The call for entries is now open for the EBie Awards, a national juried competition created by Urban Green Council that celebrates performance improvements in existing buildings and the people who made them happen. Entries must be submitted online and are due by March 20th. The EBies (EE-bees, short for existing buildings) seek to recognize improved environmental performance in existing buildings among building operators, facilities managers, owners, engineers, retro-commissioning agents and other professionals who conceived and implemented the work. The awards put a spotlight on the real people who have found replicable solutions that cut energy and water use, measurably reduce waste, make lighting more efficient, engage tenants in sustainability initiatives, and make sustainability improvements across a building portfolio. A complete list of EBie Award categories is here. Past winners include Ken Fais, chief engineer for Vornado Realty Trust-owned 1740 Broadway in New York City, for increasing recycling by 62%; Jesse Dillard, Energy Manager for the Dallas Museum of Art, for reducing energy use by 40%; and Steve Allwine, building manager for Johnson Braund Offices in Seattle, for reducing water use by 90%. For each winning entry, Urban Green Council will award an EBie to the individual most responsible for making the project happen, as well as recognize his or her key team members. Complete details are at www.ebies.org including an inspiring video that explains how the program works and why it's so important. This year, Urban Green Council is delighted to have the support of the U.S. Green Building Council, who shares our deep commitment to improving existing buildings, along with sponsors Carrier Corp. and Otis Elevator Co. 2014 EBies Key Dates: * Submissions Due: March 20th * Finalists Announced: April 16th * EBie Awards in New York City: June 9th