Outstanding Achievement Awards

In addition to entering the main competition categories, entrants meeting the criteria below may also apply for Outstanding Achievement Awards.

Best Greenhouse Gas Reduction Design

AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE)Sponsored by: AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE)

This award will recognize the top design for adaptability and deconstruction to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of building materials by selecting durable, low embodied energy materials and extending the life of building materials through design for adaptability and reuse, and correct sizing. Criteria include innovative design for adaptability GHG-reducing concepts that can be applied broadly in U.S. construction and the clarity of written and graphic information provided on how the project reduces GHG emissions over a standard building design. The submission must include a calculation of materials-based greenhouse gas reductions using a no cost, publically available GHG emissions calculator. The judges will consider the overall calculated materials-based greenhouse gas reductions, but that will not be the primary criteria. The judges will consider other alternative energy and energy conservation design features, but the primary focus of the judging will be on innovative design for adaptability and deconstruction and materials choices to reduce embodied energy and GHG emissions of building materials.