Norwalk, Conn. -- Metroflor/Aspecta announced that Rochelle Routman, the companies’ chief sustainability officer, is the first person from the manufacturing sector to receive the Living Future Hero Award by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI). This annual honor recognizes individuals who commit themselves to creating a living future through their dedication to ILFI’s programs, such as Declare, JUST, the Living Building Challenge, and the Living Product Challenge. The awards program took place on May 2, 2019 in Seattle at the Living Future UnConference.
Every year the International Living Future Institute hosts its annual Living Future UnConference where architects, engineers, manufacturers, CSR professionals and others gather to learn about new sustainable design solutions and connect with leaders working to further the environmental movement. This event takes place over the course of four days where attendees can participate in tours, listen to inspiring keynotes, and attend education sessions.
“This award is very personal to me and goes straight to my heart,” said Routman. “Being named the first Living Future Hero from the manufacturing sector is not only a huge honor, but also an acknowledgement of my commitment to always support the vision of a Living Future, alongside an impressive list of accomplished building industry professionals.”
Amanda Sturgeon, CEO International Living Future Institute, added, “We honored these Heroes for their commitments to the Institute’s mission: to lead and support the transformation toward communities that are socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative. We tip our hats to them for continually pursuing and improving how projects are designed, materials are specified, and construction is performed.”
“The actions of these incredible individuals exemplify the leadership required to combat climate change,” said James Connelly, ILFI’s vice president strategic growth. “In a world full of uncertainty and fear, these bold risk takers are showing how optimism tied to concrete action can create powerful change in each of our communities.”
In bestowing the Living Hero Award to Routman, Connolly added, “I have had the pleasure of working with Rochelle since the launch of the Declare program in 2012. She has been a tireless advocate of Living Future principles and has strongly promoted and supported ILFI work in multiple roles at some leading manufacturing companies, most recently as the chief sustainability officer for Metroflor/Aspecta. Rochelle excels at reaching across the aisle in the business community to change hearts and minds. She is one of the most tireless volunteers of our work, chair of the Alumnae Committee for the Women in Sustainability Leadership Award, and a passionate mentor and advocate of a living future.”
For more information, visit living-future.org or metroflorusa.com.
