The USGBC Natural Talent 2007 Design Competition provides an applied learning experience in the principles of integrated design, sustainability, innovation, and social consciousness; all of which are components of the LEEDâ„¢ Green Building Rating System. Participants will compete to be one of five local finalists, the top winner of which will move on to compete for a national award at Greenbuild.

The Competition is open to all university level students (of any discipline and level) and individuals with less than five (5) years experience in the building industry. Both individuals and teams are permitted to enter, but multi-disciplinary and international teams are strongly encouraged. Teams are required to complete an online registration form by visiting the Emerging Green Builders national website at www.usgbc.org\egb; only one form per team.

Design a LEEDâ„¢ Platinum building for the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation/New York State Pavilion, Alliance to house their new Performing Arts Center in The New York State Pavilion in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. This is a search that started in 1992 with a structural evaluation and continued through a series of proposals including The Air and Space Museum and the site of the 2012 Olympics, neither of which have been approved to move forward.

Yoiu are invited to expand on the program and be as creative as possible focusing on the sustainability of, building materials, systems and processed as well as the sustainability of the community.

Awards include Green Building Scholarships as well as registration to Greenbuild (http://www.greenbuildexpo.org), the USGBC’s Annual Green Building Conference and Expo, where finalists’ entries will be displayed and where final judging will occur. Greenbuild 2007 will be held in Los Angeles, CA, 17-19 October. Registration will close 1 May 2007. Visit the site for all the details.