Aug 3 2005
The National Building Museum announces that the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the fourth recipient of the Henry C. Turner Prize for Innovation in Construction Technology.
The 2005 Turner Prize is being awarded to the USGBC for its promotion of sustainable design and building practices and, specifically, the development of the LEED(R) (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System.
"The USGBC has been a primary catalyst in the sustainable design movement, helping 'green' building become a significant trend in design and construction," said Chase Rynd, executive director of the Museum. "As a steadfast advocate of 'green' design, the USGBC stimulates new building technologies and practices. As such, they are a worthy recipient for the Turner Prize."
"The USGBC is honored to have been chosen as the recipient of the prestigious Turner Prize," said Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC president, CEO, and founding chair. "Five years ago, when USGBC staff and volunteers created LEED, we never could have imagined the market transformation that would follow. USGBC and LEED bring together the entire building industry in an effort to lead a national consensus on green building."
On Monday, October 24, 2005, the Museum will host an event to honor the USGBC. Following a 6:00 pm reception (sponsored by Turner Construction Company), Richard Fedrizzi, president, CEO, and founding chairman of the USGBC, will formally accept the Prize during a ceremony and public program from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. The evening's public program will highlight the importance of the USGBC's contributions to green design and construction through a case study of the Genzyme Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This headquarters of a global biotechnology firm, completed in late 2003, is the largest structure in the world to receive the LEED platinum level rating for new construction -- the highest possible rating. Designed by Behnisch, Behnisch and Partner in Stuttgart, Germany, the 350,000-square-foot, 12-story structure incorporates technological innovations that offer a model for other green high-rise buildings in America. At the program, Stefan Behnisch, project architect, will give an illustrated presentation of the Genzyme Center. His presentation will be followed by a panel discussion, moderated by Richard Fedrizzi.
The panel consists of Behnisch, Henri Termeer, president and CEO of Genzyme Corporation, and Philip Coleman, project executive, and Brett Kass, project engineer, of Turner Construction Company. The panel will discuss the design and financial implications of LEED certification for the Genzyme Center from the perspectives of the designer, contractor, and client. Interested members of the public wishing to attend the reception and program on October 24 can register online at http://www.nbm.org or by calling 202.272.2448.
Advance registration is required.
Ticket price for reception and lecture: $12 Museum members; $16 nonmembers; $10 students.