the county” included:

• Eco-City Award—City of Anaheim
• Most Sustainable Design/Engineering Firm—LPA Inc.
• Most Sustainable Developer—Parker Properties
• Most Sustainable Contractor—Snyder Langston
• Most Sustainable Manufacturer—ORCO Block & Hardscape
• Most Sustainable Hotel—Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resortand Spa
• Most Sustainable Restaurant/Retail—Kéan Coffee, ArtisanRoasters
• Most Sustainable Home—VCA Green/Doria II Project
• Most Sustainable School—Chapman University
• Most Sustainable Non-Governmental Organization—EnvironmentalNature Center, Newport Beach
• Individual Leader in Sustainability—Sara Neff

The Eco-Awards were developed to showcase the top governmentalagencies, citizens and businesses or organizations that are makinga difference in the county. According to RobynVettraino, vice chair of the USGBC-OC, “The Cityof Anaheim was awarded the Eco-City Award in 2012, makingthis the second award from the USGBC-OC. Projects such as ARTIC, the amazing accomplishments of Disneyin sustainability and green practices and the City's support forgreen buildings and projects is commendable.”

Steve Gabbert, director of sustainability atSnyder Langston, tells GlobeSt.com, “To berecognized as the most sustainable contractor in Orange County bysuch an elite group of judges and the USGBC is a humbling honor. Wetake great pride in our efforts in sustainability to date and restassured that receiving the 2014 Eco Award will only fuel ourefforts going forward. As leaders and shapers of the builtenvironment, our commitment to robustly limit our impact and toprovide triple bottom-line value through sustainability is strongerthan ever. Snyder Langston wholeheartedly wants to thank theUSGBC-OC and the Eco Awards judging panel for this incredibleaward.”