ST. LOUIS — Six metro St. Louis firms, organizations and individuals have been recognized as winners of the 2014 “Growing Green” Awards bestowed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)-Missouri Gateway Chapter. The Electrical Connection was lead sponsor of the March 27, 2014, event held at the Mad Art Gallery in the Soulard neighborhood. Awardees were honored for transforming the built environment while sharing their knowledge of green building and sustainable practices.

“There are so many individuals and organizations involved in green building and sustainability efforts,” said Emily Andrews, executive director of USGBC-Missouri Gateway Chapter. “The Growing Green Awards give us the opportunity to recognize the organizations and individuals that share our vision and mission of making every building a green building. We are grateful to the Electrical Connection for its continued support of our green building educational and advocacy efforts."

This year’s “Growing Green” award recipients by category include:

• Emerging Leader: Maryville University’s USGBC Student Group;
• Education: MICDS;
• Operational Excellence: St. Louis Zoo;
• Restoration: Green Street St. Louis;
• Innovation: Gary Steps of Butterfly Energy Works; and
• Community Champion: Deb Frank of Missouri Botanical Garden.

To learn more about USGBC, the Growing Green Awards and the 2014 awardees, visit http://www.usgbc-mogateway.org/green-awards/.

The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local One and the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Members provide safe and reliable electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world. Find a contractor near you in the Electrical Connection contractor database.