The U.S. Green Building Council has announced the winners of its 2017 LEED Homes Awards. The annual program recognizes both residential developers and projects, in a variety of categories, for their ability to utilize sustainable building practices.
From project of the year to 2017’s list of LEED Homes Power Builders, the goal of the program is to “showcase the most inspired and efficient practices in the residential green building movement,” according to Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of the USGBC. “These leaders showcase what it means to create a home that balances aesthetic appeal with real human and environmental needs,” he says.
The winning projects are:
Project of the Year: The House at Cornell Tech, Roosevelt Island, N.Y.
On New York City's Roosevelt Island, the Hudson Companies and Related Companies developed "The House" for Cornell Tech. The 26-story apartment building is open to students and staff and uses 60% to 70% less energy than that of a similar multifamily building.
Outstanding Single-Family Project: Historic District Infill Home, Decatur, Ga.
The energy-efficient Historic District Infill Home was designed to seamlessly fit into the historic district of Decatur, Ga. Carl Seville of SK Collaborative built and owns the residence that received LEED Platinum certification for its state-of-the-art concepts in design, construction, and mechanical systems.
Outstanding Multifamily Project: PassiveTown Phase 3, Building K, Kurobe, Japan
PassiveTown Phase 3, Building K is the first LEED for Homes project in Japan. The low-rise multifamily residence was developed by YKK Fudosan Co. after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. The developer quickly realized the importance of resilient design and used sustainable building practices to construct the three-block community.
Outstanding Affordable Project: Crescent Crossings Phase 1, Bridgeport, Conn.
JHM Financial Group, Crosskey Architects, and Viking Construction collaborated to build the Crescent Crossings community. The goal of the project was to create a durable, welcoming community with low tenant utility bills in an area filled with crime and violence. The first phase of the project received LEED Platinum last year.
As part of the LEED Homes Awards, the following building firms were also recognized for their work:Outstanding Single-Family Developer: Maracay Homes, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Outstanding Multifamily Developer: The Hudson Companies Inc., New York, N.Y.
Outstanding Affordable Developer Builder/Developer: Native American Connection, Phoenix
2017 LEED Homes Power Builders: Construction Rocket Inc., JHM, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, The Dinerstein Companies, Metro West Housing Solutions, Forest City Realty Trust, MHI Dallas, Gerding Edlen, Koral & Gobuty Development, Frankel Building Group, AMLI Residential, C&C Development, Alliance Residential, Carmel Partners, Native American Connections, The Community Builders, Thrive Home Builders, Active West
