Southface to recognize four leaders in sustainability at Greenprints program

By David Pendered

Southface is preparing to recognize four projects that embody the philosophy of sustainability that forms the foundation of the Fulcrum Awards, which are a highlight next week at Southface’s Greenprints program.

The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design is to be developed with Living Building Challenge 3.1 principles, the world’s most rigorous proven performance standard for buildings. Credit: Lord, Aeck Sargent

This is the 20th year that Greenprints will bring together advocates and practitioners of sustainability concepts. Greenprints is scheduled for March 12 through March 14 at Georgia State University. A variety of registration types are available.

This year’s Fulcrum Award recipients were chosen by an independent panel of eight jurors, according to a statement released by Southface.

“Though diverse in scope, each Fulcrum Award recipient exemplifies our vision to promote a regenerative economy, responsible resource use, social equity, and a healthy built environment for all,” Andrea Pinabell, Southface’s president, said in a statement. “We are proud to honor these projects that bring us all closer to a better future.”

This year’s recipients are:

“Georgia State University’s Leafy Green Machine, which addresses adaptive reuse, food scarcity, urban agriculture, and sustainable innovation to produce 4,500 pounds of leafy greens within a 40-foot space.

southface — Atlanta’s Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) is the only permanent drop-off facility in metro Atlanta that receives items that aren’t currently collected at the curb. Credit: CHaRM

“Live Thrive Atlanta’s Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM), metro Atlanta’s first and only permanent drop-off facility that accepts recyclables and other items that aren’t currently collected in curbside recycling programs.

“Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design, submitted by Lord Aeck Sargent, which upon completion will be first of its size and function in the region to be designed with Living Building Challenge 3.1 principles, the world’s most rigorous proven performance standard for buildings.

“The Len Foote Hike Inn, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. For 19 years the Hike Inn has worked to protect Georgia’s natural resources and teach guests about sustainability’s value. Its new Above the Grid project allows the Hike Inn to receive nearly 70 percent of its energy from solar and greatly reduce its carbon footprint.”

At this 20th anniversary of Greenprint, some 400 individuals have signed up to attend and 30 exhibitors are to display their wares, according to the program.

The attendees come from the realm of architecture, design and construction, green building professionals, engineers, policy makers, academics and a host of related practitioners.

Fifteen speakers are slated to present at Greenprints. The two keynote speakers are Kevin Hydes, president and CEO of Integral Group, and Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta, the city’s development arm.
Here are their full bio statements as provided by Southface:

Hydes – “With over 35 years of experience, Kevin is internationally recognized as a leader in sustainable design and for his contributions to the building industry. A pioneer of sustainable building systems’ design, Kevin’s commitment to advancing its cause began over 20 years ago.

He has served as an Industry Expert, and Technical Advisor for several organizations, including: Clinton Climate Initiative, Climate Carbon Positive Community, EcoDistricts, Building Health Initiative, One Planet Communities, City of Vancouver Greenest City 2020 Action Plan, GSA National Peer Professional, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Flex Lab, and Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability. Kevin also served as the Chair of the USGBC for 2005-2006, was a founder and director of CanadaGBC and a former Chair of the WorldGBC.”

GSU Leafy Green Machine — The Leafy Green Machine at Georgia State University is able to produce 4,500 pounds of leafy greens within a 40-foot space. Credit: GSU

Klementich – “Key accomplishments include helping to create more than 30,000 jobs, $3.3 billion in new capital investment and over 2,800 affordable housing units in the City of Atlanta.

Eloisa holds a bachelor’s degree from Pitzer College, and master’s degrees in urban planning and Latin American affairs from the University of California, Los Angeles. She received her doctorate in public administration from the University of LaVerne.Eloisa serves as a board member for many organizations, including: Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative. She received the 2017 Walker’s Legacy Women in Economic Development Award and the 2017 National Association of Minority Contractors Georgia Chapter’s Public‐Sector Award.”