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DESIgn + BUILD
revolutionary showcases of sustainable DESIGN And functional live/work spaces.

The built environment is our support system.  A structural form that can provide a foundation of safety, tower as a symbol of power, stimulate productivity and  creativity, create communities and exemplify experimental architecture.  As it provides all of that, “buildings [also] account for one-sixth of the world's fresh water withdrawals, one-quarter of its wood harvest, and two-fifths of its material and energy flows” (Roodman and Lenssen, 1995).  At the DESIGN level, we start to conceptualize and commit to making more sustainable choices from idea to completion.  With construction adding to 8 – 10% of the global Gross Domestic Product and encompassing a workforce of 120 million, there is tremendous opportunity to build more environmentally sustainable structures while also developing healthy community ties, infrastructures and economies. 
The DESIGN + BUILD category seeks to award companies and projects that bring together all elements of innovative design and architecture with the highest level of environmental responsibility as it relates to land use, the use of sustainable materials, community impact, energy efficiency and water conservation.

What We’re Looking For:
•        Land Use:  Existing Buildings or Building Design that takes into consideration it’s site and impact on and/or use of surrounding land conditions.
•         Sustainable Materials:  What materials were used?  Were any materials re-used?  Recyclable Materials?  Non-Toxic?  Forestry Stewardship Council Approved?
•         Energy/Water Efficiency:  How does this structure use less energy?  Conserve Water?  How is the structure powered?  What alternate energies were used to build the structure itself?
•         Community Impact:  Whether a single-family residence or a corporate headquarters, what kind of considerations have been given for the surrounding community?  The community of users themselves?
•         DESIGN:  Considering all of the above, the design of the structure should answer a design problem and offer an innovative, visual, design-forward solution.
•         Submissions in this category can be in the plan stage.