ORLANDO, Fla., June 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 Florida Realtors® annual Environmental Award, popularly known as the ENVY, before the July 6, 2012, deadline.

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Florida Realtors 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 award may be given in two categories: one for residential development and one for commercial development.

The 2010 ENVY winner for residential development was Oakland Park, a traditional neighborhood development between the historic towns of Oakland and Winter Garden in Central Florida. The community includes about 258 acres stretching from the shores of Lake Apopka to Oakland Avenue.

Judges cited Oakland Park for the care it has taken to preserve the area's natural elements, including the existing tree canopy and sensitive environmental areas. "The developer's restoration of the Lake Apopka shoreline, complete restoration of Lake Brim and incorporation of the West Orange Trail into its design are exceptional," said one judge.

It is now time to honor another environmentally responsible development. The 2012 ENVY Award winner will be announced during Florida Realtors annual Convention & Trade Expo, held Aug. 8-12, at the Marriott World Center in Orlando. 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. Also, all planned residential developments with a minimum of 30 residential units in Florida qualify. Residential developments must be currently available for marketing and must include a model home.

JUDGING CRITERIA: For each criteria category, applicants should explain how the project goes above and beyond current environmental preservation and/or building code minimal requirements. Please include photos, site plans and other documents that will help illustrate your points to the judges. Provide narrative that will clearly demonstrate and explain the development's environmental features, environmental or preservation activities and design aspects to help the judges better review your project. Explain what makes your project stand out from the rest – what are you the most proud of? Why should your development receive the ENVY Award? These are the things the judges want to know.

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; (8) Marketability; and (9) Tell us what makes your project stand out from the rest – what are you the most proud of?

Residential: (1) Preservation of natural flora and fauna; a) highlight any restoration areas or efforts; b) include any corridors/buffer zones; c) highlight wetlands areas; (2) Landscaping/compatibility with surrounding environment; (3) Design in scale and context with surrounding environment; a) highlight and explain any specific "green" standards and/or certification standards endorsed by the project – such as standards from the Florida Green Building Coalition, LEED-ND (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-Neighborhood Development) standards or National Home Builders green building standards; (4) Open space and access/usability of open space; a) highlight green space and unusual features; (5) Family recreation and common areas; a) highlight special areas; (6) Streets and safety features; (7) Drainage and stormwater design features; a) highlight any unique stormwater plans; (8) Marketability; and (9) Tell us what makes your project stand out from the rest – what are you the most proud of?

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 video or slides; and (3) a complete set of land development plans and other supporting data. Upon request, entry materials may be returned after judging.

DEADLINE: All entries must be received at Florida Realtors headquarters by Friday, July 6, 2012. Send submissions to ENVY Award, Florida Realtors, 7025 Augusta National Drive, Orlando, FL  32822-5017.

For more information about the ENVY award, call 407.438.1400, ext. 2326, or go to Florida Realtors' Media Center website at http://media.floridarealtors.org.

Florida Realtors®, formerly known as the Florida Association of Realtors®, serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its nearly 115,000 members in 63 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Media Center website is available at http://media.floridarealtors.org.

Florida Realtors®' ENVY Award Winners

1986—2011

SOURCE Florida Realtors

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