The Delaware Valley Green Building Council will host “BuildGreen 2009” October 14-15 at the Sheraton City Center Hotel, Philadelphia.

An evolution of the Pennsylvania Green Growth Partnership Annual Forum, BuildGreen combines two of the state’s premier sustainability events -- the PaGGP’s annual forum connecting green stakeholders, including products researchers, manufacturers and investors, from throughout the region and the DVGBC’s Green Building Celebration.

The conference will culminate with the Green Building Celebration at the Penn Museum for Archaeology & Anthropology and honor winners of the prestigious DVGBC Leadership Awards.

“It seems especially appropriate to hold the first ever BuildGreen event in Philadelphia, a city of historical firsts that is also making a real and substantial commitment to forward-thinking sustainable practices in both the public and the private sectors,” according to DVGBC Acting Executive Director, Heather Shayne Blakeslee.

The theme of BuildGreen 2009 is research reinvest rebuild. “To inspire these actions, BuildGreen will bring together diverse constituencies sharing our vision of transforming the region through sustainable and environmentally responsible planning, design, construction and operation of buildings, landscapes, cities and communities,” said Blakeslee. “The BuildGreen Conference is the embodiment of the idea that economic development and sustainability are inextricably linked.”

Conference organizers expect attendance of over 750 representatives from the economic development community, the building, design and construction professions, the manufacturing sector, academic institutions, the investment community, and nonprofit community.

BuildGreen 2009 will showcase best practices in these areas while stimulating new thinking and ideation around sustainable products, services and processes.

The event will cover leading-edge environmentally-friendly building materials and methods, link companies and investors interested in creating sustainable products with universities throughout the state, and offer the region’s first course to help green building BuildGreen 2009/product reps, the real estate community, and others prepare for the new LEED Green Associate credential.

In addition, regionally and nationally recognized thought leaders in the field will present stimulating, thought-provoking educational sessions.

Another highlight of BuildGreen 2009 will be the presentation of the Delaware Valley Green Building Council Leadership Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations whose sustainability achievements are a model for the region and for the nation.

BuildGreen 2009 kicks off October 13 with pre-conference workshops, (LEED, Green Advantage and Green Building Products) and continues October 14 and 15 with two full days of interactive sessions, lectures, exhibits and outstanding business social networking opportunities at the Sheraton City Center Hotel located at 201 N. 17th St.

The Green Building Celebration event will run 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Penn Museum located on the University of Pennsylvania campus at 3260 South St. The concluding event, which is expected to sell out, draws a “who’s who” of the region’s leading green building and sustainability influentials.

In addition to the DVGBC and the PaGGP, organizers of BuildGreen 2009 include the Green Building Association of Central Pennsylvania, the Green Building Alliance and Philadelphia University.

For more information on conference programming and sponsorship opportunities, visit the BuildGreen 2009 website.