DPR Construction and RSP Architects’ project for the Arizona State University Polytechnic Academic Complex has been recognized by Engineering News-Record (ENR), and the 11 Regional Publications of McGraw-Hill Construction, in its first annual Best of the Best Awards, titling it as the Best of the Best 2008 – Best Green Building in the U.S. In December, the project was awarded winner of Southwest Contractor Magazine’s Best of 2008 Public “Green” Project in Arizona.

The national competition recognizes design and construction excellence based on regional winners of ENR’s 11 regional publications' Best of 2008 Awards. Out of 225 regional winners, just 23 were chosen by an independent jury of construction professionals as national winners. The projects were judged for innovation, contribution to the community, aesthetic quality, and craftsmanship. ENR’s award comes on the heels of the 11th annual Southwest Contractor competition, which recognizes construction and design excellence in Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico. The ASU Polytechnic Academic Complex was among 22 winning projects selected from 650 entries by an independent jury of design and construction professionals.

The design of the 245,000-sq.-ft. Polytechnic Academic Complex in Mesa contains four Arizona State University academic colleges and includes laboratories, classrooms, faculty offices, a lecture hall and a fine arts performance space. Situated on a decommissioned air force base, the project is seeking LEED® for New Construction (LEED-NC) Silver certification.

By integrating photovoltaic panels, recycled concrete, and recycled building materials in its construction, the project utilized innovative techniques to make use of Arizona’s abundant sunlight, while simultaneously protecting students from the heat. The new buildings were completed through the collaboration of RSP Architects, Lake|Flato, and DPR Construction, Inc. in June 2008.

Arizona State University is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and creating sustainable environments for its students, said Todd Raven, ASU project manager. “The facilities are an example of that commitment, and we are delighted to see the efforts and talents of RSP Architects and DPR Construction being recognized nationally.”

NOTE: LEED®-NC (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – New Construction) is an accreditation given by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) The USGBC grants certificates based on a stringent rating system that recognizes design and construction processes that minimize negative impact on the environment.

About DPR Construction, Inc.

DPR Construction, Inc. (http://www.dprinc.com) is a unique technical builder with a passion for results. With an established goal of having a proven track record of being environmentally responsible in the way we do business, DPR provides the committed expertise and disciplined leadership required to deliver highly complex and sustainable projects in Life Sciences, Education, Advanced Technology, Healthcare and Corporate Office Construction.

A privately held, employee-owned company, DPR was founded in 1990 and has grown to more than $1.7 billion in annual revenue, making it one of the largest general contractors in the nation and a story of “great” entrepreneurial success. With a backlog of more than $2 billion worth of technically demanding and sustainable projects currently in preconstruction or under construction across the country, DPR is building for world-class customers, including: Arizona State University, Amgen, Banner Health, Bayer, Catholic Healthcare West, City of Phoenix, Covance, Digital Realty Trust, eBay, General Dynamics, Jones Lang LaSalle, Kaiser Permanente, Pixar, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Salt River Project, sanofi-aventis, The Scripps Institute, TGen/IGC and the University of Arizona.

The firm’s 226-person Arizona office has been “building great things” since 1994, and with more than $257 million worth of work underway, is ranked as the 9th largest general contractor in Arizona.

About ASU Polytechnic

Arizona State University offers technical and professional programs that provide a project based, hands-on learning experience for students at the Polytechnic campus. Programs are available in business administration, education, arts and sciences, technology and engineering. Visit us online at campus.asu.edu/polytechnic