The future of green jobs, the regional impact of the green economic stimulus package, and the importance of green manufacturing and construction in economic development will be the focus of the Green$ense 2009: Beyond Buildings Conference on March 30-31.

 

Now in its fifth year, this premier conference will be held at the Westin Convention Center Hotel and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. It is presented by the Green Building Alliance, the region's leading green buildings, products, and practices advocate.

 

"While many traditional drivers of economic growth are struggling, green sectors are experiencing some economic growth and are poised for even more," said Diane Bossart, education manager, Green Building Alliance. "By attending Green$ense, attendees will gain insight on how to capitalize on these green opportunities by learning from and networking with experts, as well as exploring how practical applications will translate into environmental, economic, and social benefits for our region and our communities."

 

Leading off the Green$ense roster of speakers is Jerome Ringo, president of the Apollo Alliance, the nation's preeminent authority on green jobs. Bryan Howard, manager of Federal Advocacy from the U.S. Green Building Council will be on hand to discuss what the recent economic stimulus package means for green jobs, infrastructure projects, and business opportunities in the nation, Western Pennsylvania, and surrounding regions.

 

"Green$ense is perfect for anyone or any organization that wants to begin or continue to seize economic opportunity through green practices, products, and policies in the built environment," said Bossart. "These groups include building owners, developers, architects, engineers, facility managers, corporations, small business owners, local and state government officials, community stakeholders and students."

 

Other keynote speakers include Joe Van Belleghem, partner, Windmill West, and Harvey M. Bernstein, vice president, McGraw-Hill Construction. Mr. Belleghem will present a successful case study of a green neighborhood development in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Mr. Bernstein will detail McGraw-Hill Construction's landmark SmartMarket Reports, which document green market research trends.

 

Green$ense will also provide breakout sessions on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building case studies; a tool to gauge the sustainability of communities -- ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability's STAR Community Index -- and a tour of green developments in Pittsburgh's East Liberty neighborhood.

 

A complete schedule of speakers, breakout sessions, and registration information for this important regional event can be viewed online at the Green$ense Conference webpage or contact Karen Puff at 412- 431-0709 or by sending email to: karenp@gbapgh.org.