Building a Sustainable Future Symposium December 9, 2008

SPEAKER INFORMATION UPDATED:
The design of buildings and the sites they are placed upon play a critical role in protecting and improving our environment and the health of the people who occupy them. The Cleveland Engineering Society will host a half-day seminar that will address the important issues surrounding sustainable design.

8:00 AM -- REGISTRATION & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

8:30 AM -- INTRODUCTION & WELCOME

8:45 AM -- SESSION 1
Education Evolution: Developing the Next Generation of Sustainable Leaders

The next generation of leaders is truly critical to spurring real innovation on a global scale and moving the sustainability movement forward. Amazing untapped opportunities exist for collaboration between the academic and professional world. Much of the current research agenda for the sustainable movement could be moved forward much more quickly and effectively through closer collaboration between the academic and professional realms. We’ll explore the possibilities and provide examples of how collaboration can happen.

Moderated by: Holly Harlan, Founder & President, Entrepreneurs for Sustainability
Panelists: Nathan Engstrom, Coordinator, Oberlin College Office of Environmental Sustainability; Brad Saeger, Project Associate, KA Architecture; Leo Russo, Executive Director, Cuyahoga Community College’s Green Academy

9:45 AM -- SESSION 2
Water-centric Site Design: Bioretention Cells

Bioretention cells, also referred to as rain gardens, are small landscaped, graded areas that are constructed with a special soil mix that can absorb and filter runoff. Low maintenance, water-tolerant plants are often used in these bioretention cells. These landscaping elements aid in reducing stormwater runoff, replenishing the aquifer, and filtering non-point source pollution. This session will explore the reasons for and uses of bioretention cells, their limitations, as well as where and where not to use this technique

Speaker: Greg Malone, Director, Kurtz Bros., Inc.

10:45 AM -- BREAK

11:00 AM -- SESSION 3
Public Policy and Green Legislation

“Greening” public policy has become the issue du jour. Green legislation is on the rise at all governmental levels. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, 13 federal agencies, 27 states, 72 cities, 22 counties and 16 towns have passed various types of green legislation. Governments are beginning to recognize that infrastructure and buildings have a strong negative impact on the environment. This session will look at the federal, state, and local green legislation that is driving the market today and will explore a range of issues that have an impact on public policy.

Speaker: Tom Evans, Director of Green Infrastructure Design Services, URS Corporation

12:00 PM -- LUNCH and SESSION 4
The Bottom Line: Does Green Pay Off?

Sold on the promise of reduced operational costs, durability and healthy environments, more developers are building or renovating to green standards. But are these projects delivering real energy and water savings? Are green systems and materials performing as promised? This session will explore the relationship between the cost of greening a design, and the long term benefits. We’ll also discuss sustainable design solutions to reduce the carbon footprint , as well as the bottom line.

Moderated by: Tim Panzica, Chair, Cleveland Green Building Coalition
Panelists: Gene Matthews, Director of Facilities Services, Case Western Reserve University; Nancy Walker, Climate Change Strategies Leader, MWH Americas; Kathy Gargasz, Environmental Coordinator, The Lincoln Electric Company

Official Website: http://www.cesnet.org