Weston Miles Architects Named Cool California Small Business of the Year

Firm Celebrated for Its Focus on Sustainability

Morgan Hill, CA—July 11, 2012

Weston Miles Architects, Inc., an award winning architecture firm focused on sustainable building, has been named a California Air Resources Board, Cool California Small Business of the Year. Weston Miles Architects earned this honor for its ongoing practice of integrating energy efficiency and education into its own offices and operations—as well as for its efforts on behalf of clients.

Weston Miles Architects was lauded for its LEED Gold headquarters—an old granary that the firm transformed into a state-of-the-art multi-unit office building. The Granary, a historical landmark, is now home to a total of seven businesses. Weston Miles Architects’ re-design leverages day-lighting, natural ventilation and energy efficient mechanical units to minimize the building’s carbon footprint.

Photovoltaic panels installed on the roof of the Granary saved approximately $9,000 in energy costs in 2011. A small organic orchard provides fruits and herbs for the seasonal dishes served at Odeum, a restaurant located in the building. Weston Miles Architects conducts tours of the Granary to educate the community about sustainability. The Granary is also a popular host site for downtown events such as Earth Day, yoga classes, and urban orcharding workshops.

At the Cool California awards ceremony, California Assemblymember Bill Monning praised Weston Miles Architects. "In addition to protecting nature’s resources, Weston Miles has created a gathering place that elevates community awareness about environmental stewardship and is identified with business opportunity and public health and well-being,” said Monning.

This the second time in the past two years that Weston Miles Architects has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability. In 2011 Weston Miles Architects was named Environmental Business of the Year by the Santa Clara League of Conservation Voters.

The Cool California Small Business of the Year Awards recognizes California businesses that demonstrate exceptional climate change management practices and communication. Weston Miles is one of five businesses to earn the award this year.

Cool California provides resources to all Californians so they can take action, reduce their environmental impact, and be part of the climate change solution. Learn more at www.coolcalifornia.org.

Weston Miles Architects, Inc., designs for sustainability. Our specialties are educational, commercial, residential, and civic buildings for organizations that strive to reduce their carbon footprint. We were named Environmental Business of the Year 2011 by the Santa Clara League of Conservation Voters and were a California air Resources Board, CoolCalifornia Small Business of the Year 2012.