The American Planning Association’s Sustainable Communities Division (SCD) announced the third annual Awards for Excellence in Sustainability at the National Planning Conference in Phoenix, AZ. The awards honor project, plans, policies, individuals, and organizations whose work is dedicated to supporting and growing sustainable communities. The SCD supports planners who are committed to planning for sustainable communities by integrating all aspects of sustainability into their work through the combined economic, social, and ecological factors that shape communities.
In partnership with the International and Urban Design and Preservation Divisions, the 2016 Awards for Excellence in Sustainability have expanded to an international audience, with nominations coming in from across the globe. The winners represent extraordinary achievements in 8 Sustainable Planning categories. The categories and winners are:
Sustainable Building Project Award: Buenos Aires City Government, New Government House, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Sustainable Park, Recreation, or Open Space Project Award: Amigos de los Rios, Emerald Necklace Plan Phase 2, Los Angeles, California United States
Sustainable Policy, Law or Plan Award : Cities of Brampton, Richmond Hill, and Vaughn, Measuring the Sustainability Performance of New Development in Brampton, Richmond Hill, and Vaughn, Brampton, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
Sustainable Development Project: Denver Regional Transit District, Denver Union Station, Denver Colorado, United States
Green Infrastructure or Transportation Project: City of Tualatin/Cardno, Tualatin River Greenway Shared Use Path, Tualatin, Oregon, United States
Sustainable Urban Design, or Preservation Plan or Project: City of Alexandria/Smith GroupJJR, Eisenhower West, Alexandria, Virginia, United States
Leadership in Sustainability: Sustainable Jersey, New Jersey, United States
About the American Planning Association (APA): APA is an independent, not-for-profit educational organization that provides leadership in the development of vital communities. APA includes a professional institute for certified planners, 47 chapters, 20 divisions, and special memberships for students.
About the APA Sustainable Communities Division: The need for leadership on comprehensive approaches to sustainability planning is growing. The APA Sustainable Communities Division's goal is to help planners engage in and collaborate on innovative approaches to this important emerging issue. The Division was recognized for outstanding communication efforts with a Divisions Council Achievement Award for their email bulletin which is published bi-monthly. https://apascd.wordpress.com/category/bulletin/