Environmental Leadership Awards-2005

ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Our awards go to an individual for his/her outstanding contribution to making an environmental difference and to a group who has done much to foster environmental awareness/activism. In 2005, a business award was added to recognize those whose actions positively impact the health of our planet and local communities.

Peter Barrer with Beverly Droz, past president of GDC.

Peter J. Barrer, Demand Management Institute

Owner of Demand Management Institute and key player in green building renovation for Newton South High School. As a Newton citizen, Peter Barrer monitored the developing design of the Newton South High School renovation and addition project, pointing out to the design team opportunities to improve the sustainability and energy efficiency of the building. He was subsequently appointed by Newton Aldermen to serve on the city‘s Design Review Committee. The completed NSHS building is now an example of early efforts at sustainable school construction in Massachusetts.

Alderman Brian Yates accepts on behalf of the Friends of Hemlock Gorge.

Friends of Hemlock Gorge Reservation

A community organization dedicated to preserving and improving Hemlock Gorge, a 23-acre reservation along the Charles River. Founded in 1989 by Alderman Brian Yates.

Partial list of accomplishments:

Established web site: www.channel1.com/users/hemlock
Organized fall and spring cleanups for more than a decade.
Obtained vacant city land for parking lot, got city to pave it, paid for half of landscaping materials and helped install them.
Successfully advocated for state funding for lady bugs to fight the woolly adelgids and assisted in their release.
Persuaded MWRA to restore the echo platform under Echo Bridge.

GDC‘s Peter Smith (L) with Terry Weber and Whole Foods Market management team members.

Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market takes their commitment to the environment to heart as one of the core values of their company. WFM supports sustainable and organic agriculture and wise environmental practices, making the Earth a healthier place every day. By choosing green building techniques, using alternative energy sources such as solar and wind, and recycling business equipment, WFM is thinking and acting green.