YKK AP America has launched a green building YouTube video competition, “Building a Better Tomorrow, Today” to encourage innovation while further advancing the green building industry. Interested participants can submit videos showcasing their ideas for how America can enhance the built environment for generations to come, whether through an energy-savings, green building or sustainability perspective. Submissions are encouraged from architects, designers, contractors, manufacturers, students and the general public, and can consist of a new or existing idea, design, product, or project. Winners will be announced at GreenBuild in Chicago in November.

To enter, participants can post their videos, which should not exceed 120 seconds, to YouTube as a video response to YKK AP’s Building a Better Tomorrow, Today video. The grand prize winner will receive $1,500 in cash as well as a $1,000 donation on their behalf to support the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Philanthropic Programs. In addition, two runners up will be awarded an Apple iPad.

Videos will be judged on the overall message and relevance to the theme, creativity and entertainment value. Judges include Jim Fausett, a previous architecture professor at Southern Polytechnic State University, Susan Ellis Proper, director of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Atlanta Chapter and Sydney Roberts, PhD, Southface Home Services program manager.

“We created this video contest to foster the sharing of ideas and innovation in sustainable, green building practices,” said Oliver Stepe, senior vice president of YKK AP America. “We’re always thinking ahead to what’s next and how we can better serve the industry and our customers. We want to encourage others to share their vision and ideas on how America can enhance the built environment. We look forward to reviewing the submissions – and we encourage all participants to make your video fun, smart and entertaining!”

The contest opens on Wednesday, September 1 and closes at midnight Eastern Time on Friday, October 15. Complete contest requirements and instruction are available on the competition web page.