Charlotte, N.C. - Optima Engineering, P.A. has been recognized for their environmentally sustainable practices at the second annual Green Awards.

Working with the U.S. Green Building Council Charlotte Region Chapter, the Charlotte Business Journal identified companies, nonprofits and individuals that have made sustainability a priority in 15 categories.

Optima Engineering’s own office space, 1927 South Tryon, was named the Green Commercial Project of 2009.

“We had an opportunity to ‘put our money where our mouth is’ and we took it,” President Keith Pehl commented. “We believe we can save natural resources, yet maintain a high quality environment in our buildings. This provides a win-win scenario for the building tenants. We save money, save resources, and have a great office environment.”

Pehl hopes the building is the first in the Charlotte region to earn a Platinum-Level LEED-CI certificate. LEED points are awarded in five key areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. At present, there are less than 150 total platinum projects in the country.

“We look forward to the day when we can tell our friends that the U.S. Green Building Council has verified that we have the highest attainable rating under their system,” said Pehl.

In addition to meeting and exceeding LEED standards, 1927 South Tryon also displays the firm’s commitment to renewable energy. The building features a solar photovoltaic system, which produces electricity which can be sold back to Duke Energy, as well as a solar thermal system.

“We strongly believe that renewable energy can play a part in every building, new and existing, Pehl said. “Not only can we engineer such systems for others—we utilize their potential ourselves.”