Professionals, key decision makers and leaders dedicated to the
region's social, economic and environmental sustainability gathered at the
2008 Southwest Washington Sustainability Conference and Trade Show,
presented by the City of Vancouver and Clark County on July 10-11. Thought-provoking
speakers from across the country shared knowledge and practical experience in triple-bottom-line corporate strategies, green
building, economic development, renewable energy, climate change,
transportation, social equity and consumer responsibility. Interactive sessions allowed for further networking
opportunities.
We
recognize that conferences, by their own nature, present significant
challenges to the goal of being truly sustainable. Starting with the location at the
LEED-certified Hilton Vancouver Washington, this conference was an
exercise and effort in improving and emphasizing sustainable
practices. Online registration and
ticket sales were handled through Brown Paper Tickets, an online, fair
trade ticketing service that donates at last 5% of its revenues to the
communities it serves. The conference program was printed on paper made from tree-free agricultural byproduct of banana plantations coupled with 100 percent post consumer content.
A portion of the proceeds from the paper purchase were reinvested in
the community where plantations exist. The conference bags, which were
provided by sponsor First Independent Bank, double as reusable bags
for grocery and other shopping in the future. The seedlings that
served as centerpieces on the conference tables at plenary sessions will be
planted and grow into trees along the City of Vancouver’s Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway, increasing the urban tree canopy and providing a multitude of benefits. Handouts
were kept to a minimum in an effort to avoid waste. A number of presentations,
where allowed, were taped by CVTV Clark-Vancouver Cable Television for
later viewing. Copies of presentations also are available electronically
on this site, eliminating the need for printing paper copies. Please
visit our Presentations page for links to handouts, presentations and
videos.
Teachers
and Other Professionals Take Note: The
2008 SW Washington Sustainability Conference was pre-approved for a total of 13 Clock Hours
by the Washington Education Service District 112. Professional
development credits from conference attendance may also be available
to architects and other disciplines. Apply through your professional
association.
2008 Vancouver, Washington
