The Commons is an award-winning facility even before it opens this fall for the class of 2012.

Vanderbilt will receive a Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award in June for The Commons, one of 14 winners recognized for their positive impact on the state’s natural resources. The awards were announced on May 22 by Jim Fyke, state environment and conservation commissioner.

“Our environment impacts everything from recreational activities to the health of our communities, and I believe it is important to recognize the people and organizations that work so hard to protect it,” Fyke said. “I am pleased to acknowledge and celebrate these Tennesseans who go above and beyond to enhance the condition of our shared environment.”

The Commons includes five new and five renovated residence houses, The Common’s Center and a house for Dean Frank Wcislo on the east side of campus. The initiative has become a touchstone for collaborative environmental initiatives and become a showcase of sustainability and a model for comprehensive environmental responsibility on a college campus.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification of new and renovated buildings, attractive and energy-saving building features, waste reduction and recycling programs, use of alternative fuels, selection of recycled and renewable materials and educational demonstrations for each of these items are incorporated into every aspect of life at The Commons. Exposing all of Vanderbilt’s first-year students to the sustainable features of The Commons will help disseminate these concepts, wherever these students go, for decades to come.

This marks the 22nd year for the awards program. Thirty-nine professionals from various public and private organizations judged more than 100 nominations to determine the award recipients.

For more information and a list of winners, go to www.tn.gov/environment/awards/.

Contact: Tisha Calabrese-Benton, (865) 594-5442
Tisha.Calabrese@state.tn.us