CARLSBAD, Calif., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Marshall G. Zotara, Co-Founder of the Green Schoolhouse Series and Senior Managing Partner of CAUSE AND EFFECT Evolutions has been named one of the Top 25 Newsmakers of the year, by Engineering News Record (ENR) Magazine. The list for the 2011 Newsmakers includes CEOs, government officials, architects, engineers and general contractors that provide the essential ingredient, the idea, the leadership, the spark or the energy that drives a team to success.

Zotara was singled out for having brought together building partners, school officials and corporate America to break ground on The Green Schoolhouse Series' (GSHS) first project at the end of 2011. Safari, a 6,291-sq-ft classroom and community-center building for Roadrunner Elementary School in west Phoenix, is on target to become the world's first LEED platinum designed school built by volunteers.

"I am honored to receive this award," said Zotara. "It is really the work of my team and the collaboration of community and school officials, corporations and the design and building partners that makes this project a success."

The schoolhouses will be teaching tools, educating the students and community members on the importance of sustainable living and building practices. Some of the sustainable features of the schoolhouses include a solar rooftop system provided by Empire Renewable Energy, a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) classroom sponsored by DeVry University, energy/water efficient restrooms provided by SLOAN and Excel Dryer, Inc., rainwater harvesting capabilities provided by BRAE and an outdoor classroom with native gardens provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.

Building product companies that have partnered with GSHS to build this state-of-the-art facility include Owens Corning; Pella Windows and Doors; hardware for the doors provided by Hager Companies; high volume/low speed ceiling fans provided by Rite-Hite Fans; water bottle filling stations provided by Elkay Manufacturing; no VOC paint provided by Glidden Professional; flooring provided by Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

The schoolhouse sites are carefully selected by GSHS Partner Brighten A Life; a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on positively impacting the learning environments, living conditions and communities of the disadvantaged. Brighten A Life works closely with school districts across the nation to identify schools in which a majority of the student body meets Title 1 specifications.

Zotara will receive his award in April at a gala held in New York City.

http://greenschoolhouseseries.org/

SOURCE Green Schoolhouse Series

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