Marla Martin, Communications Manager, or Jeff Zipper, Vice President of Communications 407/438-1400, ext. 2326 or 2314

Realtors®’ Environmental Award Deadline Looms

ORLANDO, Fla., June 11, 2008 -- Want to recognize an environmentally conscious Florida builder or developer, one whose projects prove that responsible growth and environmental protection can co-exist? Then remind builders to enter to win the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR) annual Environmental Award, popularly known as the ENVY, before the July 7, 2008, deadline.

FAR introduced the ENVY Awards more than 20 years ago, but the issues of growth management and environmental preservation continue to concern all Floridians today. The 2006 ENVY winner for residential development was Verandah, a master-planned community located on almost 1,500 acres along the Orange River in Fort Myers. The Bonita Bay Group serves as developers for Verandah, which opened for sales in February 2003.

Judges praised this development for the efforts taken to preserve the area's natural elements, such as setting aside nearly 70 percent of its land for open spaces, including nature preserves, parks, lakes and a conservation buffer for the riverfront. They noted that Verandah was the state's "pioneer" in demonstrating how a community can be planned and developed following environmentally sustainable and green building practices. The development also received Florida's first green development designation from the Florida Green Building Coalition, which recognizes the community's commitment to responsible site development, natural resource and wildlife conservation, and green building practices.

It is now time to honor another environmentally responsible development. The 2008 ENVY Award winner will be announced during FAR’s annual Convention & Trade Expo, held Sept. 24-28, 2008, at the Buena Vista Palace in Lake Buena Vista. Environmental and planning professionals will judge the contest, awarding a handcrafted Lucite trophy to the ENVY winners for residential and/or commercial development. In addition, the winners will be featured in statewide news coverage.

ELIGIBILITY: All Florida commercial developments are eligible, and all planned residential developments with at least 30 residential units qualify. Residential developments must also be currently available for marketing and include a model home.

JUDGING CRITERIA: Commercial: (1) Preservation of natural flora and fauna; (2) architectural compatibility; (3) design in scale and context with surrounding environment; (4) open space and access/usability of surrounding environment; (5) common area access and usefulness; (6) streets, pedestrian and bicycle access; (7) drainage as a design feature; and (8) marketability.

JUDGING CRITERIA: Residential: (1) Preservation of natural flora and fauna; (2) landscaping/compatibility with surrounding environment; (3) design in scale and context with surrounding environment; (4) open space and access/usability of open space; (5) family recreation and common areas (playgrounds, nature trails, etc.); (6) streets and safety features; (7) drainage; and (8) marketability.

SUBMISSION: There is no entry limit and no cost to enter. Simply organize a three-ring notebook with the following material in this order: (1) a written overview of the development (maximum of four pages, typed, double spaced, on 8.5" by 11" paper); (2) supporting material and photographs that address the judging criteria in order as listed above — no videotapes or slides; and (3) a complete set of land development plans and other supporting data.

DEADLINE: All entries must be received at FAR’s headquarters by Monday, July 7, 2008. Send submissions to ENVY Award, Florida Association of Realtors, 7025 Augusta National Drive, Orlando, FL 32822-5017.

For more information about the ENVY award, call 407.438.1400, ext. 2326. To obtain this release or for additional media releases from FAR, go to the Florida Association of Realtors' Media Center website at http://media.floridarealtors.org.

A chart with the names of previous ENVY Award winners is attached.

Envy Chart pdf html

The Florida Association of Realtors (FAR), the voice for real estate in Florida, provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 125,000 members in 67 boards/associations.