Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) honored 2004's influential green building proponents with its annual Leadership Awards at the USGBC's Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, Nov. 12, held in Portland, Ore. The USGBC recognized those companies and individuals who signify vision, leadership and commitment to the evolution of green building design and construction.

“The recipients of the USGBC Leadership Awards are people whose actions have had a significant impact on the development of the green building industry,” said USGBC President, CEO and Founding Chair Rick Fedrizzi. “Individuals and companies like these play a large role in the success of the USGBC.”

The USGBC honored Herman Miller in the Green Building Business category for its long history of commitment to the environment and the concept of sustainability. Over 300 of Herman Miller's employee-owners participate in their Environmental Quality Action Teams, demonstrating leadership in eight areas of focus including indoor air quality, transportation and packaging, energy reduction and the company's “Design for the Environment” program.

Seattle-based Mithun received the Local/Regional Leadership Award for its ability to lead the green building industry by example. The integrated design firm used recycled and green materials in the renovation of its office at Pier 56 and included utility and water reducing strategies and natural ventilation in its design. Over 80 percent of their employees use alternative transportation to get to the office, and Mithun provides a hybrid gas-electric car for employee use.

The Green Public Service Award in government went to Edward A. Feiner, chief architect of the U.S. General Services Administration. Feiner provides leadership for an agency responsible for the construction, design and renovation of over 330 million square feet of federal employee workspace, and has helped make green building a greater priority for the Federal Government. Since 2002 every new building constructed by the agency has achieved at least LEED certified status.

William D. Browning, senior fellow and founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute's Green Development Services (GDS), is the recipient of the 2004 USGBC Leadership Award. Members of the GDS team served as consultants on numerous high profile construction projects including the Greening of the White House, the Sydney 2000 Olympic Village and the Bank One building at One Bryant Park. Browning helped green building become more mainstream when he co-wrote the 1994 study “Greening the Building and the Bottom Line: Increasing Productivity through Energy-Efficient Design.” He also served as chair and vice chair of the ASTM-Green Building Rating System.