Thank you for joining!
Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists of this year’s Innovation Awards! Scroll down for the list of LA’s Best Buildings, access their case studies, and check out the event recap.
Congratulations, Winners!
Click on the icons below to view each winner’s case study.
Congratulations, Finalists!
Click the icons to view each finalist’s case study.
Event Recordings
Opening Remarks by David Hodgins
Award Presentations
Keynote Speakers
Closing Remarks by David Hodgins
Event Recap
“Energy efficiency is the key to making 100% clean energy possible –efficiency brings down system costs and vastly increases the health benefits to society.”
- Lauren Faber O’Connor
Keynote Speaker
“Today's finalists are the people and the teams that will make our cities healthier and improve the quality of life for everyone.”
- Kevin De León
Keynote Speaker
“Our challenge is huge, but our ambition is bigger, and I know together we can make this work.”
- Maria Vargas
Keynote Speaker
“COVID-19 has exposed the lack of support women have and exacerbated existing inequalities. We have to build back better.”
- Shengwei Sun
Panelist
Resources from Live Event
Opening Remarks - David Hodgins
Keynote Speaker - Lauren Faber O’Connor
Keynote Speaker - Maria Vargas
Fireside Chat with Shengwei Sun and Christianne Schrobilgen
McKinsey Article: A “take action now” scenario could add $13 trillion to global GDP
IWPR Reports discussed:
Building the Future: Bold Policies for a Gender Equitable Recovery
Here to Stay: Black, Latina and Afro-Latina Women in Construction Trades
Gender Wage Gap by Occupation, Race and Ethnicity, 2020
Marshall Plan for Moms (LA): UN Women Empowerment Principles: https://www.weps.org/
Closing Remarks - David Hodgins
Learn more and enroll in the Low Carbon Leaders Program
Speakers
LAUREN FABER O’CONNOR
Chief Sustainability Officer
Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti
City of Los Angeles
Working across every city department, Lauren drives implementation of the Sustainable City pLAn, with a focus on strategic integration of the pLAn's pillars in order to reach the City's ambitious climate and clean energy goals, ensure benefits accrue to all communities in LA, and pursue regional and international collaborations.
KEVIN DE LEÓN
Councilmember
Council District 14,
City of Los Angeles
An educator, activist and community organizer, Kevin was the first Latino leader of the California State Senate in 130 years. He represented Senate District 24 for the last decade, which overlaps a significant portion of his city council district. Prior to joining the L.A. City Council, Kevin was a professor, senior analyst and distinguished policymaker-in-residence at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, as well as a Distinguished Fellow for Climate, Environmental Justice and Health with the USC Schwarzenegger Institute.
SHENGWEI SUN
Senior Research Associate
Institute for Women’s Policy Research
As a Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Shengwei’s research focuses on how to improve labor market outcomes and economic security for working women and their families. Shengwei co-authored an IWPR's report examining the gendered impact of the pandemic recession and providing a blueprint for a gender-equitable recovery that would build long-term economic security for all. Shengwei received her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Maryland, College Park.
MARIA VARGAS
Senior Program Advisor
Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
U.S. Department of Energy
A Senior Program Advisor and Director of Better Buildings Initiative at the U.S. Department of Energy, Maria works with leaders in the public and private sectors to make U.S. buildings at least 20 percent more efficient in the next decade. Maria also serves as the Lead DOE Ambassador for the US C3E. Prior to DOE, she was the Brand Manager for the ENERGY STAR program for almost 20 years and has been involved in policy work on the issues of ozone depletion, global climate change and related environmental and energy issues since 1985. Maria was inducted into the Energy Efficiency Hall of Fame in 2015.
Hosts
DAVID HODGINS
MBA/MRED/LEED AP
Executive Director
LA Better Buildings Challenge
A leader in sustainable real estate, Dave works with clients across public and private sectors, from governments and utilities to investors and asset managers. He has contributed to the development of industry standards and resources, including for the U.S. Department of Energy, ASHRAE and BOMA. He began his career with the Clinton Climate Initiative before founding Sustento Group, which serves as program manager for the LABBC. Dave holds an MBA and a master’s in real estate development from USC, as well as a Bachelor of Science from UCLA.
CHRISTIANNE SCHROBILGEN
Managing Director, Marketing
LA Better Buildings Challenge
A strategic marketing leader, Christianne is responsible for expanding the LABBC program and driving partner engagement. Prior to the LABBC, Christianne served as marketing director of U.S. Capital Markets for Colliers International. Passionate about diversity in real estate, she is a founding board member for the Real Estate Association for Latinx Professionals (REAL) and serves as vice chair for the U.S. Green Building Council’s Women in Green Committee and is part of ULI Los Angeles’ Women’s Leadership “GROW” mentorship program.
ALEK DIACHENKO
MBA/CalBRE/LEED AP
Director, Outreach & Engagement
LA Better Buildings Challenge
A commercial real estate veteran, Alek focuses on connecting with building owners and managers on behalf of the LABBC to catalyze positive and lasting change. Prior to the LABBC, he co-led capital markets efforts for multifamily developer JPI. Before that, he was with real estate services company JLL, where he was instrumental in launching a national LEED EBOM platform. Alek earned both his MBA and a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Davis.
CASSIE RAUSER
Executive Director
UCLA’s Sustainable LA Grand Challenge
Office of the Vice Chancellor of Research
As the Executive Director of UCLA’s Sustainable LA Grand Challenge, Dr. Cassie Rauser leads and coordinates efforts to transform Los Angeles into the most sustainable mega-city by 2050. Cassie uses her demonstrated ability to build relationships and forge collaborations among diverse groups to identify challenges specific to the L.A. region, and implement solutions with the goal of creating a more equitable and livable world. She also has experience coordinating and developing major interdisciplinary grant proposals across campus, and in contributing to the funding of multiple campus research Centers, capital projects, graduate and undergraduate degree programs, and numerous individual faculty grants.
Categories
ENERGY PERFORMANCE
The Energy Performance Award goes to our Partner who has most effectively optimized energy use through the unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Criteria:
Energy performance in 2020
Long-term Energy Use Intensity reduction trend
Measures to manage energy use (operational measures and/or capital projects)
Measures to enhance protection of occupant health (operational measures and/or capital projects)
Qualitative factors, including:
Alignment with organization-wide ESG commitments
Stakeholder engagement and communication
Innovation in technology and execution
WATER PERFORMANCE
The Water Performance Award goes to our Partner who was best able to optimize water use through the unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Criteria:
Water performance in 2020
Long-term Water Use Intensity reduction trend
Measures taken to manage water use (operational measures and/or capital projects)
Measures taken to maintain water quality, and enhance health and safety (operational measures and/or capital projects)
Qualitative factors, including:
Alignment with organization-wide ESG commitments
Stakeholder engagement and communications
Innovation in technology and execution
AFFORDABLE MULTIFAMILY BUILDING PERFORMANCE
With so many Angelenos staying “safer at home,” managing energy and water use is especially important for owners of affordable multifamily housing. The Affordable Multifamily Building Performance Award goes to our Partner who has demonstrated exceptional energy and water performance during these challenging times, while also stepping up measures to protect residents’ health and safety.
Criteria:
Energy and water performance in 2020
Long-term Energy and Water Use Intensity reduction trend
Measures taken to manage energy and water use (operational measures and/or capital projects)
Measures taken to enhance resident health and safety (operational measures and/or capital projects)
Qualitative factors, including:
Alignment with organization wide ESG commitments
Stakeholder engagement and communications
Innovation in technology and execution
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP - PUBLIC & PRIVATE
The real estate industry has a pivotal role to play in addressing climate change and reshaping the economy as we eventually enter a post-COVID reality. The Industry Leadership Award goes to our Partner who has not only maintained (or increased) environmental commitments, but who has also moved forward with strong social impact priorities.
Criteria:
Portfolio-wide Energy and Water Use Intensity reduction trend
Measures taken to manage energy and water use in 2020 (operational measures and/or capital projects)
Measures taken to enhance health and safety (operational measures and/or capital projects)
Qualitative factors, including:
ESG initiatives in 2020, including diversity, equity and inclusion
CRR/ESG Reports for 2018 and 2019
HOMETOWN HERO (SMALL-MEDIUM BUSINESS)
Small and Medium Businesses (SMB) are the heartbeat of the local economy. The Hometown Hero Award recognizes a local SMB that has made an outsized contribution to the sustainability movement.
Criteria:
Energy and water performance in 2020
Long-term Energy and Water Use Intensity reduction trend
Measures taken to manage energy and water use (operational measures and/or capital projects)
Measures taken to enhance health and safety (operational measures and/or capital projects)
Qualitative factors, including:
Stakeholder engagement
Innovation in technology and execution
Community impact
WINNERS RECEIVE
Market visibility to 50,000+ professionals
Special recognition from the Mayor of Los Angeles and the U.S. Department of Energy
Customized case studies & videos (and trophies!)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit to the Awards, and when is the deadline?
Take just five minutes to complete this form.
The submission window closes on January 15, 2021 at 11:59pm.
If you plan to submit but need more time, contact us to inquire about an extension.
What do Awards winners receive?
Winners receive invaluable market visibility to 50,000+ professionals.
LABBC works collaboratively with the property owner's team to draft customized case studies for each of the categories' Finalists and Winner. The case studies tell the story of their project, from the challenge that sparked the initiative(s), to the strategy and stakeholders involved, and finally, the overall impact of the project on the environment, tenants, and stakeholders. Check out LABBC's case studies here.
Who is eligible to submit to the Innovation Awards? Is it only open to LABBC Partners?
Submissions are open to all building owners, manager, operators, and vendors who would like to submit projects located in Los Angeles, CA and that are LADWP customers.
If your organization is not a LABBC partner, you'll be considered for partnership through the submission process.
If your company is a consultant, vendor, or other third party, your organization may submit projects on the owner's behalf with permission from the managing company or owner. If you are an asset manager, property manager, building engineer, owner or equity partner, sustainability consultant, or vendor, you may submit.
If you have questions regarding whether you may submit, reach out to info@la-bbc.com.
Does the criteria account for unusual gaps or shifts in energy and water data caused by the impacts of COVID?
The Awards categories and criteria factor in the challenges and disruption caused by COVID-19. Entries will be judged based on a holistic consideration of long-term energy/water performance, the organization's commitment to ESG and sustainability initiatives, measures taken to optimize and manage energy and/or water usage, and measures taken to enhance protection of occupant health (operational measures and/or capital projects). For more, view the categories and criteria above.
Is there a 'Portfolio of the Year' category this year?
The "Portfolio of the Year" category has been renamed to be the "Industry Leadership" award, which will be judged based on a combination of portfolio-wide energy and water use intensity reduction trends, measures taken to enhance health and safety, and qualitative factors like ESG initiatives, social impact, and CRR/ESG Reports.
Is there a limit to how many projects I can submit, and is there a fee?
There is no limit to the number of projects you may submit, and you may submit a single project to multiple categories. When submitting multiple projects, be sure to fill out one entry form per project.
There is no cost to submit one or more entries, thanks to our Energy Efficiency Education Sponsors LADWP and SoCalGas.
Is there anything else I need to know before filling out the Questionnaire?
Limit each prompt’s response to ~150 words.
Please be sure that your property's energy and/or water usage is current in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, as this data will be reviewed as part of your submission.
When is the shortlist selected, and how will I be notified?
If your project is selected for the shortlist, our team will reach out via email for further information to the project point of contact designated in the Submission Questionnaire. Your team will be contacted by January 25th, 2021.
When will Finalists be announced?
Finalists will be announced at the end of February, 2021 - date TBD.
Finalists and contenders not selected will be notified via email by the LABBC team by or before February 12, 2021.
How does the judging process work?
Weighted scoring matrices created by the LABBC team are submitted anonymously by the Judges, who are select representatives from LABBC Collaborating Organizations (listed here).
The Judges are asked to factor in not just how closely each submission meets the category criteria (listed above), but more importantly to consider the sustainability story each submission tells. The questionnaire is designed to shape a narrative that shows how organizations have demonstrated innovation, resilience adaptability, and collaboration to implement ESG strategies that have led to energy and/or water reduction over time and are part of an organization-wide commitment to sustainability.
Thank you to our Judges and Collaborating Organizations
