The 2016 Sustainability ELITE Award recipient is Environmental Designs, Inc. (EDI) for Wells Fargo Center. While Environmental Designs always strives to create low maintenance, sustainable and beautiful landscapes through best management practices, the Wells Fargo project was particularly appealing due to the clients desire to create a LEED certified space. In fact, they were not interested in doing the work at all if LEED could not be achieved. The goal was to create a low-water-use garden with permeable surfaces that would provide a peaceful and attractive getaway in the heart of downtown Denver.

Beginning August 1, penalties for all US Department of Labor (DOL) will increase due to a Congressional mandate that required adjustments for inflation. For some agencies, it was the first adjustment since 1990. As a result, the increases are substantial, leaving businesses with a greater impetus for compliance. Agencies will continue to adjust penalties for inflation each year based on the Consumer Price Index.