Projects highlight Net Zero Energy, Recycled Materials, Renewable Energy, Equity, Walkability

SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Green Building Council recently recognized seven buildings for their innovative design and construction, including two universities, a multi-family housing complex, a teaching and innovation farm lab, a climate resiliency research center in a community of concern, a cutting-edge research and development district along the waterfront, and a residence weaving nature into the indoor space with a boulder that acts as a thermal mass.

The buildings are either located in San Diego County or designed by a project team in San Diego. The process was competitive and, out of 35 projects, seven rose to the top.

Sustainability Marvel awards were presented to:

• California State University Long Beach Parkside North Residence Hall, Designed by Gensler Architects in San Diego – achieving LEED BD+C v4 Platinum, LBC Petal Certification (Energy, Place & Beauty + Education), and Zero Net Energy status in student housing.

• El Cerrito Housing Development, Designed by LPA Architects - An innovative use of single use recycled shipping containers and a groundbreaking approach to mixed-use development features 172 residential units, a parking structure, and a ground-floor behavioral health clinic, integrating landscape with architecture and promoting biophilia to connect residents with nature, enhancing health and wellness.

• Allensworth Passage, Designed by SmithGroup - Founded, financed, and governed in 1908 by Black Americans, the town of Allensworth holds a special place in history and Allensworth Passage pays special tribute to this legacy while charting a course for a sustainable future. This 11,000 square foot Teaching and Innovation Farm Lab is a beacon of hope and progress. 

• La Semilla, Designed by Workshop B Architects - La Semilla, or "The Seed," is more than just an innovative climate resiliency research center—it is sustainability and environmental justice in physical form. Situated in San Ysidro, one of San Diego's most underserved communities, La Semilla is a testament to the transformative power of sustainable development. 

The Metrics and Research Mastery Award was presented to IQHQ RaDD, by Gensler. IQHQ RaDD transforms what was once an underutilized parking lot site into a vibrant Research and Development District, or RaDD, with access to daylight and fresh air and cutting-edge technology like electro-chromic glazing systems and water-efficient heating and cooling systems.

The Sustainable Detail & System Maverick Award was presented to The Serenity Project, by Hubbell and Hubbell. From the natural flagstone steps leading to the house to the locally crafted stained-glass door welcoming you into the open-concept, double-height space, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to foster harmony with the environment. The curved, reflective roof mimics the rounded boulders, preventing excessive heat gain, while the Foam Core Sandwich Panels and Insulating Composite Concrete Form Blocks provide superior insulation and soundproofing.

The Sustainable Leadership Legend (Organization) Award recognized the Associated Students of SDSU. With a portfolio boasting four LEED Platinum and four LEED Gold Certified facilities, including one Double LEED Platinum, Associated Students of SDSU have set the bar high for sustainability standards. Nearby community gardens provide fresh produce for their student union food pantry and the group hosts zero-waste events and student-run clothing swaps. In 2023, they raised more than $50,000 for their university's first ESG-invested scholarship endowment, rewarding students for outstanding leadership in sustainability.

The Sustainable Leadership Legend (Individual) Award recognized Susan Freed, RA, LEED AP, CEM. A true pioneer in decarbonization at scale, Susan Freed’s outstanding leadership throughout her decade at the County of San Diego’s Energy and Sustainability Division has enabled sustainable performance across the County’s 1000+ building portfolio, leaving a legacy of innovative programs and award-winning projects that will serve as references for sustainability success in San Diego and beyond for years to come.

Additional project details and images are located here: https://www.sd-gbc.org/2023_award_winners.

The mission of the Sustainability Awards is to champion sustainable projects and leadership in San Diego by unleashing the power of recognition and celebrating visionaries and sustainable triumphs! Any project in San Diego County or Tijuana region is eligible, even if beyond county lines, if it was crafted by architects, landscape architects, engineers, contractors, clients, or owners in San Diego or Tijuana.

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