Construction projects that reduce pollution, conserve vital resources and protect biodiversity deserve recognition. That’s why every year ENR Midwest recognizes those that go the extra mile to strive for sustainability as part of its annual Best Projects Awards.

Submittals in the sustainability category are evaluated based on their overall sustainability strategy, choice of materials, energy savings and other factors outlined in an essay question. While certifications such as LEED and WELL were considered a plus, they were not required.

The projects are also judged on how well teams exceeded standard industry requirements, giving higher scores to entries that clearly demonstrated strategies leading to strong sustainability results. Submittals are also judged by how well the project team went above and beyond baseline industry requirements on the submitted project. Entries that clearly identify strategies that led to excellent sustainability results are scored higher than more general responses. To ensure fairness, judges do not score or vote on submissions from their own firms.

The sustainability judge this year was Jill Katic, director, sustainability, Barton Malow.

Projects that have been recognized with awards are named below and will be profiled in the November issue of ENR Midwest and also recognized at the region’s Nov. 18 awards breakfast in Chicago. 

Award of Excellence, Sustainability 

State of Michigan DNR Customer Service Center
 Newberry, Mich.
Submitted by Walbridge

Award of Merit, Sustainability 
Lawson House Renovation
Chicago
Submitted by: The Walsh Group