SKOKIE, ILL. — Energy-efficient and affordable housing, systems to control stormwater run-off and road construction that recycles a failed base to create a stronger, longer lasting pavement were some of the projects honored by the 2009 Sustainable Leadership Award program.

The 2009 Sustainable Leadership Awards, administrated by the Portland Cement Association (PCA), recognized six public officials who are commitment to the three pillars of sustainability—environmental, economic, and social. The winners enacted innovative policies to create projects in their communities that exemplify creativity and best practices for the use of concrete and other cement-based products.

A key ingredient of concrete, portland cement is integral to the construction of sustainable building efforts. Commercial and residential buildings, highways, bridges, airports, dams and other critical elements of our nation’s infrastructure depend on its durability, strength and energy efficient performance.

“We are proud to honor the winners of the 2009 Sustainable Leadership Award for their policies and projects that provide sustainable benefits to their communities,” remarked Brian McCarthy, president and CEO, Portland Cement Association. “At PCA, sustainability isn’t just a buzz word or a trend. It is a forward way of thinking in constructing America’s infrastructure. We applaud these individuals for being the embodiment of that mission.”

The 2009 Winners

Leadership in Sustainability Policy
The Sustainable Policy category honors those who initiate or implement policies that reflect an ongoing commitment to sustainability in the communities they serve.

Winner: Wayne Kennedy, director of development and engineering, Coweta County Development and Engineering Department, Newnan, Ga.
Policy: Rebuilding of the Coweta County roadway system using full-depth reclamation with cement—Kennedy initiated the reconstruction of the Coweta County deteriorating roadway system through full-depth reclamation with cement. The process recycles existing road materials to create a new sustainable pavement. It saved the county thousands of dollars, avoided road closures and improved the road’s safety.

Winner: Dale L. Ludens, engineering supervisor, South Dakota Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Rapid City, S.D.
Policy: Full-scale pervious concrete pavement project in South Dakota—Ludens spearheaded a project which used pervious concrete to reconstruct the 5,000 square-foot parking lot at the Distinguished Visitor’s Headquarters on the South Dakota Army National Guard’s Camp Rapid Campus. The project is currently serving as a learning program on the many sustainable benefits of pervious concrete and its applications success in severe climates.

Winner: James McGraw III, chairman, Fairfield County Transportation Committee, Rion, S.C.
Policy: Fairfield County road improvement program—The Fairfield County Transportation Committee, led by McGraw, implemented a unique, economically and environmentally sound reclamation solution for Fairfield County’s Road Improvement Program to wisely use citizen’s funds and enhances their lives.

Homes and Residential Building Projects
This category honors those who demonstrate initiative by utilizing cement or cement-based products for sustainable development in residential housing.

Winner: Michael A. Nutter, Mayor, City of Philadelphia
Project: Revitalization of the East Parkside community utilizing ICFs—Mayor Nutter oversaw the revitalization of the East Parkside community utilizing insulating concrete forms (ICFs) to build high performance, energy efficient homes for more than 1,600 residential and commercial sites.

Infrastructure Projects
The infrastructure category honors those who demonstrate initiative by utilizing cement or cement-based products for sustainable development in infrastructure projects.

Winner: Board of Commissioners of Queen Anne’s County, Centreville, Md.
Project: Previous concrete use at the Whitemarsh Park at Bloomfield Farm—The Board choice pervious concrete to address stormwater runoff in the restoration of the Whitemarsh Park at the Bloomfield Farm.

Non-residential Building Projects
Those who demonstrate initiative by utilizing cement or cement-based products for sustainable development in non-residential building such as government, office buildings, schools, civic or community centers are recognized.

Winner: City of Highland, Calif.
Project: The Highland Sam J. Racadio Library and Environmental Learning Center—The construction of the Highland Sam J. Racadio Library and Environmental Learning Center used concrete extensively throughout the LEED Gold-certified building.