NorthWest Crossing's Bend, Oregon Community Wins Sustainability Award

Online, October 17, 2011 (Newswire.com) - NorthWest Crossing received a Sustainability Award from The Environmental Center at a special ceremony at the Oxford Hotel in downtown Bend this evening. The awards honor businesses, organizations and individuals that are leading the way to a sustainable future in Central Oregon. There were four categories for the award program, and NorthWest Crossing was recognized as the top Large Business of the year.

"In NorthWest Crossing we always strive to keep sustainability and the environment at top of mind," said David Ford, general manager for the Bend Oregon neighborhood. "When we began the project, we started by preserving the large pine trees and natural rock outcroppings on site. This sensibility has continued into the built environment as we continue to grow."

Built on the intrinsically sustainable principles, the neighborhood has won several awards and been featured in national publications for its green practices. Residents benefit from homes built to Earth Advantage and ENERGY STAR standards, connectivity to encourage alternative transportation and neighborhood amenities, such as parks, trails and a community. Several buildings in the commercial area of the neighborhood are LEED certified.

The Environmental Center hosts the annual Sustainability Awards as a way of highlighting the determined and persistent change makers-in business, government, nonprofit, and the community-who are essential to achieving a sustainable future. By showcasing these commitments to a healthy environment, a vibrant economy, and an equitable society, The Environmental Center hopes to inspire even more sustainable action in Central Oregon.

About The Environmental Center
The Environmental Center's mission is to embed sustainability into daily life in Central Oregon. We translate sustainability into practical action in order to create a healthy future for people and the planet.

Our programs incorporate education and advocacy to advance our vision of a sustainable Central Oregon. They include: zero waste of materials, energy and water; advocating for a regional public transit system; youth education; advocating for and supporting sustainability initiatives by local governments and businesses, and operating a community campus that demonstrates sustainability in action.

Find us on the web at www.envirocenter.org or at our public facility at 16 NW Kansas Avenue in downtown Bend, Oregon.