Buffalo, N.Y. (Mar. 7 2013) –

The Buffalo Zoo, in conjunction with Polar Bears International (PBI,) has awarded the 2013 Paw of Approval Award to Natale Builders.

On March 6, President and CEO of the Buffalo Zoo, Donna Fernandes, along with Polar Bears International (PBI) President and CEO, Robert W. Buchanan, presented the Paw of Approval Award to Angelo Natale of Natale Builders.

The Paw of Approval Award program was launched by PBI in 2010 to recognize organizations making efforts to conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions in their communities.

The Buffalo Zoo and PBI are proud to recognize Natale Builders for their work in reducing carbon emissions here in Western New York. “We are so pleased that a local business is making such strides towards sustainability,” said Fernandes. Almost 95% of Natale Builders construction is green homes.

Natale Builders specialize in building unique custom homes in Western New York using the latest green and efficient building techniques. For more information, visit www.www.natalebuilders.com.

Polar Bears International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the worldwide conservation of the polar bear and its habitat through research, stewardship, and education. Visit their web site to learn more about their programs at polarbearsinternational.org.

The Buffalo Zoo is part of PBI’s network of Arctic Ambassador Center Zoos. These centers focus on animal well-being and enrichment and also play a leadership role in stewardship of sustainability and carbon reduction efforts in their communities.