Registration is now open for USGBC’s Natural Talent Design Competition of 2010, which this year is being conducted in partnership with Salvation Army’s EnviRenew. The focus is on rebuilding endeavors in New Orleans, Louisiana. The two categories of competitors – students and young professional – will be required to design small, green, affordable, functional homes for elderly occupants. For the first time the project will be a national project challenge with a common focus. Here is the criteria: an area of under 880 square feet, construction cost within $100,000 and a design conforming to the stipulations of LEED for Platinum Certification of Homes. Up to four of the best designs will be chosen to be built in the New Orleans, Broadmoor neighborhood and showcased at Greenbuild 2010. This will afford young designers to see their designs achieving physical completion. The homes will pass through a measurements and verification stage where they will be evaluated, amongst other parameters, for water reuse, energy efficiency and indoor air qualities. The final grand prize will be awarded to the best entry.

The Natural Talent Design Competition affords young designers an applied learning experience into the nuances of integrated design, innovation and sustainability which are necessary components of the LEED® Green Building Rating System. The theme of this year’s competition is driven by the US Green Building Council and the Salvation Army’s awareness of the need to bring the benefits of green building practices and sustainable design to financially vulnerable families, individuals and neighborhoods.