The environmental efforts of community members took centre stage this week as the Urban League of London presented its highest honours.

The Sisters of St. Joseph, who recently moved into their new environmentally sustainable residence on Windermere Road, received the League's Green Brick Award for their planet-friendly building approach.

"We always try to stress that there are things that Londoners can do to make a difference, to the environment and their community," said league past-president George Sinclair.

"The sisters have proven that everyone can do something."

The nuns' state-of-the-art residence -- which has a roof-top meadow, a ground source system to reduce heating/cooling bills and a cistern to supply water for toilet flushing -- should serve as an example to others in the community, Sinclair said.

Their environmental efforts and widespread community consultation earned them the Green Brick award, given annually to those who take community concerns into account during planning and development.

Sister Margo Ritchie, chairperson of the committee that oversaw the energy and design of the multimillion dollar residence, said their decision to go green was costly, but worthwhile.

"Our choices weren't always easy . . . but it enhanced our belief that each and every one of us can do something to stay green," she said.

The Urban League also recognized Hank Vander Laan, founder of Trojan Technologies, with the Green Umbrella Award for his environmental efforts and community leadership.

Vander Laan, who helped city staff plan the city-owned Innovation Park industrial park, showed he understands "that business exists within a milieu that includes the community and the environment," Sinclair said.

Former U.S. vice-president Al Gore also received an honourary Green Umbrella earlier this month when he was in town speaking on climate change.