The developer of the country's first green, master-planned, mixed-use, arts and residential neighborhood will be the keynote speaker for Green$ense 2007 on March 15 in Pittsburgh.

Susan Eastridge, chief executive officer of Concord Eastridge, will open the conference with a discussion of her company's commitment to building profits through green building. Concord Eastridge is the winning developer of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's RiverParc design/development competition to create a $460 million “green” arts/ residential neighborhood within the Cultural District.

The luncheon speaker will be Jim Hartzfeld, managing director, InterfaceRAISE, Interface Corporation. The Atlanta company has been a leader in transforming the carpet and flooring industry into a corporate leader that protects the environment while serving the needs of shareholders.

"Green building has evolved from a grassroots movement to a thriving industry that is delivering substantial and sustainable results for the bottom lines of its participants and the health of the environment," said Rebecca Flora, executive director, Green Building Alliance. "Economic forces are fueling the growth in the green building industry. In many cases, green buildings are leasing faster, commanding premium rents and qualify for insurance discounts."

Winners of the Shades of Green Leadership Awards will also be announced at the Green$ense luncheon. The awards recognize individuals in Western Pennsylvania who have contributed to the region's environmental transformation through green leadership within the built environment.

Green$ense 2007 is a one-day conference highlighting case studies and strategies in green building, featuring nationally recognized experts. Exhibit booths displaying green building products and afternoon tours of Pittsburgh-area green buildings are also available.

To register or obtain more information, call 412-431-0709 or visit the Green$ense 2007 Conference webpage.

2/9/2007