The U.S. Green Building Council's Kentucky chapter has named Brett Ruffing, director of technology and education for the Kentucky Ready-Mixed Concrete Association (KRMCA) its Outstanding Volunteer award for 2016. Following is an excerpt from the USGBC announcement: "A LEED Green Associate, Brett has been an active leader since joining the Kentucky Community in 2009. He has served on every committee numerous times, as Membership Chair for years as well as serving on the Kentucky Board for two years. He has raised more than $10,000 in sponsorships from his company, Kentucky Ready Mix Concrete Association (a USGBC member), and from his constituents, for Green Scenes and Lunch & Learns and Green Apple Day of Service. Brett has planned Advocacy Day, and played a major and vital role in vetting legislation, meeting with legislators, and printing handouts that detailed our position on legislation plus our impact in KY. Through his relationships with legislators and municipal leaders, Brett has helped raise the profile of LEED Plaque Ceremonies by inviting these leaders to speak about the impact of green building on the state of Kentucky."

Additionally, Ruffing has served on national concrete and cement industry task forces to further industry participation in developing - and comply with - LEED requirements (such as EPDs, HPDs, etc.), and to educate concrete and cement industry employees about LEED and concrete’s contribution to LEED credits. He has given presentations across the country about the successes of Kentucky's green schools and Green Schools Caucus, and is currently working with a colleague in Washington to spread the message.

"I am of the opinion that all state associations should have a big presence in their state USGBC’s," said Finley Messick, KRMCA executive director. "Brett’s involvement has been huge for us. We are currently fighting a code change for multi-family housing up to three stories. Many of the home builders want to revert from 2012 code back to 2009 code. With Brett’s help, the USGBC-KY has agreed to stand with us against this change. Without Brett’s connection in USGBC, this would have never happened."