The Biodesign Institute’s Building B won top honors in Valley Forward’s 27th annual Environmental Excellence Awards program.

The Biodesign Institute was honored with the President’s Award (best of show). The Biodesign Institute’s Building B also won a first-place Crescordia Award in the “Buildings and Structures/Large Scale and Community Development” category.

The latest award adds to the institute’s honors for its cutting-edge, “green” laboratory design. The Biodesign Institute’s Building B opened in 2006 and was cited this summer by the U.S. Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design as the state of Arizona’s first building to receive platinum certification. Its companion facility, Building A, opened in 2004 and received LEED gold certification. In addition, the institute was named 2006 Laboratory of the Year by R&D Magazine.

The facilities, which feature large expanses of glass, attempt to bring the scientific source of inspiration indoors. All offices have views of a native Sonoran Desert garden irrigated by a 5,000-gallon cistern that collects water from the building’s air conditioning system. A central atrium skylight runs the length of both buildings.

Valley Forward and SRP recognized 46 projects submitted by Valley businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. In addition to the President’s Award, 18 first-place Crescordia awards and 28 awards of merit were presented.

Valley Forward received nearly 100 entries in this year’s competition. Categories included buildings and structures, site development and landscape, livable communities, open space and connectivity, art in public places, environmental technologies, environmental education and communication, and environmental stewardship.

The President’s Award was announced Sept. 29 at Valley Forward’s environmental Excellence Awards gala. More than 750 community leaders attended the event at the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale.

For a complete list of winners, visit the Web site www.valleyforward.org.