SEF's Net Zero Energy Office Building Recognized with Green Building United’s 2020 Groundbreaker Award
The Annual Groundbreaker Awards Celebrates Green Building Leadership, Innovation, and Impact in the region
Philadelphia, PA, December 18, 2020 – The Sustainable Energy Fund’s (SEF) net zero energy new office building was one of five projects and community leaders celebrated at Green Building United’s 2020 Groundbreaker Awards, a virtual award ceremony on Thursday, December 17. Green Building United’s annual Groundbreaker Awards recognizes and celebrates green building leadership, innovation, and impact in greater Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, and Delaware.
A Schnecksville, Pennsylvania apple orchard is now home to the first energy positive building in the Lehigh Valley. This unique, sustainable office building is located in an industrial region generally known for steel production. Designed and built by Ashley McGraw Architects and TN Ward Company, the building is expected to refocus the spotlight on the central and eastern Pennsylvania community seeking to complete new projects with innovative, energy-conscious construction. With its cold winters and hot summers, the Lehigh Valley is a great proving ground to demonstrate the potential of energy-efficient building.
“This project provides a blueprint for achieving net-positive energy within the financial structure of a speculative building,” said Andrew Schuster, an Principal and leader of Ashley McGraw’s commercial architecture practice. “We were excited to collaborate with a client like SEF who set this bold goal and shares our commitment to regenerative design and the proven value it offers to all stakeholders.”
“This year's community leadership and project awardees include net-zero construction, affordable housing, best practice tools and training, and to programs that engage youth and build the next generation of green building advocates” said Alex Dews, Executive Director of Green Building United. “The breadth of the work that this year’s awardees are being recognized for is testament to the growing emphasis on sustainability in our region and is indicative of the role that it will play in our future. We’re pleased to recognize their hard work and dedication to innovation and green building and commend the impact they are making on our communities.”
About Green Building United
Green Building United, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is committed to promoting sustainable building in Greater Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley and Delaware. Through education and advocacy, Green Building United aims to create a sustainable, healthy, and resilient built environment for all. Green Building United offers its members and partners a wide variety of resources, tools, and events to help them stay informed of the latest green building news and trends. For more information, visit www.greenbuildingunited.org