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RCE Greater Atlanta awarded USGBC Georgia’s 2024 Community Impact Award

Group photo Garry (2)

Presented by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), RCE Greater Atlanta has recently been awarded USGBC Georgia’s 2024 Community Impact Award as a part of the 2024 U.S. Local Market Leadership Awards. Nominated by USGBC members Suzanne Haerther and Nancy Lawson, who are also long-time members of the RCE Greater Atlanta, and selected by the USGBC Market Leadership Advisory Board, this award recognizes organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made impressive contributions to advancing USGBC’s mission on a local level.

On December 3, 2024, RCE Greater Atlanta was officially recognized at the USGBC Georgia Building Transformation Forum: Green Finance hosted by JLL at their corporate office in Buckhead. Alongside other community leaders, RCE Greater Atlanta was commended for its ongoing commitment to uplifting communities throughout Atlanta to improve health and well-being and emphasize equitable practices.

Nancy Lawson of JLL said, “As a sustainability consultant and volunteer with both the USGBC Georgia and RCE Greater Atlanta, I was so pleased to see RCE Greater Atlanta recognized with a 2024 USGBC Local Market Leadership Award. The Community Impact Award is especially well-deserved for the RCE’s role in the advancement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals here in Georgia, and for its dedication to sustainability and community engagement which serves us all.”

Dustin Mason, Associate Director of Georgia USGBC, shared some of the committee’s specific reasons for choosing the RCE this year:

“One of the RCE’s key strengths lies in its commitment to youth engagement. It provides opportunities for young people to become leaders in sustainability education and action, empowering them to shape a more sustainable future.

“The RCE’s impact also extends beyond the academic realm, as it actively engages with community members to create sustainable solutions that address local needs. By empowering individuals and organizations, RCE Greater Atlanta is building a more resilient and equitable community for all.”

Organizations emphasizing sustainability, equity, and green transformation in their operations are recognized annually from each state across the U.S. by the USGBC. The ceremony also included other awards presented to a variety of individuals, projects, and organizations for displaying excellence in sustainability and dedication to creating a better built environment and fostering positive change in local communities.

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Jennifer Hirsch, Senior Director, Center for Sustainable Communities Research and Education (SCoRE) at Georgia Institute of Technology, who led the creation of RCE Greater Atlanta in 2017, said, “We were excited to have such a robust group of our members attending the event to represent our network. We don’t do it for the recognition or praise, but we appreciate it when we have our value reflected back to us. It helps us know we’re going in the right direction, and to keep going that way. We’re proud of what the network has been able to accomplish and are always open to more people joining us with their ideas and energy.”

RCE Greater Atlanta is incredibly thankful for the contributions of its coordination team and members, and this recognition has been an exciting end to the year. If you’re looking forward to the RCE’s projects this upcoming year, but are not yet a member, please sign up here and stay tuned for more announcements in our newsletter!