RMW architecture & interiors has advanced to the finalist stage in the 2014 Acterra Business Environmental Awards, one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s oldest and most prestigious environmental recognition programs. Two of RMW’s projects have been selected as finalists from among a highly competitive field of applicants in the category of Sustainable Built Environment: SF Environment in San Francisco, and 435 Indio Way in Sunnyvale.

For SF Environment, RMW designed an interior build-out that serves as a demonstration of sustainable building practices and behaviors. Open offices allow the majority of staff to enjoy natural daylight and views, and 57% of materials for furniture and furnishings are re-used or salvaged. A green wall helps purify the air and dampen noise. The project is pursuing LEED Platinum certification.

435 Indio Way is a Net Zero Energy facility, meaning that it produces 100% of the energy it needs to operate, and gives off no carbon emissions. The 31,759-square-foot office building is intended to provide a model for how mid-sized leased spec spaces can incorporate sustainable design strategies. Tenants who maintain average energy use will never receive an electric utility bill.

Initiated in 1990, the Acterra Business Environmental Awards is considered a heavyweight among award programs due to its rigorous application and judging process. “In addition to a written application, all finalists must demonstrate their programs’ merits firsthand to the expert panel of judges during a visit to their facilities,” states Board President Laura Teksler. “We look forward to learning about the finalists’ programs in further detail and appreciate the opportunity to be informed by their exemplary achievements.”

Awardees will be announced on March 17 and honored at the 2014 Business Environmental Awards Reception on May 28 at Intuit Corporation in Mountain View. For more information, visit www.acterra.org/bea.