BetterBricks Awards
News & Updates
We have all heard that our buildings consume more than 40 percent of the energy used in the U.S. - approximately half is used in the commercial sector alone. Needless to say, the pressure is on to address the energy needs of our built environment.
There’s a cascade of change taking place within the commercial building industry. Whether it was born out of volatile energy markets, catalyzed by AIA’s 2030 Challenge, or validated by building owners who voluntarily disclose energy use before it becomes mandatory, one thing is certain: the opportunity energy efficiency offers to both the bottom line and the environment is unmatched. And it will take leaders from across professions to collaborate, take charge, and ultimately get us there quickly.
The BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. From the building owners who pay for them, to the designers and engineers who design them, to the building operations staff and service professionals who keep them running at peak performance – all have critical roles to play. The annual BetterBricks Awards celebrate the people behind the best projects in the Northwest. The result: a greater number of buildings that offer improved energy efficiency, bottom line benefits and a reduced carbon footprint. The BetterBricks Awards take place in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana.
Quick Links
Nominations
Keynote Speaker
Important Dates & Registration
Award Categories
Past Award Winners
Save the Date for the 2010 Awards
Oregon/SW Washington BetterBricks Awards
Thursday, February 11, 7:30 AM
The Nines Hotel, Portland, OR
Keynote by Stephen Wright, Bonneville Power Administration
Register
Puget Sound BetterBricks Awards
Thursday, March 25, 5:15 PM
Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle, WA
Keynote by Stephen Wright, Bonneville Power Administration
Register
Idaho BetterBricks Awards
October 2010
Doubletree Riverside, Boise, ID
Nominations: TBD
Montana BetterBricks Awards
Details Coming Soon
Nominations
Nominations are now closed for the Oregon / SW Washington and Puget Sound Awards.
For these Awards, high performance buildings are commercial structures, both existing and newly constructed, that have achieved a substantial level of energy savings and offer other high performance features such as a more productive work environment, water savings and an abundance of natural light, to name a few.
Nominations are due by 5 pm, January 4 for the Oregon / SW Washington Awards.
Nominations are due by 5 pm, January 20 for the Puget Sound Awards.
If you have questions, please contact Therese Lang at 503.241.1124 or therese@coateskokes.com
Keynote Speaker: Stephen Wright, Bonneville Power Administration
Steve Wright was appointed Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration on Jan. 24, 2002. At the time of his appointment, Department of Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham lauded Wright for his "outstanding leadership through some of the most turbulent times for the electricity industry" as well as for his effectiveness in bringing together diverse constituencies.
Wright's previous 13 months as Acting Administrator spanned some of the region's greatest energy challenges, including a West Coast energy crisis and a severe drought in the Northwest. The Northwest congressional delegation cited Wright's leadership during this volatile period in giving him unanimous and bipartisan support for his appointment as Administrator.
During the energy crisis and its aftermath, Wright led a successful regional effort to substantially reduce the size of a projected wholesale power rate increase by negotiating load reductions with regional utilities and large industrial customers. As Administrator, his focus has been on stabilizing BPA's finances to help eliminate or mitigate future rate increases.
Prior to his appointment as Acting and then permanent Administrator, Wright served as Senior Vice President for Corporate from 1998-2000. He was Manager of BPA's Washington, D.C. office between 1990 and 1998 and Manager of the California office between 1987 and 1990. He started his career at BPA in 1981 in the conservation office.
Award Categories
The 2010 awards will honor individuals and some teams in the following categories:
Architect
Those who design buildings and lead the design team on projects that consistently achieve high levels of energy efficiency in both new construction and major renovations.
Design Engineer
Those who have contributed significant solutions to the energy efficient design of mechanical and/or electrical systems (including passive systems) for new buildings and major renovations.
Multi-Disciplinary Team
A team of professionals for a specific high performance building project or projects that includes three or more of the following professionals: an owner/developer representative, architect, engineer (mechanical, electrical, structural), consultants, and building contractor (if involved during design).
Advocate
Those who advocate for and support the design and operation of high performance buildings including consultants, government, non-profit, educators, and others.
Owner/Developer
Those who make decisions about strategic direction regarding investments in high performance buildings. These executives, developers, owners and managers support, authorize and generally enable high performance building to be built and operated.
Facility Manager/Operator
Open to a team or an individual who operates and manages the facilities of a building including facility directors, managers and building operators.
Service Contractor
Those individuals who provide services to the efficient operations of commercial buildings including mechanical contractors, control companies, equipment manufacturers and commissioning agents.
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