Westport Awards Staples Senior With Green Building Prize

Press release from the Town of Westport:

WESTPORT, CT — First Selectwoman Jen Tooker recently presented a Westport Green Building Award to Oliver Vynerib for exemplifying sustainable practices by supporting deconstruction on Westport properties at 5 Sycamore Drive and 159 Easton Road.

Vynerib, a Staples High School Senior, founded HomeCycle CT in 2023. HomeCycle’s mission is to connect residents and builders with nonprofits to deconstruct homes. Deconstruction is the process of selectively dismantling existing buildings otherwise scheduled for demolition and donating the building components, reducing landfill waste. This process also fosters community benefits by providing affordable material access and job training programs. HomeCycle serves as the bridge between builders, donors, and nonprofits and provides guidance on donations and the tax deduction process. Projects are not limited to full building demolition. Salvageable items from home remodels are also eligible for donation. To learn more or get involved, please contact Oliver at olivervynerib@gmail.com or 203-919-0202.

Oliver will be presenting to builders and interested residents looking to learn more about the deconstruction process.

Date: 4:00 PM, October 8, 2025
Location: 180 Saugatuck Ave, Westport, CT
Please click HERE to RSVP or if you would like to receive more information.

The Westport Green Building Award for Achievement in Sustainable Design and Construction recognizes residential and commercial projects that make, or have made, significant contributions to sustainability and Westport’s future as a Net Zero Community. This award is a collaboration between the Town of Westport and Sustainable Westport, and it acknowledges noteworthy accomplishments that add benefit to the Westport community.

To learn more about what you can do to make your home more sustainable, see: https://www.sustainablewestport.org/

The Town and Sustainable Westport invite Westport residents to submit an application or a nomination for projects that meeting the criteria for a Westport Green Building Award as found on the Sustainable Westport website: Green Building Award, or email Chris Vornkahl at cvornkahl@westportct.gov, phone: 203-341-5025 with questions regarding the application process. All Westport properties are eligible to receive the Award. Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis and awarded throughout the year.

This press release was produced by the Town of Westport. The views expressed here are the author’s own.