Civic Award of Excellence: Non-Government

Award Winner: Nancy Somerville, Executive Vice President, ASLA

" I am delighted – and humbled – to be singled out for this honor, which reflects the hard work of so many ASLA members and staff and our shared commitment to the principle of environmental stewardship."

Nancy C. Somerville has played a significant role in helping to develop the green roof industry in North America. As Executive Vice President of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Nancy has made green roofs a strategic organizational program for the Society, leading and supporting the members to become leaders in the emerging green roof market. Nancy C. Somerville came to the ASLA from 18 years experience as managing director and vice president of program areas with the American Institute of Architects.

Stepping into the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, she was already an experienced advocate for the design professions with a passion for environmental issues. Since joining the Society in August 2000, Nancy has expanded ASLA’s public relations programs, increased ASLA’s presence on Capitol Hill, and enabled the Society to become a more effective advocate on sustainability, community planning, transportation, environmental, and land use issues.

In 2004, Nancy spearheaded the ASLA headquarters award winning green roof research and demonstration project on the ASLA’s Washington headquarters building. She personally led a successful fundraising effort to provide access to the ASLA green roof. She also directs the ASLA’s ongoing green roof education and advocacy programs. Since opening April 2006, over 2,500 people have toured the green roof in person and thousands more have visited on-line via the permanently installed web-cam. The roof’s compelling design can also be viewed from the street and surrounding buildings, and has inspired the profession to develop the market.

A robust web site provides current information regarding the design, installation, maintenance, partnerships, and performance of the green roof. The 2007 book “Green Roof: A Case Study” by Christian Werthmann documents the entire project, providing a rich source of inspiration and technical knowledge for all professionals interested in green roofs. ASLA releases announcement and performance data to the media and has published articles in Landscape Architecture magazine and its on-line media The Dirt, and Land Online. Green roofs are recognized as sustainable solutions in all ASLA programs and communications materials.

In 2007, ASLA published a Landscape Architecture Technical Information Series on Green Roof Infrastructure as the newest module in its continuing education and professional development program. GRHC green roof training programs have been promoted for several years at the ASLA Annual Meeting. Also ASLA has just released an interactive, web-based green roof education program for middle school students.

In addition to ASLA’s national impact on the green roof industry, Nancy supports local efforts in Washington, DC. She was a significant contributor to the success of the GRHC 2005 Annual Conference in Washington, DC, has participated as a judge in GRHC’s Awards of Excellence, and speaks about green roofs at many community meetings and organizational events each year. She is a member of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, Best Practices Workgroup, Green Committee, which is working to raise Washington’s green profile nationally.

More than just a representative of her organization, Nancy is an articulate spokesperson for the economic and ecological value of green roof design – making her an exemplary Civic Award of Excellence Winner!

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