Environment| Environment

Other Flagstaff recipients of this night’s event were Coconino Countys Forest Restoration Service Initiative (which received the coveted Presidents Award); Mother Road Brewing Company (which took an Award of Distinction to their Conserve and Protect Golden Ale Project); and the City of Flagstaff, which was awarded an Award of Distinction under Climate Action Solutions.

Mike Thomas, KCS president, said at the 2022 Environmental Excellence Awards that it was “incredible to see the level of commitment there are towards sustainability in Arizona. KCS is proud to be included among so many community leaders and companies that are environmentally committed.

According to a press statement, KCS was founded 23-years ago with an insistence on environmental stewardship. Kinney was one of the first people in northern Arizona to be certified as a LEED Accredited Professional in 2003. This accreditation is distributed by the U.S. Green Building Council and is meant to help builders envision buildings and communities that will sustain the health and vitality for all life within a single generation.

The LEED system ranks building projects based on sustainable elements such as Access to Quality Transit (or Protect or Restore Habitat) and Light Pollution Reduction (or Light Pollution Reduction). Points towards a total are awarded to projects that meet the criteria. KCS has been involved in multiple Flagstaff projects that have received the highest LEEDS platinum score, including the Museum of Northern Arizonas Easton Collection Center, Northern Arizona Universitys International Pavilion, and the Museum of Northern Arizonas Easton Collection Center.

KCS completed the City of Flagstaffs Municipal Court Facility in 2020. It was awarded Three Green Globes by the Green Building Initiative for its outstanding achievement in resource efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and improving occupant wellbeing. This was the first municipal structure to be certified by Green Building Initiative northern Arizona.

KCS’ founder and CEO Tim Kinney stated, while accepting the 50th Anniversary Award, “Its an honour to be given the chance to construct sustainably in the great state of Arizona.” This wouldn’t be possible without the forward-thinking owners of the projects. To them, I am grateful. Each building that is sustainably constructed sets a new standard.

“We’ve come a long ways, but there is still much to do. Thank you to all of the project owners for helping Arizona get on the path to a more sustainable future.