LEED Fellows represent the top of their fields in green building design, engineering and development
Kevin Bright, energy and sustainability director for Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency (DMC EDA) and City of Rochester, has been named a 2020 LEED Fellow by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). Bright is among 25 professionals who represent exceptional practitioners and leaders within the green building community and have demonstrated mastery of the technical application of LEED, the world’s most widely used green building rating system.
“I’m humbled to receive this award. It is an honor to be recognized among so many great green building and sustainability leaders I consider mentors, thought leaders and sources of inspiration,” said Bright. “I’m taking this recognition to heart and will continue to work to try to leave the same legacy for others, and pay forward the advice, counseling, and mentorship I have received throughout my career.”
“We’re proud to have Kevin as our teammate at DMC, where every day we see his dedication to creating a greener future,” said Lisa Clarke, DMC EDA executive director. “Kevin’s work ensures that developments in the DMC district uphold high sustainability standards, improving and enhancing the environment and quality of life in Rochester. We congratulate him on this well-deserved distinction.”
LEED Fellows are nominated by their peers and must have made at least 10 years’ worth of exceptional impact on LEED and hold an active LEED AP with specialty credential, among other requirements. The evaluation process includes extensive portfolio review and is carried out by the LEED Fellow Evaluation Committee and supported by GBCI. The LEED Fellow program was established in 2011 to recognize outstanding LEED APs who have demonstrated exceptional impacts with LEED in key mastery elements related to technical knowledge and skill; a history of exemplary leadership in LEED; significant contributions in teaching, mentoring, or research with proven outcomes; and a history of highly impactful commitment, service, and advocacy for LEED.
“The green building industry plays a critical role as we look toward rebuilding our economy and our communities in the months and years ahead,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of GBCI and U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). “Our LEED Fellows are on the frontlines of that work helping to ensure our buildings and spaces are healthy, resilient and sustainable places for us all to enjoy. LEED Fellows have made substantial contributions to the green building community and their commitment to LEED will continue to help us shape a better living standard for all.”
Bright joined the DMC EDA in 2017 to ensure development projects meet energy and sustainability goals outlined in the DMC development plan. He organizes the Energy Integration Committee, a collection of energy-focused stakeholders to discuss and implement high-level energy goals for development. Bright received the 2019 Circle of Excellence Award from the U.S. Green Building Council Minnesota for his leadership with the USGBC Minnesota, creation of the Rochester Sustainability Series and development of the Rochester market. Bright holds a Master of Arts in Energy and Environmental Analysis from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College in Environmental Geology.
The 2020 LEED Fellows will be recognized at this year’s Greenbuild Virtual conference during the USGBC 2020 Leadership Awards on Thursday, November 12 at 5 p.m. EST. Visit greenbuildexpo.com to register for the conference and usgbc.org/credentials for more information on professional credentialing opportunities.