Contact:
Jeff Zipper, Vice President of Communications
407/438-1400, ext. 2314
JeffZ@far.org
Marla Martin, Communications Manager
407/438-1400, ext. 2326
MarlaM@far.org
Realtors’ Environmental Award Deadline Looms
ORLANDO, Fla., June 2005 -- 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, 2005, deadline.
FAR introduced the ENVY Awards 19 years ago, but the issues of growth management and environmental preservation continue to concern all Floridians today. Last year's residential ENVY winner was Wild Heron, a conservation community located on the Emerald Coast between Panama City and Destin. Judges praised the development for the care it has taken to preserve natural elements, such as keeping 55 percent of its acreage as open space and incorporating natural features into the design of the community.
It is now time to honor another environmentally responsible development. The 2005 ENVY Award winners will be announced during FAR’s annual Convention & Trade Expo, held Aug. 24-28 at the Wyndham Palace Resort & Spa 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 Thursday, July 7, 2005. 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.living.net.
A chart with the names of previous ENVY Award winners is available by clicking here.
The Florida Association of Realtors, the voice for real estate in Florida, provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its more than 125,000 members in 70 boards/associations.
© 2005 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
