April 20, 2009—The National Building Museum has announced the first two of several Visionaries in Sustainability that NBM will recognize for leadership, commitment, and achievements in green building and design, workforce development, and business practices during its annual gala on June 4, 2009.
The Honor Award was established by the Museum in 1986 to salute those who have significantly improved the built environment. Typically the award is given to only one honoree or organization.
However the Museum’s selection committee determined that because a sustainable built environment can only be achieved through a diverse community, the Museum would expand its selection to include elected officials, associations, business leaders, and private advocates.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and its President S. Richard Fedrizzi were announced on March 25, 2009 as the Museum’s first honoree. Founded in 1993, USGBC is transforming the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, says NBM. Its LEED program is the most widely used green building certification program in the nation. USGBC is also working internationally to establish common green building practices with governments throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia. The nonprofit association is composed of more than 19,000 organizations from across the building industry that are working to ensure that structures are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work. In the U.S. alone, there are more than 2,500 LEED-certified structures.
The second honorees were declared April 7 when the National Building Museum announced that Mayor Richard M. Daley and the City of Chicago will be recognized for their historic commitment to planning a vibrant and healthy city. The Museum’s Board of Trustees cited Mayor Daley’s long dedication to a sustainable urban environment, in particular Chicago’s sweeping Climate Action Plan, which has not only transformed the city’s buildings and infrastructure, but has also engaged private citizens and businesses.
In addition, the award also recognizes Chicago’s progressive investment in design and architecture to promote economic development and growth. Through the creation of landmark buildings and public spaces, Chicago has ensured its legacy as one of the most important places in the world for architecture and urban design. Notably, 2009 marks the 100th anniversary of the city’s 1909 Burnham Plan, which was the genesis for the American urban planning movement.
