Accolades
Over the years, CNT has received many prestigious awards and expert testimonials for our work in the field of sustainable development.
Testimonials
Illinois Governor, Pat Quinn
“The Center for Neighborhood Technology is an innovative and creative organization that has maintained a strong focus on sustainability for over 30 years. The new technologies and ideas CNT has developed have kept Illinois at the forefront of green innovation, and this award is a fitting tribute.”
[on CNT receiving a MacArthur Creative and Effective Institutions Award]
Bruce Katz, Vice President and Director of The Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program
“CNT’s role is unique and its impact is pronounced. It has successfully bridged the gap between innovative practice and smart policy on transportation, housing, energy, climate and a host of other domestic policies. This is a well deserved honor for decades of quality, provocative, effective work.”
[on CNT receiving a MacArthur Creative and Effective Institutions Award]
Hank Dittmar, Chief Executive, The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment
“Having worked with the Center for Neighborhood Technology for about half of its existence, I can attest that it has been one of the most consistently innovative non profits in the country. CNT’s roots in Chicago region have allowed it to beta test new sustainability tools on the ground that have then gone on to have national and international impact. In this urban century, CNT’s insistent focus on a sustainability rooted in community engagement and place is vital.”
[on CNT receiving a MacArthur Creative and Effective Institutions Award]
Frank M.Clark, ComEd Chairman and CEO
“CNT is quite deserving of this recognition. Their innovations, including their important work on the nation’s first residential real-time pricing program, will certainly be an ongoing contributor to Exelon 2020, our parent company’s aggressive plan to reduce, offset, or displace more than 15 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year by 2020. ComEd and our customers are integral part of this plan.”
[on CNT receiving a MacArthur Creative and Effective Institutions Award]
John Norquist, President and CEO, The Congress for the New Urbanism
“CNT is the go to place for new ideas.”
Sadhu Johnson, City Chief Environmental Officer, City of Chicago
“The strength of the Chicago Climate Action Plan is that it is grounded in disciplined research and analysis that quantifies impacts and benefits, and holds us accountable for results. The Center for Neighborhood Technology played a lead role in managing the research process, including conducting the greenhouse gas baseline assessment. The plan would not have been possible without their partnership.”
Adele Simmons, Co-Chair of the Chicago Climate Task Force, Vice Chair Chicago Metropolis 2020 and past president of the MacArthur Foundation
“In our role of overseeing the development of the Climate Action Plan, we were responsible to make sure the plan was based in solid facts and research. This meant making complicated data understandable to all of the key Chicago climate constituencies – the City, the business community, non-profits, state agencies, higher education and labor unions. We couldn’t have succeeded in this without the help of the Center for Neighborhood Technology. In addition to doing the rigorous analysis, they also translated it into language we could all understand. This helped us get buy-in and understanding from everyone. ”
Suzanne Malec-McKenna, Co-Chair of the Chicago Climate Task Force
“The Chicago Climate Action Plan effort engaged a research advisory committee comprised of two Nobel Peace Prize winning scientists from the International Panel on Climate Change, and amazing work from such organizations as the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT).”
Robert Puentes, Fellow and Director, Metropolitan Infrastructure Initiative
“With better information on the combined costs of housing and transportation, families can have a better understanding of how transportation costs will affect their budget, even if their housing seems more affordable. The work of CNT literally changed the way a broad range of civic, corporate, and political leaders think about these issues, which are more salient than ever with the recent surge in energy prices. My colleagues and I have enormous respect for and confidence in CNT and I am happy to offer my strong and enthusiastic support for their work.
Steven McCullough, CEO and President, Bethel New Life
“CNT understands and practices the notion that environmental sustainability must be tied to the economic health of low-income communities. Their partnership with Bethel New Life over the past thirty years has enabled cutting-edge investments in neighborhoods, like West Garfield Park. Bethel with the support of CNT was able to use concepts like transit oriented development to revitalize our neighborhood. CNT has been with us as we worked with community residents in educating, planning and implementing projects that sustain our community’s environment, economic and social base.”
Dr. Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
“It is this type of activity that should be replicated a billion times throughout the world.”
[in response to the rain garden CNT installed at Al Raby School for Community and Environment]
Father James Barrett, Pastor, St. Margaret Mary Church and School
“At St. Margaret Mary, we were very fortunate in that there was little rain damage… Since we put the water permeable concrete in the Activity Center parking lot and the bioswale in the church parking lot, there has been no water in either building… Thank you Ozinga Concrete Company and the Center for Neighborhood Technology. You saved us hours in clean up costs.”
[in response to CNT's green infrastructure demonstration project at the church and school]
Mayor Donald Peloquin, Blue Island, IL
“I thought the Metra and freight rail lines running through my community were a problem until I met the people from CNT. They showed me that the lines could be assets, leveraged to help Blue Island grow sustainably.”
Awards
2011
Enviromotion Award
U.S. Green Building Council Illinois Chapter
Recognizes an organization that notably advances an idea that improves or restores the environment, discovers, and imitates a process inherent in nature, or averts a negative impact on nature. The award is based on the ability to incorporate innovation, biomimicry, reverse adversity, and on the potential for widespread adoption.
2010
Data Innovation Award
Metro Chicago Information Center
For the ‘outstanding achievements CNT has committed to making data accessible, understandable and actionable in the Chicago region.’
GreenWorks Award, Audience Choice, CNT Energy
Mayor Richard M. Daley and the City of Chicago
To CNT Energy’s Energy Savers program for “sustainable innovation in the built environment”
GreenWorks Award, Audience Choice, I-GO
Mayor Richard M. Daley and the City of Chicago
To I-Go Car Sharing for “innovation in green business”
GreenWorks Award, Innovation in Green Business, I-GO
Mayor Richard M. Daley and the City of Chicago
To I-Go Car Sharing for “outstanding businesses whose operations, products or services, and employees most consistently and effectively strive to create social, environmental and economic value.”
Chicago Innovation Award, nominee
For the H+T Affordability Index
2009
MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
40 Who’ve Made a Difference Award
Business and Professional People for the Public Interest
To Scott Bernstein for making significant positive change to the region of the last 30 years
Leon M. Despres Award
The Midwest Academy
To Jacky Grimshaw for long-time community advocacy and leadership in smart growth and low-income community development
2008
Award, Energy Star, Achievement level: 89
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
For CNT’s office building
1st Place, Business/Non-Profit Category 25-99 Staff
Chicagoland Bicycle Federation
Bike to Work Week’s Commuter Challenge
Environmental Hall of Fame Award
Illinois Environmental Hall of Fame
To I-GO Car Sharing for its contribution to helping the environment
Environmental Hall of Fame Award
Illinois Environmental Hall of Fame
To CNT Energy for its contribution to helping the environment
Environmental Hall of Fame Award
Illinois Environmental Hall of Fame
To CNT for its contribution to helping the environment
2007
1st Place, Business/Non-Profit Category 25-99 Staff
Chicagoland Bicycle Federation
Bike to Work Week’s Commuter Challenge
2006
Honoree
Chicago Innovation Award
For the Community Energy Cooperative’s Energy Smart Pricing Plan (ESPP)
Recognition Award
A Link for Positive Change
In recognition and celebration of the partnership between CNT and Center for Urban Research and Learning Loyola University Chicago
Certificate of Appreciation
Mayor Daley’s Kid Start Program
To CNT for valuable contribution to the Lake View High School’s Kid Start Program
Environmental Hero Award
Lt. Governor Pat Quinn
1st Place, Business/Non-Profit Category 25-99 Staff
Chicagoland Bicycle Federation
Bike to Work Week’s Commuter Challenge
2005
LEED-NC Platinum Certification
U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
For the CNT office building
Civic Contribution Award
The League of Women Voters of Chicago
To CNT for invaluable creative contributions to the I Am The Government project
1st Place, Business/Non-Profit Category 25-99 Staff
Chicagoland Bicycle Federation
Bike to Work Week’s Commuter Challenge
2004
GreenWorks Award , Outstanding Non-Residential Project
Mayor Richard M. Daley and the City of Chicago
For CNT’s green-renovated office building
Enviromotion Award
U.S. Green Building Council Chicago Chapter
To recognize a number of CNT programs that benefit the environment
Inspiring Efficiency through Innovation
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
For the Energy-Smart Pricing Program
First Place, Exemplary Sustainable Building Awards
Sustainable Buildings Industry Council
For CNT’s office building
Recognition
Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Inc.
Mixed Income Communities Initiative (MICI)
To Scott Bernstein, for dedication towards making the case for housing affordability in Metropolitan Atlanta
1st Place, Business/Non-Profit Category 25-99 Staff
Chicagoland Bicycle Federation
Bike to Work Week’s Commuter Challenge
2002
Award, Solar Business Achievement
The Solar Electric Power Association
To Commonwealth Edison and the Chicago Solar Partnership for the development of a solar community, Austin, Texas
1st Place, Business/Non-Profit Category 25-99 Staff
Chicagoland Bicycle Federation
Bike to Work Week’s Commuter Challenge
2001
Demand-Response Achievement Award
The Peak Load Management Alliance
To the Community Energy Cooperative
1999
Fellowship
The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC)
to Scott Bernstein, for sustained exemplary stewardship of the regional community
1998
Recognition Award
The United States Environmental Protection Agency
To Sylvia Ewing-Hoover of CNT for outstanding leadership in the Design for environmental leadership related to its pioneering research on the “wetcleaning,” alternative to dry cleaning
1997
Certificate of Environmental Achievement
The National Awards for Environmental Sustainability
To the Transportation and Air Quality Program, with recognition in the Renew America 1997 Environmental Success Index
Certificate of Merit
The American Institute of Architects
To CNT for transit-related research and advocacy work selected for presentation September 27 at “Spotlight on Transportation” program and reception regional/urban design committee 1997 spring forum
Lewis Mumford Award
Architects Developers and Planners for Social Responsibility
for development
1996
Recognition
Renew America
For innovative work on transit-oriented development
1995
Appreciation Award
American Bar Association Section of Public Contract Law
To Scott Bernstein, for participation in the program on “Four Years of ISTEA: Has Infrastructure Been Refreshed?”
Information Infrastructure Award
United States Department of Commerce
For the Neighborhood Early Warning System
1993
Appreciation Award
Grand Cal Task Force
To Scott Bernstein, for the presentation “Sustainable Communities: A Vision for the 21st Century”
Urban Innovation Honor Roll
Landscape Architecture Foundation and the American Society of Landscape Architects
To Scott Bernstein for outstanding leadership on issues affecting urban design, rehabilitation, and policy
Award
Renew America
For innovative work on sustainable manufacturing
1992
Certificate of Appreciation
The Chicago Electric Options Campaign
To CNT for outstanding service rendered for leadership in the fight for a better electricity arrangement
Making a Difference Award
The People for Community Recovery
To Scott Bernstein, for direction and encouragement
1991
Energy Performance Award
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) Illinois Chapter
To CNT for the Malcolm-X College project
Energy Performance Award
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) Illinois Chapter
To CNT for the Truman College project
1990
Coalition Award
The Chicago Council on Urban Affairs
To the Campaign for Responsible Ownership for organizing to prevent housing deterioration caused by property tax delinquency, to stimulate rehabilitation of affordable housing, and to increase property tax revenues
Environmental Achievement Award: Searching for Success
National Environmental Awards Council
And inclusion in the Environmental Success Index of 1990
Honorable Mention, Housing Journalism Award
The National Housing Institute
To Burt Berlowe for his article “Populist Planning for Neighborhoods” in the Oct/Nov 1990 “The Neighborhood Works”
1989
1st place, Energy Performance Award
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) Illinois Chapter
For the CNT office building project
1987
Award of Special Recognition
National Association of Metal Finishers (NAMF)
To CNT in appreciation of invaluable assistance to and support of the job metal finishing industry in helping the industry simultaneously achieve environmental compliance and reinvestment
Achievement Award, Energy Performance Award, Category: Systems – Retrofit project
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) Illinois Chapter
To CNT for the Volunteers of America project
Grand Prize Award, Cost-Cutters Competition for Affordable Housing: Multi-family Category
Enterprise Foundation
For work showing how to balance steam heating systems and make them more efficient, thereby cutting bills by 15-20 percent
1986
1st place, Energy Conservation Award, Category: Residential – Existing
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) Illinois Chapter
To CNT for the Community Energy Savers Fund #841002 project
Peter Lisagor Award, Most Valuable Public Service Award
Society of Professional Journalists and the Headline Club
To Scott Bernstein for “Working Neighborhoods: Taking Charge of Your Local Economy publication”
1984
Winning entry, Energy Conservation Service
Illinois Conservation and Renewable Energy Awards Program
Special Award for Innovation
United States Department of Energy
To CNT in recognition of a significant contribution to our Nation’s energy efficiency by achieving results at large-scale in energy efficiency in mixed-income communities
Neighborhood Award
Trust Inc.
To “The Neighborhood Works” for outstanding coverage of neighborhood issues
1981
Award
World Food Hunger Foundation
For “The Neighborhood Works”’ coverage called the Food Files, a series on a regionally-based food system
Certificate of Appreciation
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
To CNT for continuing to support Partners for Clean Air in voluntarily reducing ozone throughout the Chicagoland area
Honorable Mention, Regional Technology Award, Category 1: Commercial Buildings
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE)
John T. Katrahis, Chicago Chapter design at CNT for outstanding achievement in the application of heating, refrigerating and air conditioning technology
