Upcoming Better Building Events
If you’re interested in learning more about sustainable development, networking with other responsible developers or sponsorship opportunities, here is a sampling of the many upcoming events and programs in the Puget Sound region this spring:
Leaders in Livability: AIA Seattle Welcomes Dow Constantine: April 7, 5:30pm - 7pm
Join AIA Seattle and Cascade Land Conservancy to get beyond the talk and the PowerPoint and hear from successful leaders who have used creativity to shape real change in our communities. King County Executive Dow Constantine will give his county-wide perspective on the challenges and opportunities of promoting livability on a region-wide basis. This is the second of a three-part series that provides unique and dynamic perspectives on building more livable, walkable and healthier cities. This program features a 45-minute interview with an opportunity for audience Q&A.
Introduction to Built Green®: April 12, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Thinking about joining Built Green®? Attend this two-hour introduction to the program to answer questions such as: How do I certify a project? How does the program work? Why should I become a member?
CREW Seattle & Sound: April 14, 11:30am – 1:00pm
What if every act of design and construction made the world a better place? Come hear how the first project in Washington State built to the Living Building Challenge standard achieved the highest levels of sustainability. Buildings designed to Living Building Challenge standards are net zero energy and water, and all materials used in construction are scrupulously screened to avoid toxic ‘red list’ materials. Join Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Seattle & Sound for lunch to learn more about the Challenge and the construction of the Bertschi School Living Science Building on Seattle’s Capitol Hill.
SOUTHSound Green Tour and Seattle Green Tour: April 16-17, 10:00am - 4:00pm, various locations
Hosted by the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild, both the South Sound Green Tour and the Seattle Green Home Tour are free and open to the general public. The tours will highlight a variety of green building, remodeling and retrofitting techniques. Learn more about how homes can approach net zero energy use, Built Green®, NW Energy Star for Homes, and LEED for Homes.
Pacific Northwest Regional Conference on Sustainability: April 29 – May 1
This conference provides a unique opportunity for engineers and scientists in the Pacific Northwest to exchange ideas and learn about the sustainability of energy, water, and environmental systems. The conference will cover a wide range of topics including sustainable infrastructure development, industrial ecology, sustainability in process design, renewable energy, water conservation and waste minimization.
Green Festival: May 21 – 22, Qwest Event Center
Green Festival inspires and promotes the connection between people, communities and businesses. Festivities include presentations by more than 125 authors, leaders and visionaries, informative workshops, films, activities for kids, organic beer and wine, food, live music, and a marketplace of more than 350 green local and national businesses and organizations. Keynote speakers include Amy Goodman, John Perkins, Jeffrey Smith, David Korten, Zoe Weil, and Edward Humes. Get a one-day pass for $10 or weekend pass for $15 when you purchase online.
Low Impact Development – Stormwater Management for Sustainable Design and Water Efficiency: June 16, 9:00am – 5:00pm
This course provides an overview of low-impact development (“LID”) approaches and resources for building industry professionals. Critical for the Pacific Northwest where water quality and salmon habitat protection are key issues, LID offers opportunities for sustainable site design and water efficiency. Intended for environmental professionals, landscape architects, architects, facility managers, and those who are interested in incorporating LID into existing sites.
