The following organizations are finalists for the Green Source DFW Sustainable Leadership Awards in the for profit category. The results are based on votes from hundreds of Green Source DFW readers. The winners in each of the five categories will be announced at the Green Source DFW Sustainable Leadership Awards ceremony on March 13. Register to attend.

Jin Hewitt and Damian Narvaez, Green Living, Marketing and Operations Managers 

Jin and Damian are the friendly faces at the Design District store. They are knowledgeable about their products and happy to research any items. They are helping to promote sustainable living choices to the community by providing a positive shopping experience at this premier eco-friendly store. 

As the only one-stop shop for green design in the area, Green Living has cornered the rapidly growing market for environmentally friendly products. Whether you’’re re-designing your home or just looking for some options for the future you can'’t find just anywhere, the friendly staff at Green Living is more than happy to answer your questions and explain the importance of their product and mission.  

Gary Olp, GGO Architects, Principle

For more than 30 years, through his innovative architectural practice, teaching and persistent advocacy, Gary Olp has influenced architects, government leaders, and individuals to establish sustainability as a core focus of today’s architectural practice. Gary’s unwavering commitment to sustainable design has and continues to be an inspiration to individuals, to shape their communities for livability. Gary was the original voice in North Texas on sustainable topics and has become a nationally recognized expert and spokesman for sustainable design. 

Gary was among the first to expose the toxic effects of Sick Building Syndrome and Building Related Illness, on occupants; presenting his white paper widely on the topic. He routinely speaks to the community at large through neighborhood associations, Chambers of Commerce, Trade Association and Rotary luncheons, green summits and conferences about LEED and the essential nature of sustainability.

Gary was the co-founder and first president of the Old Lake Highlands Neighborhood Association  and one of the original organizers of the Dallas AIA Sustainable Architecture Committee, now (COTE). He has served on multiple advisory boards progressively restoring White Rock Lake Park, served as co-founder and co-chair of Sustainable Dallas and as a director, vice chair, chair and immediate past chair of the USGBC North Texas Chapter. Currently, he represents USGBC regionally as a USGBC South Central Regional Council member and nationally as a Chapter Steering Committee member. 

A.J. Thibodeaux, Preservation Tree Service, General Manager

Preservation Tree Services has been providing organic tree care for many years. The entire staff has decades of combined experience. They work throughout the community saving trees, planting new trees and taking down hazardous ones. They put an emphasis on educating their clients and the community. They also do so much volunteer work and regularly volunteer at Texas Discovery Gardens to keep their trees healthy. 

A.J. is a veteran to the tree care industry with more than 30 years of experience.  He has been certified as an Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture since 1993, the first year it was made available. He has held a Texas Oak Wilt Certification since 2007. He spent 12 years working as a utility arborist for different utility line clearance tree trimming companies before advancing to working for a number of residential and commercial tree care companies. A.J. was a charter member of the Texas Vegetation Management Association in 1992. He also served 8 years on the board of directors for the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture

Show your support for the inspiring work being done by the DFW green community. Register to attend the Green Source DFW Sustainable Leadership Awards ceremony.

Cover illustration: courtesy of EFGConsultingInc.com.