WorldGBC Government Leadership Awards open for nominations

The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) is accepting nominations for the global Government Leadership Awards - a biennial event which was held for the first time in 2011. The awards recognise international best practice in city-level government policy for green building initiatives.

“The awards promote leadership and inspire governments to replicate best practices in green building policy,” said the WorldGBC’s Chief Executive Officer, Jane Henley.

“Green building policies at the city level can minimise our greenhouse gas emissions, improve the liveability of our communities and boost local economies.

“Buildings represent an unrivalled opportunity to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, and cities play an increasingly critical role in seizing this opportunity.”

Entries are judged across six categories based on the following criteria:

• Effectiveness of initiative in transforming the industry
• Cost-effectiveness
• Answer to climate change and environmental impact
• Demonstration of leadership and innovation
• Replicability and relevance

“We received 22 nominations in 2011, representing all regions and both developed and developing economies. The 2011 winners have inspired other cities to transform their built environments and we look forward to showcasing more outstanding city-level green building policy this year,” said Henley.

“Tackled the right way, green building programs can reduce carbon emissions, cut costs, create jobs and revitalise entire communities and cities. The Government Leadership Awards demonstrates how local and regional governments can capture the benefits of green building now and well into the future.”

The awards are presented in partnership with ICLEI, a network of cities and local governments committed to sustainable development; and UN-Habitat, the United Nations agency for human settlements.

For more information, visit http://www.worldgbc.org/activities/govt-leadership-awards/. Nominations close on 26 August and the winners will be announced on 18 November at COP19 in Warsaw, Poland.