Renovated Commercial

Posted 7 years ago

1000 Friends of Iowa’s Best Development Awards program is designed to bring attention to cities, companies, nonprofit organizations, and individuals who demonstrate how responsible development and planning practices provide benefits to the community, the environment, and quality of life for future generations. Nominated buildings and projects help advance sustainability across our state by considering site placement, design, water efficiency, energy management, materials and resources used, indoor environmental quality, public use, and long-term benefits.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

  • There is an application fee of $25. Click here to pay securely.
  • Projects or project phases must be completed by date of application.
  • Businesses, developers, government agencies, organizations, and individuals may apply.
  • The main project owner will be the nominee. However, project nomination applications can be completed by any individual or entity involved.
  • Nominations can include one .jpg image. If applicable, an additional 3-5 images of before and after, interior and exterior, may be sent to awards@1000friendsofiowa.org. If chosen as a category winner, you will be asked to supply high resolution .jpg files.
  • Note that category criteria AND general criteria will be used to score each nomination.
  • Questions? Send a message to awards@1000friendsofiowa.org
  • Deadline is November 15, 2024.

The Renovated Commercial category highlights the use of existing structures for commercial purposes. Sustainable qualities include but are not limited to the use of salvaged materials as well as sustainable building materials, utilization of energy-efficient technologies, the adherence to historical preservation practices if applicable, plus the integration of walkability, placemaking, and alternative transportation options. Projects that solicit and implement community feedback are also valued qualities.

Nominations for the Renovated Commercial Category will be reviewed and awards will be granted based upon nominees that exhibit commitments to the following CATEGORY CRITERIA :

  1. Water saving features such as dual flush toilets, gray water use, sustainable landscape design, etc.
  2. Stormwater best management practices such as reducing impervious surfaces, soil quality restoration, permeable pavers, native plantings, bioretention practices, rainwater harvesting, and green roofs
  3. Use of sustainable or recycled materials in building and structure features or other green infrastructure
  4. Energy-efficient construction utilizing high-performance walls, daylighting, and passive solar strategies and efficient technologies such as geothermal, lighting sensors and controls
  5. Contributes to larger revitalization vision via community outreach and feedback or is located within a redevelopment district or corridor
  6. Renewable energy, such as solar photovoltaics and solar thermal
  7. Promote transportation alternatives for traveling by modes other than single-occupant cars
  8. Adaptively reuse an existing underutilized or vacant building

Nominations in all categories will be reviewed and awards granted based upon projects that meet the following baseline GENERAL CRITERIA:

  1. Meeting 1000 Friends of Iowa’s mission:

Founded in 1998, 1000 Friends of Iowa is the only organization in the state focused solely on promoting responsible land use in community, state, and federal development decisions. We encourage land use planning that protects farmland and natural areas, and ensures livable communities through implementation of smart growth principles

  1. Fulfilling objectives of Smart Growth as defined below:

Smart growth is the efficient use of our resources to develop sustainable communities that provide a high quality of life.

  • Smart growth efficiency utilizes our tax dollars and private investments through:
    • Reinvesting in existing communities that have experienced decline. This includes rehabilitation and reuse of older buildings and in-fill development.
    • Focusing new development around walkable, mixed-use town centers with a balance of housing and jobs.
    • Coordinating the provision of utilities and public services amongst local jurisdictions in a metropolitan region.
  • Smart growth is sustainable because it:
    • Distributes affordable housing throughout the region to improve access to employment opportunities and avoid concentrations of poverty.
    • Utilizes green building practices to conserve energy.
    • Attracts new business and industry, which increasingly consider quality of life factors when selecting communities in which to locate or expand.
    • Balances urban expansion with the protection of agricultural land and natural areas.
    • Empowers citizens to take responsibility for their community and become actively involved in the planning process.
    • Recognizes the interdependence of the social, natural, and built environments.
    • Considers the impact of development on future generations.
  • Smart growth provides a high quality of life by:
    • Creating a framework to build community and establish a sense of place.
    • Providing walkable, mixed-use community centers that include civic, commercial, and residential uses.
    • Offering residents a variety of choices in housing options and transportation modes.
    • Establishing urban green spaces and protecting environmentally sensitive areas from inappropriate development, such a displacing low-income individuals or the development of high-quality farmland.
    • Engaging residents in a more active, healthy lifestyle.
    • Reducing health threats from air and water pollution.
    • Offer equitable solutions to people of all ages, abilities, and income levels.

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