City Manager Pete Hernandez, Commissioner Tomas Regalado, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, Chris Morales, Kelly Barket, Ario Lundy, Sonia Succar, Mayor Manny Diaz, Elisa Diaz, Victoria Sims, Jim Sims, Aina Juliol, William Holly, Robert Ruano, Glen Hadwen, Rebecca Hadwen, Commissioner Joe Sanchez, and Vicente Sanchez. Photo Credit: Jorge R. Perez/City of Miami.

(Miami, FL)-  Mayor Manny Diaz and City Commissioners today, during the city commission meeting, recognized individuals from within the City of Miami administration, Miami’s neighborhoods, and from the private sector for their commitment to making the City of Miami a model for sustainability. 

“Without the support and dedication of city staff, residents, and businesses, the City cannot implement successful environmental policies,” said Mayor Diaz. “I commend each one of our honorees for their work to protect our precious natural resources and hope that their work will inspire others to join us in our efforts to conserve and care for the environment.” 

Those recognized were presented with Bonsai Bald Cypress trees. These trees are native, indigenous to South Florida and the Everglades, and are drought-tolerant. They will serve to remind awardees of the role they continue to play as stewards of the environment.

The following were the recipients of the Green Awards: 

Green Employee: Chris Morales
Chris is an active employee in the City’s Building Department. She is a strong advocate of the LEED rating system and presently teaches weekly LEED classes to other city employees. Chris was also one of the first LEED APs in the City. She is also personally active in environmental issues.

Green Department: GSA
GSA has been an instrumental force in the city in moving us towards a more sustainable local government. The city’s truck fleet now has a 20% biodiesel blend. They are buying hybrids and fuel-efficient vehicles.  The printing shop is certified paper for printing. GSA is also in the process of changing the lights in city buildings for increased energy efficiency.

Green Company: Palmetto Homes
Palmetto Homes has developed the first low income, affordable green home in South Florida. The home has been designated LEED Certified and features solar light tubes, dual flush toilets & a rain water collection system among others. 

Green Company: Staples
Staples has shown a leadership in green buildings, by having their Staples Store, located on Biscayne Boulevard become the first ever green retail LEED Building in Miami. The building was able to achieve the LEED Gold certification. 

Green Resident: Paul Johnston
Paul has demonstrated the benefits of energy efficiency in his own home and has worked to promote green business and green programs throughout the city. He has been an active member of the Green Commission and brought many green businesses to the successful Gateway to Green event.

Green Resident(s): Jim and  Victoria Sims
Jim & Victoria Sims have shown their commitment to sustainability in their own home. They capture rainwater for landscaping, low flow water fixtures, drought tolerant plants & low electricity usage. 

Green Commission Member: Aina Juliol
Aina served as the chair of the Gateway to Green Commission, which proved to be a very successful event. She is also a proponent of energy efficient systems and is active in recruiting members and providing support for the Green Commission.

Green Company: Holly Real Estate
Holly Real Estate is the 1st Commercial LEED Office building in Miami. They are one of the pioneers that were pursuing LEED when others hesitated. They understand that Green is the new Class A of Office Space.