Honoring Trailblazers and Advocates Driving Connecticut’s Sustainable Future
BuildGreenCT is proud to announce the Leadership Award winners of the 2026 Green Building Impact Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations whose vision, dedication, and impact are advancing a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable built environment across Connecticut. These honorees will be celebrated alongside project award winners on May 20, 2026, from 5:00–8:30 PM at the Glastonbury Boathouse.
“Each of these leaders is moving the field forward in meaningful ways; whether through sustained advocacy, industry influence, or deep community impact,” said Green Building Impact Awards Chair and VP of GZA Wayne Cobleigh, CPSM. “Together, they reflect the momentum and leadership needed to build a more just and sustainable future in Connecticut.”
Trailblazer Award – Industry Impact
David W. Madigan, P.E., LEED AP | van Zelm Engineers
With a career spanning more than three decades, David Madigan has played a defining role in advancing high-performance building design across the Northeast and beyond. As Senior Vice President at van Zelm Engineers, his work has consistently demonstrated that energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and human-centered design can, and should, coexist.
Madigan is widely recognized for his “conservation-first” approach, guiding project teams to reduce energy loads through thoughtful, integrated design before introducing complex systems. His leadership has influenced the design of some of the nation’s most advanced academic and research facilities, including multiple LEED Platinum and award-winning buildings that have set new benchmarks for performance.
Beyond his technical contributions, Madigan’s legacy is reflected in the generations of engineers, architects, and clients he has mentored, instilling a holistic, systems-thinking mindset that continues to shape the industry.
Trailblazer Award – Community Impact
North Hartford Partnership
North Hartford Partnership is being recognized for redefining what sustainable development looks like at the neighborhood scale. For more than a decade, the organization has led a community-centered approach to revitalization; integrating affordable housing preservation, workforce development, historic reuse, and climate resilience into a unified strategy for long-term impact.
At the heart of this work is the transformation of the Swift Factory, a once-vacant industrial site now serving as a hub for economic opportunity, job training, and small business development. Surrounding efforts to preserve and rehabilitate affordable housing have helped stabilize the neighborhood, improve health outcomes, and prevent displacement.
By aligning environmental goals with community priorities, North Hartford Partnership has created a replicable model for equitable, sustainability-driven development; demonstrating that climate action and community investment can, and must, go hand in hand.
Judy Swann Green Advocate Award
Bernard “Bernie” Pelletier
Bernie Pelletier is being honored for his extraordinary, long-standing commitment to advancing clean energy and building decarbonization across Connecticut. A full-time volunteer leader with People’s Action for Clean Energy (PACE) for more than a decade, Bernie has helped shape both local and statewide progress through a unique blend of data-driven insight, policy engagement, and grassroots implementation.
He is the driving force behind initiatives such as HeatSmart, a community-based program that has expanded to more than 20 municipalities and supported thousands of residents in accessing energy audits, weatherization, and electrification solutions. His work has also contributed to the development of tools and frameworks that empower municipalities to make informed energy decisions.
In addition to his community leadership, Bernie plays a critical role in shaping state policy as a member of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board and a trusted advisor to agencies and advocacy groups. His ability to translate complex data into actionable strategies has made him an invaluable resource across Connecticut’s sustainability landscape.
These Leadership Award winners will be honored at the 2026 Green Building Impact Awards Celbration, an evening that brings together architects, engineers, policymakers, builders, and advocates committed to advancing sustainable design and construction.
“This year’s leadership award recipients represent the depth and diversity of impact needed to transform our built environment,” said BuildGreenCT Executive Director Alicia Dolce. “From industry innovation to community-driven development and tireless advocacy, these leaders are shaping what’s possible for Connecticut’s future.”
With a record number of submissions and the introduction of the Project Preview Showcase and Community Choice Award, this year’s event promises to be a dynamic celebration of innovation, collaboration, and impact.
Learn more and get your tickets to join us on May 20th at the Glastonbury Boathouse.
Thank you to our Celebration Event Sponsors
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Bronze Sponsors
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BuildGreenCT is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the just and sustainable transformation of the built environment through education, advocacy, and community building. By convening industry leaders and supporting innovative practices, BuildGreenCT works to create a healthy, resilient, and equitable future for all.
Media Contact:
Alicia Dolce, Executive Director, BuildGreenCT
adolce@buildgreenct.org