FORT BELVOIR, Va. -The Fort Belvoir Residential Communities Initiative Project received the prestigious President's GreenGov Award in the category of "Building for the Future" in a ceremony Oct. 7 on the grounds of the White House.

Selected by The White House Council on Environmental Quality, the project was praised by the executive branch for its overall sustainable design, the creation of its LEED Platinum Town Center and it efforts in recycling, renewable energy, innovation and community engagement.

Casey Nolan, project director for Belvoir's RCI, was one of several on hand to receive the award last Thursday. According to him, the recognition is the result of a shared vision, teamwork and careful planning by the Army, Belvoir leaders, RCI and the developer, Clark Pinnacle.

"This represents not just one significant achievement, but more than six years of sustainable practices by the partnership in providing the highest quality homes and communities for military families," Nolan said. "For me, this is personally rewarding because it demonstrates our commitment of educating the community on the importance of a sustainable future, particularly for kids living here at Belvoir."

In its GreenGov Award application, Nolan pointed out that RCI, the Army and Fort Belvoir formed a 50-year, public-private partnership to develop, rehabilitate and construct more than 2,000 homes on 576 acres of land. To date, he said the partnership has resulted in more than 1,400 new or renovated homes, all of which are EnergyStar certified, and the first-ever military "Town Center."

Nolan said the mixed-use town center includes 25, two-story residential homes located above 13,800 square feet of retail and office space.

"This is quite an honor and a testament to all the planning and efforts that have gone into this project over the years by many leaders," said Installation Commander Col. John Strycula. "We have always been proud of the quality family housing here at Belvoir and the President's Award further supports our pride."