Since 1986, the Florida Realtors has annually presented its Environmental Award - The ENVY. The ENVY honors residential and commercial developments that best preserve Florida's natural quality of life. Submissions are panel judged and feature the best techniques to preserve native habitat, most effective use/reuse of energy sources and incorporate top practices in green design. Winners will be recognized at the Florida Realtors® Annual Convention and will receive statewide publicity for significant contribution in engineering, architecture and construction. Annual submission deadlines are in July.
Eligibility
Residential - Residential developments must have a minimum of 30 residential units. Developments not already completed and occupied must at least, upon submission, be available for marketing and must include a model home.
Commercial - All commercial developments within Florida are eligible.
Eligibility criteria for Residential and Commercial projects can be viewed at the bottom of the Florida Realtors Awards web page.
Residential Criteria
For each below criteria, applicants should explain how the project goes above and beyond current environmental preservation and/or building code minimal requirements:
1. Preservation of natural flora and fauna
- Highlight any restoration areas/efforts
- Include any corridors/buffer zones
- Highlight wetland areas
2. Landscaping/compatibility with surrounding environment
3. Design in scale and context with surrounding environment
- Highlight and explain any specific “green” standards and/or certification standards endorsed by the project - such as standards from the Florida Green Building Coalition, LEED-ND (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Neighborhood Development) standards or National Home Builders green building standards
- EPA Energy Star Certifications
- Florida Water Star Certifications
4. Open space and access/usability of surrounding environment
- Highlight green space and unusual features
5. Family recreation and common areas (playgrounds, nature trails, etc.)
6. Streets and safety features
7. Drainage and storm water design features,
- Highlight any unique storm water plans
- Rain water harvesting
8. Marketability
9. Tell us what makes your project stand out from the rest – what makes it special?
10. Site plans, photos and other documentation that validates your criteria. Provide a narrative that clearly demonstrates and explains the development’s environmental features, environmental/preservation activities and design aspects.
Commercial Criteria
1. Preservation of natural flora and fauna
- Highlight any restoration areas/efforts
- Include ny corridors/buffer zones
- Highlight wetland areas
2. Architectural compatibility
3. Design in scale and context with surrounding environment
- Highlight and explain any specific “green” standards and/or certification standards endorsed by the project - such as standards from the Florida Green Building Coalition, LEED-ND (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Neighborhood Development) standards or National Home Builders green building standards
- Energy Star Certifications
- Water Star Certifications
4. Open space and access/usability of surrounding environment
- Highlight green space and unusual features
5. Common area access and usefulness
6. Streets, pedestrian and bicycle access
7. Drainage as a design feature
8. Marketability
9. Tell us what makes your project stand out from the rest – what makes it special?
10. Site plans, photos and other documentation that validates your criteria. Provide a narrative that clearly demonstrates and explains the development’s environmental features, environmental/preservation activities and design aspects.
How to Submit
There is no entry limit and no cost to enter. Submissions may be emailed as a PDF or mailed in a flash drive. The entry should include the following material in this order:
- A written overview of the development (maximum of four pages)
- Supporting material and photographs that address the judging criteria in the order listed above — no videotapes or slides
- A set of land development plans and other supporting data, if warranted.
- Upon request, entry materials may be returned after judging.
- Email entries using Subject line "ENVY Award" to Marla Martin
- Mail entries to: ENVY Award, Florida Realtors, 7025 Augusta National Drive, Orlando, FL 32822-5017
- For additional information please call Marla Martin at 407.438.1400; Extension 2326
Conclusion
This is not just a meritorious Award opportunity with statewide promotion and recognition.
By participating in this event, builders are encouraged to insert overtly Green technologies into their mindset when it comes to design, architecture and construction. Likewise, public governance is reminded to look for Green technologies that reach above and beyond the routine permit approval and issuance process. Green Certification becomes an integral part of the construction and permitting processes.
As Green technologies become better promoted and acknowledged in new and renovated projects, the public looks more frequently for these environmental bonuses in the contracts they award. Builders who embrace Green technologies and routinely employ them in their project management gain the upper competitive hand and prosper. Other builders realize that in order to stay competitive, they too must optimize and certify Green technologies or lose ground.
In the 30+ years of the ENVY Award, no one from Monroe County or Key West has made application for the ENVY Award.
If you have any comments or questions, please contact me here.
Good luck!
Additional sources: