Robert J. (Bob) Berkebile

Robert J. (Bob) Berkebile

2023 Cynthia Pratt Laughlin Medal

For his outstanding conservation advocacy and helping to form the US Green Building Council and its LEED rating system.

Proposed by: The Westport Garden Club, Zone XI

An architect of international reputation, Bob J. Berkebile was instrumental in forming the U.S. Green Building Council and its LEED rating system. Bob has been active in greening revered U.S. treasures including the White House, Pentagon, National Parks, and the Grand Canyon. He is also known as an advocate for conservation in the urban landscape and soil regeneration. 

He received the Heinz Award for his role in promoting green building design and for his commitment and action towards restoring social, economic, and environmental vitality to America’s communities through sustainable architecture and planning. Bob is also the founding chair of the American Institute of Architects’ National Committee on the Environment. 

Currently he is redeveloping the Blue River watershed and surrounding neighborhoods to transform a collection of abandoned industrial, military, and other sites into a regenerative economy for the community and a national model for Opportunity Zone funding.

Bob has made all our lives cleaner and much greener with his deep knowledge, outstanding commitment, and ongoing advocacy for sustainable practices.

The Cynthia Pratt Laughlin Medal is awarded for outstanding achievement in environmental protection and the maintenance of the quality of life.

Designed by sculptor Charles Parks, the medal was endowed in 1979 by Mrs. William K. Laughlin of the Southampton Garden Club, New York. Previous winners include former Nature Conservancy President Patrick Noonan (1984), the Outdoor Circle of Hawaii (1985), writer/philosopher/farmer Wendell Berry (2008), and the United State Green Building Council (2009).

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