Sustainable Organizations Recognized in OC

ORANGE COUNTY, CA—The US Green Building Council-Orange County recently presented seven Orange County-based businesses, one city, one university, one non-profit and one individual with Eco-Awards in recognition of their extraordinary efforts in making Orange County a more sustainable, eco-friendly place to live, work and play. The USGBC—which is focused nationally primarily on green buildings and LEED Certification of buildings, neighborhoods and homes—has expanded its mission and purpose in Orange County to help make sustainability and healthier, greener living a priority among citizens 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 Resort and Spa
• Most Sustainable Restaurant/Retail—Kéan Coffee, Artisan Roasters
• Most Sustainable Home—VCA Green/Doria II Project
• Most Sustainable School—Chapman University
• Most Sustainable Non-Governmental Organization—Environmental Nature Center, Newport Beach
• Individual Leader in Sustainability—Sara Neff

The Eco-Awards were developed to showcase the top governmental agencies, citizens and businesses or organizations that are making a difference in the county. According to Robyn Vettraino, vice chair of the USGBC-OC, “The City of Anaheim was awarded the Eco-City Award in 2012, making this the second award from the USGBC-OC. Projects such as ARTIC, the amazing accomplishments of Disney in sustainability and green practices and the City's support for green buildings and projects is commendable.”

Steve Gabbert, director of sustainability at Snyder Langston, tells GlobeSt.com, “To be recognized as the most sustainable contractor in Orange County by such an elite group of judges and the USGBC is a humbling honor. We take great pride in our efforts in sustainability to date and rest assured that receiving the 2014 Eco Award will only fuel our efforts going forward. As leaders and shapers of the built environment, our commitment to robustly limit our impact and to provide triple bottom-line value through sustainability is stronger than ever. Snyder Langston wholeheartedly wants to thank the USGBC-OC and the Eco Awards judging panel for this incredible award.”

The recipients were selected through nominations that were reviewed by a panel of local leaders in sustainability. Nominations for the 2015 Eco-Awards are anticipated to be open in the summer of 2015, and all businesses, individuals, organizations and agencies promoting sustainable practices and programs are eligible for nomination.