Rail Trail Nominated for Sustainability Award

The Saucon Rail Trail has been nominated for a sustainability award, according to a press release posted on the Lower Saucon Township website.

The Delaware Valley Green Building Council (DVGBC) Lehigh Valley Branch will present their Fourth Annual Sustainability Awards during a reception in the Seegers Union Building's Great Room at Muhlenberg College on Oct. 17 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The popular rail trail, which opened in May 2011 and was extended in Upper Saucon Township this summer, is nominated for an award in the Sustainable Community category.

Nominees in that category are being recognized for demonstrating the implementation of sustainable initiatives and policies that promote sustainable living.

The other nominees in the Sustainable Community category are Emmaus Borough and LANTA.

"All projects have either received or are registered for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, the green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council," the press release said. "Outstanding leadership demonstrated by an individual will also be honored, as will a Lehigh Valley Green School District—Bethlehem Area School District."

The public is invited to attend the reception, which will be highlighted by the awards ceremony at 6:45 p.m.

The Delaware Valley Green Building Council was formed in 2001 as a mission-based nonprofit organization and as a chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, according to the news release.

More information about it is available online at www.dvgbc.org.

More information about the rail trail, which winds through Hellertown, Lower Saucon Township and Upper Saucon Township, is available at sauconrailtrail.org.

Photo: The Saucon Rail Trail in Hellertown (Patch file photo)