Sustainability conference walks the walk

By DAILY SOUND STAFF — June 18, 2009

When representatives from dozens of state universities, colleges and community colleges gather at UC Santa Barbara next week for an annual sustainability conference, they will practice what they preach by engaging in “green” activities.

The sold-out UC, CSU, CCC Sustainability Conference — which includes dozens of seminars and presentations on green building, innovative technology, campus lighting designs and other sustainable practices — will also feature a comprehensive recycling program, free webcasts and video conferencing.

“The conference showcases best practices and we have continually set new standards with our greening efforts,” Mo Lovegreen, co-organizer of the conference and executive officer in UCSB’s department of geography, said in a news release. “This year, with the budget challenges, reducing costs for the event was critical, but it also provided us with an opportunity to explore new opportunities.”

For example, 13 of the conference sessions and all three keynote addresses will be offered for free through webcasts and podcasts. Speakers who could not attend will be able to speak from home and have their words broadcast at the conference.

A social networking site will allow others who couldn’t attend to discuss sustainability issues. All paper used during the four-day event will be recycled, vegan options will be offered during meals, and organizers are encouraging attendees to use alternative transportation en route to the conference.

The event opens on Sunday and continues through Wednesday, including an opening session at 8 a.m. on Monday featuring keynote speaker Dave Newport, director of the Environmental Center at University of Colorado. A full schedule of events and more information about the conference is available at sustainability.ucsb.edu.

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sustainability and banking : 6/18/2009

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