During Sarasota City Commission Meeting
Even with Tropical Storm Fay bearing down, Tim Center, the Director of Sustainable Florida - Collins Center, traveled from Tallahassee Monday to present a 2008 Sustainable Florida Best Practice Award to Carlson Studio Architecture during the Sarasota City Commission meeting. Michael Carlson, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP accepted the award on behalf of the firm as a finalist in the small business category. The award is given to individuals, companies or organizations who demonstrate that a healthy environment and a healthy economy are mutually supportive.
"Michael Carlson and other members of his firm have donated their time and expertise to the city in helping us develop green initiatives within our building and planning departments. We felt this exceptional level of community service, along with their exceptional knowledge and experience in the field of sustainable design, more than qualified them for this recognition," said City Commissioner Ken Shelin who nominated CSA for the award. Only participants who have been nominated are eligible to compete in the statewide competition.
Carlson Studio Architecture was one of 70 nominees in seven categories: Small Business, Large Business, Government, Non-Profit Organization, Partnership, Green Building and Leadership. A panel of nine judges reviewed, scored and ranked the entries based on the integration of environmental, social, and economic factors for the long-term sustainability of Florida.
Carlson Studio Architecture, a regional leader in sustainable design, has received recognition both within and outside of the green building industry. In 2007, the firm's corporate headquarters, originally a 1934 windowless warehouse, received the LEED Silver for Commercial Interiors, the first building in Sarasota County to receive the designation. Carlson received the first Think Green award from the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and this past spring, received the Environmental Business Award from the local chapter of the Audubon Society. Through its projects and corporate values, CSA has demonstrated over its ten year history that a healthy environment and a healthy economy are mutually supportive.