Tickets are now on sale for Sustainable San Mateo County’s 26th Annual Awards Celebration, which will honor five local sustainability champions and two green building projects with a hosted reception, dinner, live auction and awards program filled with inspiring stories about local sustainability heroes. It will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, at the College of San Mateo in San Mateo.
About the Awards
Sustainable San Mateo County has recognized pioneers in sustainability and have awarded 181 individuals and organizations who applied their passions and skills to making our communities, county and world more sustainable. Announcing the 2025 awardees!
The 2025 Green Building Award
is cosponsored by Sustainable San Mateo County and the American Institute of Architects’ San Mateo County Chapter, will be presented to the San Mateo County Office Building 3 (COB3) in Redwood City.
Comments from the Jurors:
“The COB3 project sets a new standard for sustainable public buildings. With its LEED Platinum certification, Zero Net Energy (ZNE) goals, and Low Embodied Carbon strategies, this building is a true beacon of innovation. The use of low carbon timber to achieve an 85% reduction in embodied carbon is an extraordinary example of how sustainable materials can have a significant impact on the environmental footprint of a project. Moreover, the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as photovoltaic panels that offset 100% of the building’s energy usage, a state-of-the-art building management system (BMS), and occupancy sensors that manage energy consumption efficiently, showcases a holistic approach to environmental performance.
This project is not only a marvel of sustainability but also serves as a model of collaborative design and construction, bringing together a diverse team to achieve the County’s ambitious goals. The building optimizes natural lighting and air quality, providing an exemplary environment for the 600+ employees it serves. This facility will stand as an enduring symbol of the County’s commitment to the future, both in its environmental contributions and in its role as a civic space that meets the needs of future generations.”
SSMC- Read More and see images >
Green Building Honorable Mention
will be awarded to the Belle Haven Community Campus
Comments from the Jurors:
“The Belle Haven Community Campus exemplifies how sustainable architecture can serve both environmental and social justice goals. This all-electric, LEED Platinum, net-zero energy facility is a tremendous asset to the historically underserved community of East Menlo Park. By offering a diverse range of services, from an aquatic center and gym to a library, senior center, and emergency shelter capabilities, the campus addresses key social and environmental concerns in an underserved area.
The thoughtful integration of renewable energy, energy-efficient design, and a focus on sustainable materials creates a community center that not only minimizes its environmental impact but also promotes resilience. It is evident that the building has been designed with the community in mind, offering essential services while actively contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future. This project is a shining example of how green building can have a profound positive impact on both the environment and the people it serves, enhancing the quality of life in the Belle Haven neighborhood.”
SSMC Read More >
Sustainability Awards:
Caltrain is being awarded the 2025 Sustainability Award for its historic electrification project, transforming public transit in order to deliver major environmental, economic and social equity benefits. Read More>
El Concilio of San Mateo County has been a cornerstone of support for the county’s Latino, immigrant and underserved communities since 1980. The organization fosters economic stability, promotes environmental awareness and ensures that underserved communities have a voice in shaping policies that impact their lives. Read More >
San Mateo County Community College District Serving over 29,000 students across three colleges, SMCCCD has pioneered sustainability efforts, including transitioning to 100% clean electricity, installing over 90 EV chargers and achieving a 71% waste diversion rate. Read More >
Youth Sustainability Award: Colin Chu founded Homeless Heroes in 2021 when he was in 8th grade. This nonprofit combats food waste and food insecurity by redistributing surplus school cafeteria food to homeless shelters. Since 2021, Colin has expanded Homeless Heroes by partnering with local and national organizations to deliver over 135,000 meals to more than 3,500 individuals, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while addressing food equity. Read More >
Ruth Peterson Award: The Ruth Peterson Award, established in memory of a dedicated SSMC leader and given to an invaluable SSMC volunteer, will be presented to John Crowell. Read More >
Special Recognition from Peninsula Clean Energy to community of San Mateo County for climate action leadership. Read More >
AIA San Mateo County and the Green Building Awards – A History
By Dianna R. Whitaker, AIA
SMCAIA (now AIASMC) and San Mateo County Recycle Works – Green Building Program joined Sustainable San Mateo County in 2002/2003 to award the first Green Building Awards. Sustainable San Mateo County had begun awarding their Sustainability Awards a few years earlier, in 1999.
The Green Building Awards jury was initially composed of members from the three organizations. John Hermannsson and David Crabbe originally represented SMCAIA. In 2004 I became the Chapter’s representative. As the Green Building Awards program matured, AIASMC members assumed the role of the three jurors.The 2025 Awards presentation will be the twenty-third event with Chapter involvement.
Tickets are now on sale for Sustainable San Mateo County’s 26th Annual Awards Celebration, which will honor five local sustainability champions and two green building projects with a hosted reception, dinner, live auction and awards program. It will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, at the College of San Mateo in San Mateo.