International Living Future Institute Founder and Chairman Jason F. McLennan received a distinguished Award of Excellence from Engineering News Record (ENR) at a ceremony in New York City on April 7, 2016.
“The award is truly an honor,” said McLennan. “I’m both humbled and energized to receive it, humbled when I look at those who have received this honor before me, and energized when I consider how this recognition will elevate the role of design in creating a more equitable and sustainable world.”
According to Engineering News Record, the award has historically been given to contractors and engineers for large-scale projects such as skyscrapers, highways, and dams, and has only rarely been given to people in the architecture profession – with McLennan being the second recipient to win for work in architecture in the award’s 51-year history.
“Jason’s work embodies the Institute’s mission in such a tangible and beautiful way,” said Amanda Sturgeon, CEO of the International Living Future Institute. “His vision has greatly progressed the sustainable and regenerative design movement in pursuit of a living future.”
Jason created the Living Building Challenge in 2006 to encourage eco-centric design because he believes that buildings can give back to their surrounding environments rather than depleting from them. The growth and adoption of the Living Building Challenge proves that buildings and communities can indeed be regenerative rather than destructive.
Jason’s vision for the Living Building Challenge and other programs administered through the Institute is to make a world a better place, rather than to create a world that is merely a less-bad version of the current. His unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of the sustainability movement is recognized by winning the ENR Award of Excellence.
About the International Living Future Institute
An inspiring hub for visionary programs, ILFI’s mission is to lead and support the transformation toward communities that are socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative. Composed of leading green building experts and thought leaders, the Institute is premised on the belief that providing a compelling vision for the future is a fundamental requirement for reconciling humanity’s relationship with the natural world. The Institute runs the Living Building Challenge, Living Community Challenge, Living Product Challenge, Net Zero Energy Certification, the Cascadia Green Building Council, Ecotone Publishing, Declare, JUST and other leading-edge programs. A global network of more than 400 volunteers across nearly 30 countries drive the local adoption of restorative principles in their communities.
