Community members gather at Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park, which was awarded Project of the Year. (photo courtesy of AHBE/MIG)

The Los Angeles Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council held its 17th Annual Green Gala on Dec. 8, celebrating individuals and businesses who work to make Los Angeles more sustainable.

At the gala, Sustainable Innovation Awards, which affirm a project’s commitment to a sustainably-built environment are handed out. They recognize built or unbuilt projects that reflect the chapter’s emphasis on energy and water savings, air quality, waste, community engagement, equity and education.

The two Projects of the Year awards were given to Billie Jean King Main Library in Long Beach and the Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park in South Los Angeles. Eight more exceptional individual projects, plus a portfolio of projects were also awarded.

The Billie Jean King Main Library is a sustainable, timber structure that encourages the use of public transportation, bicycling and walking for access.

The Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park converted a brownfield site into a 120-acre recreation hub that features a community events center, a storm water recycling system, a methane mitigation and monitoring system and a lakeside trail.

USGBC-LA also recognized community leaders, including Fifth Wall, Hudson Pacific, L.A. County Parks and Recreation and Theodore Payne Foundation. The 3rd annual Kevin Devine Award was presented to Neal Perkey of Transwestern Commercial Services.

“We are thrilled to physically come together with our community again after two long years to celebrate the people and projects who help create a more sustainable region for all here in Southern California,” executive director Ben Stapleton said. “During this time, the world has shifted to further recognize the power of place in addressing issues around equity, occupant health and climate justice. Our two Projects of the Year exemplify that balance by providing healthy, and really necessary spaces for entire communities to gather while being connected to and learning more about our natural environment.”