Earns Title for Innovation in Construction Techniques or Materials

CASTROVILLE, Calif. – April 14, 2011 – Regional Builder Ausonio Incorporated has been chosen by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of California for a statewide award in the Innovation in Construction Techniques or Materials Category for its work on Monterey College of Law Community Justice Center. The Community Justice Center has already been Certified LEED Platinum by the US Green Building Council, which is the highest level of sustainability. Ausonio Project Manager, Jim Staniec, received the award in a ceremony in Newport Beach California on Saturday, April 9. “Normally the process of construction does not change much over the course of years, but the challenges of a project like this have definitely increased my interest,” said Staniec.

Ausonio’s project was competing against another Platinum LEED certified project, the Wounded Warrior Bachelor Enlisted Quarters at Camp Pendelton, which was built by Barnhart Balfour Beatty, the largest full service contractor in San Diego. Another finalist was a project by Herzog Contracting Corp. for Los Angeles Metrolink. Based in St. Joseph, Missouri, Herzog is an international contractor with offices in several states. Also competing was a runway project for the Santa Monica Airport by Sacramento-based Valley Slurry Seal.

Architect JHW and Ausonio worked on many innovations to create a finished product based on sustainable means, methods and materials. The project reused 94% of the original building envelope and recycled 97% of the construction waste. Much of the materials used in construction were recycled, some achieving up to 95% recycled content. Multiple materials were reused, including the furnishings of the mock courtroom. Low-flow and waterless fixtures made for a 63% savings on indoor water use. Native and drought-resistant plants, combined with weather-sensing irrigation and a percolation system that recaptures all surface water, achieve a 75% savings on outdoor water use. A photovoltaic solar system produces over 20% of the projected energy requirements of the building. A system of day lighting significantly reduces lighting energy demand and improves the work environment. Careful planning of the building envelope achieved a 43% savings in energy use. Furnishings, finishes and ventilation were all specifically designed to improve indoor environmental quality.

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the leading association for the construction industry. Operating in partnership with its nationwide network of Chapters, AGC provides a full range of services satisfying the needs and concerns of its members, thereby improving the quality of construction and protecting the public interest. A full service national trade association with a nationwide network of chapters, AGC represents more than 33,000 leading firms in the industry - including general contractors, specialty contractors and service providers and suppliers.

Ausonio Incorporated serves clients ranging from commercial to residential, and has already been the recipient of five Constructor Awards from the California Association of General Contractors. In 2007, Ausonio won Innovation in Construction Techniques or Materials for its work on Chartwell School, which was also Certified LEED Platinum. In 2004, Ausonio won Excellence in Contribution to the Community for its work on Boys & Girls Club’s Harden Youth Center. In 2003, Ausonio won Meeting the Challenge of the Difficult Job for its work on Lifesparc’s automobile airbag igniter factory in Hollister. In 1997, Ausonio won Excellence in Contribution to the Community, for its work on Calvary Chapel Monterey Bay. In 1988, Ausonio won Excellence in Client Service for its construction of an altar platform at Laguna Seca for the papal visit.

For more information on the AGC Awards please call Erin Volk, Director of Construction Education Foundation 916.371.2422 or email volke@agc-ca.org. For more information on Ausonio Incorporated and Green building, please call 831.633.3371 or visit www.ausonio.com. For more information on JHW Architects, please call 831.649.1701 or visit www.jhwarch.com. For more information about Monterey College of Law, please call 831.582.4000 or visit www.montereylaw.edu.