past events 2008
archives of previous years

November 18: Greening the City – Adapting for Climate Impacts, London, England
Source: Livingroofs.org Calendar of Events page

Organised by Waterfront, the Greening the City – Adapting for Climate Impacts was held at The Building Centre in Central London.  The seminar provided an opportunity to understand small steps which can be taken to deliver huge benefits in improving the urban environment and creating better public green space, whilst mitigating threats from climate change. While nearly 50% of the world’s population live in cities, improving the urban environment and preventing climate change impacts becomes increasingly essential.

London has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 60% by 2025, as part of this commitment the Mayor has recently published a draft ‘London Climate Change Adaptation Strategy’. A number of the objectives of the Strategy can be achieved through ‘greening’ the city. Increasing trees and green spaces in cities will help to reduce the risk of overheating, will reduce flood risk by retaining rainfall and will help reduce noise and air pollution.

Across the country Planning Policy Guidance 17 (PPG17) requires local authorities to assess and audit open spaces in their area and states that parks and planning departments should work together to prepare a green space strategy setting out objectives but also resources and methods available to fulfill these.

Join a leading line up of speakers to determine future threats and impacts and mitigation strategies which cities can adopt.
Speakers include:

Tony Juniper former Director Friends of the Earth
Alex Nickson, Greater London Authority
Robert Shaw, Faber Maunsell
Peter Head, Arup
Tim Reeder, Environment Agency
Dusty Gedge, Livingroofs.org
Chair: Anthony Hudson, Hudson Architects

For further information and a full programme please visit the Waterfront website or contact Waterfront on 020 7787 1210.

November 17-18: Climate Change and the Green Sector: A Growing Interest, Ashville, NC, USA
Source: AGrowingInterest.com

Climate change has the potential to dramatically impact business and other public interests that rely on the health and well-being of plants. This important conference brought together climate experts and numerous business leaders to explore the climate's impact on the plant sector and how your business can adapt to potential changes. This one-and-a-half-day conference provided an important first step in building a critical information bridge between the climate science community and the numerous, diverse business sectors and public interests that rely on the health and well being of plants.

If you are in the landscape architecture, golf course design and management, conservation, horticulture, gardening, nursery management, arboreta, botanical gardens or public land management areas, you will benefit from this important event.

In addition, all participants are invited to join us in commemorating the completion of the U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN) with an evening program and reception on Sunday, November 16th from 6:00-8:00 PM at The Grove Park Inn.

The USCRN is a network of climate stations developed as part of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) initiative whose primary goal is to provide future, long-term, homogeneous observations of temperature and precipitation that can be coupled to long-term historical observations for the detection and attribution of present and future climate change. The USCRN has installed and commissioned all 114 sites, thus completing the design for the contiguous United States. The first two sites were placed in the Asheville, North Carolina area: one in the North Carolina Arboretum (Bierbaum Site) and the other at the North Carolina Horticultural Crops Research Center (Backlund Site). For more information about the USCRN program, please visit www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/uscrn. 

A tour of the North Carolina Arboretum, one of the nation's largest and most beautiful, was offered to all participants of the conference on Sunday, November 16 from 2:00-4:00 PM.

Publisher's Note:  I asked Michael Colgin, Office Manager/Executive Assistant, with the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, one of the organizing groups, if green roofing would be specifically addressed, and here's Michael's response:

"The issue will be raised as a part of the North Carolina Arboretum Tour, as they have green roofing. Additionally, the conference is set up so that the working groups can address a number of topics of interest and concerns to the green sector. The idea of the conference is to encourage feedback from this sector by having a program where there is ample opportunity for feedback. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) wants to hear from each of the different parts of the green sectors; what are the concerns and what are their needs. It would be ideal if there were representatives there from the green roof arena that could raise the issues facing them. This is a great opportunity to build a bridge to the providers of the science and data that can help the green roof sector better prepare for the challenges from climate change, and raise awareness to your cause."

Visit the Climate Change and the Green Sector: A Growing Interest website for more info.

November 11: Sustainable Building Envelope Seminar: Sustainability Starts at the Top, Atlanta, GA, USA
Source: Tremco Inc.

From the roofing and sustainability experts at Tremco Incorporated: An AIA CEU accredited seminar series that defines the most successful innovations in Sustainable Building Envelope Technology. Hosted by Tremco Incorporated's Sustainable Technologies Group, the seminar was held on November 11, 2008 at the Ritz-Carlton in Buckhead, GA from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Professionals who will benefit are:

Architects
Land Development Professionals
Sustainability & Environmental Mitigation Managers
Landscape Architects and Installation Professionals
Facility & Maintenance Managers
Government, Environmental & Development Policy Managers

Hear from these professionals, including Lunch with a Panel Discussion:

Mary Ann Uhlmann, Environmental Horticulturalist & Green Roof Specialist Tremco; Jim Lohmann, RRO, CDT, Tremco; and Linda Velazquez, Greenroof Designer & Publisher/Editor, Greenroofs.com.

Download the PDF here, and RSVP to Kelly Ospina at 1.800.628.7501 or Kospina@tremcoinc.com.

November 8: Introduction to Green Roofs, Sheffield, England, UK
Source: The Green Roof Centre

The Green Roof Centre - established by the University of Sheffield and Groundwork Sheffield working in partnership with the four South Yorkshire Local Authorities, is holding a series of one day greenroof training courses entitled "Introduction to Green Roofs."  The course will be held on the 8th of November, 2008 from 9:30 am - 4:00 pm at the ICOSS Building in Sheffield, UK (also on February 10, 2009).

Who should attend?
The course is aimed at anyone with an interest in green roofs and does not require any previous knowledge of the technology.

Content
Each day course consists of a series of presentations from experts in the field, followed by a mini-tour of green roofs across South Yorkshire, giving delegates an unique opportunity to see for themselves the range, diversity and potential of green roofs.

Cost
£225 + VAT This includes lunch and training notes.

If you have any questions please contact Anna Cooper, Green Roof Officer on 0114 263 6425 or email anna@thegreenroofcentre.co.uk.

Visit The Green Roof Centre website for booking and more info.

November 4: CitiesAlive! Toronto Launch Event and Workshop, Toronto, Canada
Source: Canadian Architect

This workshop was held from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm on Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 at the Toronto Botanical Garden located at 777 Lawrence Avenue East in Toronto. The event was of interest to architects and landscape architects, engineers, roofing professionals and contractors, policy makers, planners, policy makers, NGOs, academics and researchers interested in the field of Green Infrastructure (inclusive of green roofs, walls and urban greenery).

Through the workshop, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and the City of Toronto are helping to build the culture of green infrastructure in Ontario, improving our communities and quality of life, and broadening public and political awareness of the multiple benefits of green roofs, green walls and urban forests as part of the built environment.

Learn about integrating natural systems and processes with site and structure from keynote speaker Paul Kephart, a renowned expert in ecological consulting and vegetated systems design. Hear the latest news and research about green infrastructure policy. Enjoy presentations on cutting-edge North American green infrastructure case studies, including the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Ottawa War Museum, Windsor school projects, Green Walls and more. Network with members of the Ontario chapter of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and other professionals in the field of Green Infrastructure. Be on hand for the official launch announcement of the World Green Infrastructure Network's inaugural Congress entitled CitiesAlive! 2009, taking place in Toronto in October 2009.

The registration fee was $199 for a delegate (limited to 150), $79 for a non-profit delegate (limited to 50), and a 10' x 8' exhibition booth costs $500 (limited to 10).

Participants seeking self reporting education credits may request certificates of attendance for submission to their professional association following the event.

Visit the Toronto Botanical Garden website.

November 3-5: Design-Build Conference & Expo, Las Vegas, NV, USA
Source: Design-Build Conference & Expo

The 2008 Design-Build Conference & Expo was held in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 3-5, 2008 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel Casino & Convention Center. Sign-up today for the 2008 Show, and reserve the best space for your company and receive the lowest rates of the year, at least $200 lower than regular rates.  Check back later for updated information.

Visit the Design-Build Conference & Expo website.

November 3-5: Waterproof Membranes 2008, Cologne, Germany
Source: Applied Market Information

AMI organised the 2nd international industry conference on products, applications and trends in membranes: Waterproof Membranes 2008 took place from 3-5 November 2008 at the Maritim Hotel in Cologne, Germany. The conference features papers on European markets by Jon Nash, the United Arab Emirates by Water Seal Company LLC and the Russian market by NTC "Gidrol-Krovlja."

Waterproof membranes are key components for geoengineering projects and the focus is on construction and civil engineering applications: roofing membranes and geomembranes. On the first evening there will be a cocktail reception, followed by a 2-day programme of expert presentations. A small exhibition runs alongside the conference.

Waterproof Membranes 2008 provides an international forum for all companies involved in waterproofing membranes. This year there are presentations on markets for membranes in different geographic regions, membrane technology (from top manufacturers), applications, properties, and the role of membranes in energy and water conservation.

Visit the AMI conference website.
 

October 31: Call for Papers due for the 2009 Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference, Awards & Trade Show, Atlanta, GA, USA
Source: Green Roofs for Healthy Cities

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities is accepting submissions for papers and posters to be presented at the Seventh Annual International Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference, Awards and Trade Show on June 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2009 in Atlanta, GA.

Hosted by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, the Conference will raise awareness of the many benefits of green roofs, share new research findings, provide information on the latest designs, implementation techniques and products, and broaden networks while working towards building more sustainable cities through green roof implementation.

Conference streams fall under Policy, Design and Case Studies, and Research. We are particularly interested in presentations that emphasize the themes of water management; urban heat island and air quality; and green space.

Abstract submissions are due by October 31st, 2008

Submission requirements: Completion of the call for papers submission form which includes a 300-word abstract and 50-word biography.

For more information or to download the submission form (.doc file), visit the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities website.

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October 31: Early Bird Exhibitor Discount due for the 2009 Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference, Awards & Trade Show, Atlanta GA, USA
Source: Green Roofs for Healthy Cities

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities is pleased to announce that registration for exhibitors for their 7th Annual Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference, Awards and Trade Show being held in Atlanta from June 3 – 5, 2009 is now available. Space is reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. An early bird discount of $200/booth is available to those who register, and pay, before October 31, 2008.

Please complete the Registration Form (PDF) and fax back to us at 416-971-9844 as soon as possible to ensure that you receive the booth of your choice. Thanks for your continued support and participation.

Contact Jennifer Sprout, Vice President, Membership and Market Development, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities with any questions: Telephone: 416-971-4494 ext. 229 and e-mail: jsprout@greenroofs.org.

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October 22 and 29: City of Portland Ecoroof Technical Workshops, Portland, OR, USA
Source:  City of Portland

The city of Portland is offering a series of free technical workshops on ecoroof structure, design, construction and permitting.  In Spring 2008, BES offered a series of seminars on ecoroofs.  The response to the series was overwhelming!  Because there was so much interest in ecoroofs, we repeated the series in October.  There were two, full-day sessions on consecutive weeks:

Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The seminars were held in the Portland Building auditorium, located on the 2nd floor of the Portland Building. The Portland Building address is 1120 SW 5th Ave., in downtown Portland.

If you are interested in attending future ecoroof seminar series, please contact Marjorie Brown at ecoroof@bes.ci.portland.or.us.  Please include your contact information or call 503.823.7119.

Visit the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services website. 

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October 28: Green roofs - Basic principles and design, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Source: CIRIA

These green roof sessions have been developed in partnership between CIRIA, the Green Roof consultancy and Livingroofs.org who are working together to deliver guidance on the implementation of green roofs, green walls and other biodiversity features. The training will enable delegates to efficiently plan, design and manage green roofs in accordance with best practice guidance and the relevant regulatory framework. Below are all of the dates:

9 October 2008, Bristol
28 October 2008, Belfast
25 November 2008, London
20 January 2009, Sheffield
17 February 2009, Glasgow

Register and visit the CIRIA training website.

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October 28: City of Portland Grant Application Packet Available, Portland, OR, USA
Source: Working Green for Clean Rivers City of Portland Newsletter

City of Portland to Offer Ecoroof Incentives:
The ecoroof grant program is part of the City of Portland's Grey to Green effort to accelerate the City's work to increase Portland's green stormwater management infrastructure, protect sensitive natural areas and improve habitat. The city currently has about nine acres of ecoroofs scattered among more than 90 buildings. The Grey to Green goal is to add 43 acres of new ecoroofs in five years.

The city will spend about $300,000 on grants in this fiscal year, and will make grant funds available over the next five years. The incentive grants will pay up to $5 per square foot for new ecoroof projects. Industrial, residential, commercial and mixed-use projects are eligible for the incentive program. The grant application packet was available on October 28, 2008 online at www.portlandonline.com/bes/ecoroof or by calling 503.823.7914.

Read about the Ecoroof Incentive Program here.

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October 15: GreenCities Florida Applications Due - Call for Papers, Orlando, FL, USA
Source: Green Cities

Calling all Leaders in Sustainable Education: GreenCities Florida is seeking the brightest minds and greatest innovators in the sustainability movement to share a rich educational experience with Floridian businesses and governmental agencies.  GreenCities Florida is the inaugural launch of the GreenCities event series. This event held March 10 - 12, 2009 in Orlando will create significant opportunities for building a green economy in Florida. This is not your usual conference; GreenCities offers interactive and collaborative workshops, nationally known experts in sustainability, best practices case studies, conversation café environments, a green jobs fair, and open space technology sessions. This event is designed to provide attendees with short and long-term steps towards sustainable practices, opportunities to network with like-minded peers, green tools and resources, and demonstration on how the “triple bottom line” provides for people, planet, and profit.

Business, government and community leaders are invited to apply to speak at this event. There is special interest in speakers who depart from the “didactic lecture model” and offer interaction, collaborative experiences with hands-on and real world simulation in their presentations.

To apply to speak at GreenCities Florida please visit the Call for Presenters Page. This website offers detailed information on the event and the types of presentations and speakers who will be selected.

Visit the GreenCities website.

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October 13: Pioneering Green Wall Researchers Wanted, Toronto, Canada
Source: Green Roofs for Healthy Cities

The Green Walls Group (GWG), a Corporate Member sub-committee of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities – North America, Inc. (GRHC), a non-profit industry association, is pleased to announce the first green wall research grant in North America. The group was seeking requests for proposals for green wall research projects.

Update: The deadline for the RFP was extended to October 13, 2008 – 5pm EST 2008.  Application guidelines are available at www.greenroofs.org.

Related:
Green Wall Fund RFP of July 14, 2008 (PDF)
Green Wall Research Fund Budget Template (XLS)

Download the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities Research Proposal PDF here.

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October 13: Call for Abstracts Due for the 2nd ISHS International Conference on Landscape and Urban Horticulture, Bologna, Italy
Source:  ISHS International Conference

The Organizing and Scientific Committees of the 2nd ISHS International Conference on Landscape and Urban Horticulture cordially invite you in Bologna, Italy, from June 9 to 13, 2009. Call for Abstracts. Scientific contributions are welcome, concerning a wide range of topics: from ecophysiology and plant management in urban environment, through psychological and social aspects of gardening, plant use and garden design - including transversal views where landscape architecture meets functional horticultural management in the cities – to urban agriculture. Contributions dealing with innovative solutions for garden design and management, including ecological engineering and technologies, are warmly welcome.

Abstracts should be submitted electronically only, to dista.luh2009@unibo.it before October 13th, 2008

An abstract in English of about 300 words should be presented on a single A4 page (File Word - .doc) .

Please structure the abstract as follows:

§ Topic

1. Plants in historical gardens.
2. Urban landscape horticulture.
3. Green roofs, vertical gardens and living walls.
4. Interior landscape.
5. Ecophysiology and vegetation management in urban environment.
6. Food and flowers production in/for the cities.
7. Social and psychological role of horticulture in the urban environment.
8. Urban horticulture meets architecture.

§ Title

§ Author (s) and affiliation

§ Corresponding author’s address

§ Text of abstract

§ Presentation: oral or poster

Visit the Conference website.

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October 11: Arlington Garden Club Green Roof Workshop, Arlington, WA, USA.
Source: HeraldNet

The Arlington Garden Club is offering a series of Turn Your Thumb Green workshops starting this fall. All are open to the public. The workshops are free to club members and $3 each for everybody else. They’re held 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the second Saturday of the month at the Arlington Boys and Girls Club, 18513 59th Ave. NE, Arlington.

Oct. 11: Patrick Carey of Hadj Design spoke on green roofs. Carey trains builders, landscape architects as well other building professionals on the subject of green roofs.  The intended audience is do-it-yourselfers who are taking on small residential projects.  Publisher's Note:  And Patrick is the Architecture Editor here on Greenroofs.com; he writes the occassional column "A View from the Sky Trenches."


Visit the Arlington Garden Club website.

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October 9: Charlotte Energy Symposium: How Valuable is Your Roof?, Charlotte, NC, USA
Source: Tecta America

Tecta America presented the Fall Energy Symposium: How Valuable is Your Roof? Co-sponsored by Sun Net Zero, Orion Energy Systems, and Advanced Green Technologies, it will be held on Thursday, October 9 from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, 820 Hawfield Road, Charlotte, NC 28214, 704.391.3900.

Learn From the Experts
Please join Tecta America as we bring together leaders from the energy, environmental and roofing industries to show you how to get more from your roofing investment. Learn how to lower your energy consumption and achieve significant cost savings, all while benefiting the environment.  Earn four AIA/CES Learning Credits by attending.

Featured Speaker: Michael J. Potts
Executive Vice President, Orion Energy Systems

Ted Middleton
Co-Founder, COO, Sun Net Zero, LLC

Michael Hannah
Director of Multistate Tax Services, Pricewaterhousecoopers

Angie Durhman
Green Roof Project Manager, Tecta America Corp.

Mark Gaulin
COO, Tecta America Corp.

Seminar Topics

Green roofs
Design, installation and a green roof's impact on the bottom line

Solar
Financing considerations: buy, lease and Power Purchase Agreement

Daylighting
Harness the power of natural light and watch your energy bills drop

Other topics will cover energy and the environment, green trends, North Carolina Tax Incentives, and Vegetated Roofing: Benefits to Bottom Line, and much more.  In addition to earning four AIA/CES Learning Credits, attendees will learn how to lower their energy consumption and achieve significant cost savings, all while benefiting the environment. Space is limited.

$95 includes seminar, breakfast and lunch;
$70 for BOMA, AIA and USGBC members - contact Margaret Collins at 847.581.3868 to obtain discount code.

Register and visit the Tecta America website to find the complete agenda, seminar topics, presenter bios and more.

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October 9: Green roofs - Basic principles and design, Bristol, England
Source: CIRIA

These green roof sessions have been developed in partnership between CIRIA, the Green Roof consultancy and Livingroofs.org who are working together to deliver guidance on the implementation of green roofs, green walls and other biodiversity features. The training will enable delegates to efficiently plan, design and manage green roofs in accordance with best practice guidance and the relevant regulatory framework. Below are all of the dates:

9 October 2008, Bristol
28 October 2008, Belfast
25 November 2008, London
20 January 2009, Sheffield
17 February 2009, Glasgow

Register and visit the CIRIA training website.

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October 3-7: ASLA Annual Meeting & EXPO, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Source: ASLA

The ASLA Annual Meeting & EXPO was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 3-7, 2008 at
the Pennsylvania Convention Center.  Join the industry's largest professional event at the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) 2008 Annual Meeting and EXPO.  Featuring the world's leading experts in landscape architecture, the meeting includes over 120 sessions and 450 exhibitors.  Connect with authorities leading the next generation of sustainable design and find out how the landscape architecture profession melds environmental, social, and economic health through green infrastructure.

Visit the ASLA Annual Meeting & EXPO website.

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October 4-5: 2008 Green Buildings Open House & Tour, Tompkins, Tioga and Schuyler Counties, NY, USA
Source: Ithaca Journal

Don't miss this unique opportunity to see first hand renewable energy and green building practices at work in our area. Green building involves designing, constructing or renovating homes, schools, workplaces and other structures for high performance, human health and environmental sustainability. This year's Green Building Open House features 27 homes in Tompkins, Tioga and Schuyler Counties. Homeowners and/or green building professionals will be on site to answer questions and describe their green building features - such as energy efficient appliances, passive solar design, photovoltaics, wind power, salvaged and non-toxic building materials, local lumber, strawbale construction and more.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County and the Ithaca Green Building Alliance are local organizers for this annual event held by the Northeastern Sustainable Energy Association in conjunction with the American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Tour. Our local 2008 Tour has expanded to two days, with half of the homes open on Saturday, and half on Sunday. Visitors may view participating sites between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Living roofs on Saturday Oct. 4 only:
112 Lansingville Road, Lansing
Mole Meadow, Ithaca (guided tours only)

Living roofs on Sunday Oct. 5 only:
Ithaca Children’s Garden “Troll House”, 701 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca
5040 Williamee Road, Trumansburg
Ithaca College/Park Center (Rt. 96B)

Local sites, photos, descriptions and maps of the tour sites are in the 2008 Green Building Open House Guide (12,518K PDF) which is also available in hardcopy on 100% recycled paper for $1 suggested donation at Tompkins County Cooperative Extension after 8/25/08. These sites -- and others that have registered after the 2008 Guide was printed, are listed on the NESEA website at http://www.nesea.org/.

Visit the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County website. 

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October 4-5: openhousenewyork Weekend, New York, NY, USA
Source: openhousenewyork

openhousenewyork hosts year-round educational programs celebrating New York City’s built-environment, culminating in America’s largest architecture and design event, the Annual openhousenewyork Weekend.  The 6th Annual openhousenewyork Weekend was held on October 4 & 5, 2008 in New York, New York, and another great year of Focus on Architecture!  Area greenroofs and roof gardens were expected to be included, as have been in the past.  Check back later for updated information.

Visit the openhousenewyork Weekend website. 

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October 1-3: GreenXchange Xpo, Los Angeles, CA, USA

GreenXchange Xpo took place on October 1-3, 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California. Daily and globally, business, governments and environmental NGOs are creating revolutionary green technology partnerships around the concepts of climate change and sustainability. The biggest barrier to entry to this new market phenomenon is a practical understanding of its emerging players, technologies and dynamics - how your organization best connects all the green dots and learns from and shares best practices.

The GreenXchange Xpo will be the multi-sector and cross-disciplinary exhibition marketplace allowing attendees to discover their complete portfolio of green solutions and market opportunities under one roof. The GreenXchange Xpo will encompass the GreenXchange Global Marketplace Conference and the global exhibition marketplace for policy shapers, thought leaders and environmental innovators to see first hand all the latest green technologies and solutions.

Marketplace Areas on the Expo Floor Included:
» Transportation Showcase
» Sustainable Building, Design and Development Showcase
» Renewable Energy Showcase
» Clean Tech Showcase
» International and Investment Showcase

Conference Themes Included:
» Non-Renewable Energy
» Renewable Energy
» Air, Water and Waste
» Sustainable Building & Design
» Clean Tech, IT, Transport & Infrastructure
» Capitalizing Green Tech
» Climate Change Policy

Visit the GreenXchange Xpo website.

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Note Date Change!  October 1-3: World Energy Engineering Congress, Washington, D.C., USA
Source: RenewableEnergyAccess.com

New Dates - WEEC CONFERENCE:
OCTOBER 1-3, 2008 (previously October 8-10)

New dates - WEEC EXHIBITS:
OCTOBER 1-2, 2008 (previously October 8-9)

The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) presented the WORLD ENERGY ENGINEERING CONGRESS (WEEC) on October 1-3, 2008 in Washington, D.C. for 2008 — and to an extraordinary new venue — the Gaylord National Convention Center on the Potomac. Now in its 31st year, the WEEC is well-recognized as the most important energy event of national scope for end users and energy professional in all areas of the energy field. It is the one truly comprehensive forum where you can fully assess the "big picture" – and see exactly how the economic and market forces, new technologies, regulatory developments and industry trends all merge to shape your critical decisions on your organization's energy and economic future.

The energy event of national scope for end users and energy professionals in the energy field. Featuring large conferences, seminars, and comprehensive exposition of the market's most promising new technologies, with special free technology workshops. WEEC includes FEMWorks 2008, a comprehensive series of workshops for federal energy managers. GreenStreet offers expert presentations and showcases the very latest environmentally friendly, green energy related products and services. The WEEC features a large, multi-track conference agenda, a full line-up of seminars on a variety of current topics and a comprehensive exposition of the market's most promising new technologies.

The WEEC conference and expo target the complete spectrum of technologies and services of greatest importance to our delegates in attendance, including, but not limited to:

Renewable and alternative energy
Combined heat & power / cogeneration / distributed generation
Integrated building automation & energy management
Lighting efficiency
HVAC systems and controls
Thermal storage and load management
Boilers and combustion controls
Geoexchange technologies
Solar and fuel cell technologies
Applications specific to federal energy management programs
Energy services and project financing

Visit the World Energy Engineering Congress website.

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September 28-October 1: October 2008 Committee Week, Miami Beach, FL, USA
Source: ASTM

The October ASTM 2008 Committee Week for the E06 Performance of Buildings (which includes the Green Roof Task Force) was held at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida on Sunday September 28 - Wednesday October 1, 2008.  Open to the public.

Read the Greenroofs.com former ASTM Editor, Ralph Velasquez, ASTM Updates column here.  (Now he's the Sustainable Roofing Technologies Editor).

Visit the ASTM website.

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September 28: Boston GreenFest 2008, Boston, MA, USA - Postponed 'til Sunday, September 28 due to bad weather!
Source: Karen L. Weber

Foundation for a Green Future, Inc. looks forward to welcoming you to Boston GreenFest 2008. As supposed informed people, we remain in denial about human impact on our environment and the climate chaos that is occurring across our globe. In order to help “wake us up” to these realities, as well as ways to start being proactive about global warming – far more than changing a light bulb or inflating our tires, a group of people under the guiding force of the Foundation for a Green Future, Inc., decided to organize Boston GreenFest 2008 at Boston City Hall Plaza on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26-27 - Postponed 'til Sunday, September 28.

The premise of this festival is based on the need to bring every-one from across our neighborhoods to City Hall Plaza to work together to solve the global warming problem. And we can begin in so many ways – doing neighborhood projects including rainwater recovery, organic raised bed gardens, green roofs, beekeeping, solar and wind and the list goes on. Boston GreenFest 2008 is an entertaining education festival celebrating the many ways we can create a better world through greening our neighborhoods, our communities and the entire Boston area.

We will display and demonstrate many fun ways people can save energy and save money with products and systems available today. Movies, music, art exhibits, virtual interactive experiences, youthTalks and much more...

Sponsors and exhibitors will have the ability to gain direct contact with Boston area citizens and political leaders. They will also benefit from press coverage of this festival in which we meet the challenge of global climate change together.

Greenroofs.com is very pleased to be a Sponsor!  Visit the Boston GreenFest 2008 website.

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September 25-27: West Coast Green, San Francisco, CA, USA
Source: West Coast Green

West Coast Green 2008 was held on September 25-27, 2008 at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, California.  West Coast Green gave the residential green building market the event had been wanting: a full scale 3-day conference and expo.  While new green events emerge every year, West Coast Green represents the largest milestone yet in the residential green building movement. Never before has a conference and expo provided access to such comprehensive state-of-the-art resources, impactful presentations, and rewarding opportunities for business development in the residential green building field.

West Coast Green, the premier conference and expo on green innovation, hosted over 400 exhibits, advanced interactive educational tracks and dynamic networking events for business professionals from across the country.

Nobel Laureate Al Gore to Keynote West Coast Green 2008
World’s most influential environmental spokesman to address architects, builders, innovators, and policy-makers at nation’s premier green building and business conference on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 9:30 am.  Read more.

Pre-Conference in-depth workshops
September 24, 2008

Conference and Expo for Business and Trade Professionals
September 25-27, 2008

Expo open to homeowners
September 27, 2008

"At present, two sessions will talk about green roofs.
One is on the World of Water with Josiah Cain (formerly from Rana Creek). It will look at the global problem and touch on solutions. The second is Living Systems Design - Integrating Water Issues into the Built Environment. Paul Kephart of Rana Creek will be speaking - including Green Roof Design by Bry Sarte from Sherwood Engineering.

The opportunity to talk about Green Roofs will also be made available in one of our Table Topic lunch time sessions."

Advance registration was underway through July 31 at www.westcoastgreen.com/register.

Visit the West Coast Green website.

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September 18: "Green Roofing — How Effective is It?", Tulsa, OK, USA
Source: Tulsa World

Green roofing subject of meeting: The Tulsa chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council met Sept. 18 at McNellie's Public House, 409 E. First St, Tulsa, Oklahoma.  The free event began with a social period at 6 p.m., followed with a presentation, "Green Roofing — How Effective is It?" by Clifford Johnson with Empire Roofing and Insulation, and Alan Roark with Roark Landscaping.

Johnson and Roark discussed the pitfalls of such a project, the effectiveness of a green roof and the ability to do it in Tulsa. Tulsa Community College is planning to establish a green roof on a new building currently under construction.

For more information, e-mail Lorrie Hoefling at tulsausgbc@gmail.com.

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September 17-18: World Green Roof Congress, London, England, UK
Source: Livingroofs.org

CIRIA in partnership with Livingroofs.org is pleased to announce the 2008 World Green Roof Congress, held in London on the 17-18th of September. This was the first event of it kind to showcase green roofs in the UK. The normally biannual World Green Roof Congress brings together leading green roof experts providing a platform for the latest research, policy initiatives and practical case studies. This exciting and respected Congress will drive the uptake and implementation of green roofs, provide a greater level of understanding of their benefits and stimulate innovation: shifting the perception of green roofs from the quirky to the main stream and demonstrate the business case.

The engaging two day programme with over ten countries represented included:

Day 1: Will set the scene with a series of inspiring key note presentations highlighting drivers and achievements, both in the UK and overseas. This will be supported by practical overviews of green roof implementation, demonstrating their application and benefits.

Day 2: Provides two workstreams allowing delegates to understand the evidence base supporting green roof performance and benefits as well as the lifecycle of green roof implementation. The Congress highlights latest innovations, research and practice to support the effective delivery of green roofs.

Visit www.worldgreenroofcongress.com.

The Congress in 2008
The Congress in Basle 2005 attracted around 400 delegates, the 2008 Congress in London will be of interest to a wide range of disciplines from a variety of sectors and countries. The Congress will be a two-day conference, with inspiring presentations, exhibitions, a conference reception, and the potential for a ‘green roof safari’ trip around London, and workshops to support the sharing of experience, knowledge and facilitating the delivery of green roofs in the built environment.

Conference
The two day conference will discuss the challenges and opportunities faced when implementing green roofs. It will focus on the contribution that green roofs can make to sustainable urban regeneration, climate change adaptation, sustainable storm water management as well as improvements to local biodiversity and quality of life within cities. The conference will highlight latest innovations and research to support the effective promotion and delivery of green roof solutions as well as demonstrating examples of good practice from the UK and overseas.

Field trips
Local field trips will be organised to demonstrate what has already been achieved in and around London. This provides an opportunity to see how green roofs contribute to sustainable development and green buildings.

Workshops
These will bring together leading academics, policy experts and practitioners in green buildings to discuss options and approaches for progressing the green roof agenda.

Who Should Get Involved?
The 2008 World Congress will be of interest to a wide range of professional with an interest in sustainable construction and regeneration. Furthermore it will of interest to policy makers.

Visit the World Green Roof Congress website.

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September 12: Eco-Roof Lunch and Learn, Portland, OR, USA
Source: The Oregonian

Lunch and learn: Portland Bureau of Development Services hosted a brown-bag presentation and discussion session about the benefits of installing eco-roofs, including a definition of eco-roofs and how they benefit homeowners and the environment and how to get permits for and install the roofs.

Free, noon to 1 p.m.; 1900 S.W. Fourth Ave., Room 2500-A, Portland, Oregon.

For more information call: 503. 823.1109 or visit www.portlandonline.com/bds.

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September 2: Introduction to Green Roofs, Sheffield, England, UK
Source: The Green Roof Centre

The Green Roof Centre - established by the University of Sheffield and Groundwork Sheffield working in partnership with the four South Yorkshire Local Authorities, is holding a series of one day greenroof training courses entitled "Introduction to Green Roofs."  The course will be held on the 2nd of September, 2008 from 9:30 am - 4:00 pm at the ICOSS Building in Sheffield, UK (also on November 8, 2008 and February 10, 2009).

Who should attend?
The course is aimed at anyone with an interest in green roofs and does not require any previous knowledge of the technology.

Content
Each day course consists of a series of presentations from experts in the field, followed by a mini-tour of green roofs across South Yorkshire, giving delegates an unique opportunity to see for themselves the range, diversity and potential of green roofs.

Cost
£225 + VAT This includes lunch and training notes.

If you have any questions please contact Anna Cooper, Green Roof Officer on 0114 263 6425 or email anna@thegreenroofcentre.co.uk.

Visit The Green Roof Centre website for booking and more info.

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August 21-22: International Sustainability Conference 2008, Basel, Switzerland

The 2nd International Sustainability Conference "Creating values for Sustainable Development" was held on 21-22 August 2008, in Basel, Switzerland.  Following the outstanding success of the 1st International Sustainability Conference ISC 2005 in Basel, the organisers – the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland and the University of Basel – organised a follow-up conference. The theme of this 2nd International Sustainability Conference was "Creating Values for Sustainable Development". From a socio-economic perspective we take this to be one of the major tasks and challenges with regard to the expected societal transformation processes toward sustainability.

The ISC 2008 provides a platform for both interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary oriented social scientists working in the field of sustainable development. The conference is committed to promoting dialogue, especially among economists and other social scientists. Moreover, the conference aims to act as a meeting point for committed individuals from the political, corporate and academic worlds as well as for representatives from civil society. The organization committee encourages scientists, managers as well as decision makers from various disciplines to attend the International Sustainability Conference 2008 and present the outcomes of their research and/or case studies in line with the session themes.

We are therefore delighted to invite you to attend the ISC 2008 in Basel. We look forward to offering researchers a platform for presenting papers and for exchanging and critically discussing new knowledge stemming from socio-economic oriented research on practical and theoretical issues in the domain of sustainable development.

Visit the International Sustainability Conference 2008 website. 

July 24-26: Singapore Garden Festival Expo 2008, Singapore
Source: Prof. Dr. Manfred Köhler

Visit Singapore Garden Festival Expo 2008, The Premier International Garden & Flower Show in the Tropics. SGF Expo is organised as part of the Singapore Garden Festival (SGF). In Singapore, the strong commitment by the government to further green up the island to create a City in a Garden has created unprecedented opportunities for innovation. Several mega projects, like the Gardens by the Bay, two multi-billion dollar Integrated Resorts, and a plan to transform the riverscape in Singapore for recreation and water sustainability all throw out vast opportunities for the adoption of new ideas and technologies.

“Changing Landscapes, Global Opportunities” is chosen as the theme of the inaugural Singapore Garden Festival Expo (SGF Expo) to create a platform for the landscape and horticulture industry to share the latest ideas and technologies and explore business opportunities in Singapore and Asia. Organised as an integral part of the Singapore Garden Festival, the SGF Expo has two components. The first is a conference for leading practitioners to share best practices and provide insights into emerging markets and trends driving the landscape and horticulture industry in Asia. The second component is a trade show to bring together buyers and suppliers of landscape and horticultural products and services.

As the premier tropical Garden City and a key player in the advancement of knowledge in urban greenery in the region, Singapore is proud to host SGF Expo. We are confident that this event will allow international participants to leverage on Singapore’s status as a regional center for finance, trade and transportation to seek market opportunities and trade links in the region.

The SGF 2008 will showcase vibrant masterpieces from the world’s top award-winning garden and floral designers under one roof! This “must-see” horticultural event will feature a small focus on roof gardens as well as:

• Landscape and Fantasy Gardens
Creations by local designers and top award-winning garden designers from around the world.

• Floral Windows to the World
Colourful and vibrant cut-flower displays and floral masterpieces with stunning set design and lighting by international floral designers.

• Singapore Orchid Show
Delightful showcase of Southeast Asia’s rich and diverse heritage of orchids.

• Garden Fiesta
Host of educational, recreational and entertainment activities catering to the public, families, serious gardeners as well as hobbyists.

• Vibrant MarketPlace
Wide array of plants, gardening and landscape products and services, and arts & crafts.

Visit the Singapore Garden Festival Expo 2008 website.

July 8: Summer Energy Symposium: How Valuable is Your Roof? Florham Park, NJ, USA
Source: Tecta America

Tecta America presented: Spring Energy Symposium: How Valuable is Your Roof? Co-sponsored by Ecostream and Orion Energy Systems, the symposium was held on Tuesday, July 8, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. ­ 2:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Park Hotel, 175 Park Avenue, Florham Park, NJ 07932; 800.321.6000.

Learn From the Experts
Please join Tecta America as we bring together leaders from the energy, environmental and roofing industries to show you how to get more from your roofing investment. Learn how to lower your energy consumption and achieve significant cost savings, all while benefiting the environment.

Earn four AIA/CES Learning Credits by attending.

Featured Speaker: Michael J. Potts
Executive Vice President, Orion Energy Systems

Seminar Topics

Green roofs
Design, installation and a green roof's impact on the bottom line

Solar
Financing considerations: buy, lease and Power Purchase Agreement

Daylighting
Harness the power of natural light and watch your energy bills drop

Other topics will cover energy and the environment, green trends and much more.

$95 includes seminar, breakfast and lunch $70 for BOMA members.  Register at www.tectaamerica.com and find the complete agenda, seminar topics, presenter bios and more.  Space is limited, so be sure to sign up soon.

Visit the Tecta America website.

June 30-July 3: IFLA 2008 World Congress, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
Source: International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA)

Transforming with Water was the theme of the 2008 World Congress of the International Federation of Landscape Architects. This 45th IFLA World Congress was held in the Netherlands from June 30 to July 3, 2008, in conjunction with the Apeldoorn Landscape Architecture Triennale, which hosts various other cutting-edge landscape events, such as the European Summer School, A Wider View on Cultural Landscape Challenges in Europe, the Conference Landscape and Leisure, and various exhibitions on garden history and landscape architecture. Landscape architects and professionals from all over the world were invited to join the 2008 IFLA Congress and share knowledge and ideas on the challenges and possibilities that we face when it comes to Transforming with Water.

The three days of the congress covered the theme in full breadth and depth. Each day had its own central theme to focus the activities of the day. The program offered a mix of keynote speeches, presentations, debates, excursions, workshops, executive lectures, an interactive forum, and social events. All participants picked their choice to gain maximum benefit from the rich variety of the contents offered. But everybody shared time together at the beginning and the end of the day, to provide every opportunity for meeting and exchanging ideas.

The primary focus of the congress is to facilitate a full discussion on the possibilities to design with water, whether not enough or on the contrary too much. Through the juxtaposition of water as either friend or foe the debate is stretched to facilitate the discovery of new ways to live together with water's transforming power. With excursions and on-site lectures you can visit the Dutch landscape, see the struggle of trial and error, and the - at times - successful dialogue with nature that was achieved. The indoor lecture sessions are reserved to hear about experiences from other parts of the world and reflect in a global perspective on wisdom, experience, and universally sound knowledge when it comes to Transforming with Water.

Visit the IFLA 2008 World Congress website.

June 22-24: Greening The Heartland, St. Louis, MO, USA
Source: AIA

Greening the Heartland is the premier annual conference on green building and sustainability programs in the Midwest. Whether you’re interested in greening your town, your business operations, your college campus or your building, you are invited to participate. We expect more than 3,000 conference attendees to gather in St. Louis, Missouri, including experts from the building trades, beginning practitioners, government officials, policy makers, business representatives and other sustainability advocates.

This regional U.S. Green Building Council conference will promote sustainable design and construction strategies for the built environment by encouraging joint leadership by the private and public sectors. The conference will highlight the latest in green building techniques that achieve energy and operational efficiencies, apply responsible construction and demolition practices, and aim for carbon neutrality. It will also demonstrate how green buildings promote the “triple bottom line” of profitability, people, and the environment – without compromising resources for future generations.

The four content tracks chosen for this year's conference — Corporate, Educational, Green Communities and Government — will appeal to a broad audience. We will have sessions on state-of-the-art energy technologies and new construction innovations, discussions on public policy issues, case histories on how to create more livable communities, tours of green buildings, as well as a number of professional training workshops for LEED certification. And our line-up of master speakers, presenters and panelists will be second to none, featuring professionals and innovators from across the country.

Don’t miss out on this important conference. Join us at Greening the Heartland 2008.

Publisher's Note:  Green Roof Blocks is a Gold Sponsor.

Visit the Greening The Heartland website.

June 20: Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) RFP Deadline, USA
Source: Water Online Press Release

The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) requested proposals for research that would provide education, outreach, and training on decentralized stormwater management techniques to critical target audiences. WERF will provide $112,000 for the development of innovative tools and training that lead to greater awareness, understanding, and use of decentralized stormwater management techniques; appropriate implementation for stormwater management; improved water quality; energy savings; and other benefits (e.g. aesthetics).

Decentralized approaches manage stormwater at the source (site level) using multiple techniques to control the quality and quantity of stormwater runoff. These methods include rain gardens, porous pavement, cisterns, vegetated roofs, and many other practices. Proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. (EDT), June 20, 2008.

Visit WERF's Open RFPs page for more information.

June 19-20: Green Roofs for Australia Conference, Brisbane, Australia
Source: Geoff Wilson

The second Green Roofs for Australia Conference was held in Brisbane, Australia on June 19 and 20, 2008.  Contact Geoff Wilson, President of Green Roofs for Australia, for more information.

Visit the Green Roofs for Australia website.

June 14-September 14: Expo Zaragoza 2008, Zaragoza, Spain
Source: The International Green Roof Association (IGRA) "Green Roofs News," Spring 2008

The Government of Spain organized an international exposition and promotional event from June 14 to September 14, 2008 on Water and Sustainable Development in Zaragoza. The Water Expo gives countries and international and non-governmental organisations, an opportunity to demonstrate innovations in the water business, as well as in environmental, technological, and research solutions. Over one hundred countries and organisations participated at Expo 2008.

At the Expo, a Water Tribune addressed scientific, technical, social, economic, institutional, legal and environmental issues for the purpose of sharing knowledge, lessons learned and presenting good practices. The Water Tribune highlighted water resources experiences from countries and regions and key developments in water and sustainable development. Ten themes were discussed at the water tribune throughout the duration of the Expo.

The Expo Zaragoza 2008 was held in the fifth largest Spanish city, and is all about ‘Water and Sustainable Development.’ For Green Roof enthusiasts the Expo in Zaragoza delivered a very special attraction.  The participants pavilion (61,667 m²) is covered by a green roof which is accessible for visitors and offers wonderful views over the landscape and the Ebro River.

Visit the Expo Zaragoza 2008 website.
 

June 11-12: Canada Green Building Council National Summit "Shifting into the Mainstream," Toronto, Canada
Source: Canada Green Building Council National Summit

As the leading national authority on green buildings, the CaGBC invites you to its first national summit in Toronto, June 11-12, 2008. The inaugural National Summit was the largest indoor green building event in Canada and was zero-waste! This historic event brought together the entire green building industry, with some 100 delegates, 150 exhibitors, and over 50 speakers from all across Canada. Speakers included Dr. David Suzuki and Premier Campbell.

Shifting Into the Mainstream is where building industry decision makers will learn about how LEED® Canada is evolving from one-time certification to a life-cycle building performance management system for any type of building, new and existing.

LEED® Canada for Existing Buildings will be launched in 2009 and offer online assessment, action planning and performance verification as well as a certification process that is fast, economical and easy to access. This further development of LEED in Canada will allow for the massive scaling up necessary to meet the CaGBC goal of 100,000 buildings and 1 million homes certified by 2015, with 50% reduction in energy and water use, and 50 Megatonnes of GHG emission reductions.

Delegates will get first-hand reports from the national pilot projects involving K-12 schools, commercial offices and public administration buildings. This is the first round of pilots conducted with industry to test and enhance the new LEED rating system and the distributed delivery model, and will be followed over the next three years by similar projects to address all major building types.

If you’re committed to green buildings, you’ll want to join us.
Contact: Rose Swagemakers
Phone: 416.364.0050 x 306
Email: rose@innovolve.com

Visit the Canada Green Building Council National Summit website.

May 29 (Sold Out) and June 17: Introduction to Green Roofs, Sheffield, England, UK
Source: The Green Roof Centre

The Green Roof Centre - established by the University of Sheffield and Groundwork Sheffield working in partnership with the four South Yorkshire Local Authorities, held a one day greenroof training course entitled "Introduction to Green Roofs" on the 29th of May, 2008 from 9:30 am - 4:00 pm at the ICOSS Building in Sheffield, UK.

Who should attend?
The course is aimed at anyone with an interest in green roofs and does not require any previous knowledge of the technology.

Provisional Agenda:
• Introduction and History of Green
Roofs
• Green Roof Construction
• Benefits
• Barriers to implementation
• Case studies and site visit
• Quotes and tendering
• Maintenance

Cost: £150 + VAT per person

Download the Green Roof Centre Course Flyer, and the Booking Form for more info.

Visit The Green Roof Centre website.

April 29, May 6, May 13, May 21, June 4 (Sold Out): City of Portland Ecoroof Technical Workshops - FULL!*
Source: OregonLive.com

The city of Portland is offering a series of free technical workshops on ecoroof structure, design, construction and permitting.  Each seminar will be held 8:30 a.m. to noon in the auditorium on the second floor of the Portland Building, 1120 SW Fifth Ave., Portland, Oregon.

Scheduled topics include:

Ecroofs: Latest Data, Information and Resources, Tuesday, April 29;

Ecoroofs: Structure and Design, Tuesday, May 6;

Ecoroofs: Membrane and Waterproofing, Tuesday, May 13.

Ecoroofs: Plants, Growing Media, and Irrigation, Wednesday, May 21.

Ecoroofs: Permitting, Construction, and Operation and Maintenance, Wednesday, June 4.

All seminars are free. Advance registration is required. Call 823.502.7213 or e-mail sandih@bes.ci.portland.or.us. Leave your name, address, phone and e-mail information.

* Portland Bureau of Environmental Services Update:  "Our spring workshops filled up very quickly and we can no longer take reservations for them. We are in the process of scheduling another series this fall and we are accepting names of people who want us to notify them when those sessions are scheduled. They can contact Sandi at sandih@bes.ci.portland.or.us or 503.823.7213 if they would like to be placed on that list."

Seminar participants received certificates of completion.

June 4: DEC Accepting Applications for Urban Forestry Projects Deadline, New York State, USA
Source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Press Release

Applications were accepted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for approximately $900,000 to support urban forestry projects across the state (Commissioner Pete Grannis).  DEC was seeking proposals for Urban and Community Forestry projects that will enhance New York's urban landscapes with healthy trees and provide environmental, health, and economic benefits.

Grants were available to municipalities, public benefit corporations, public authorities, school districts and not-for-profit organizations that have a public ownership interest in the property or are acting on behalf of a public property owner, and will range from $2,500 to $75,000, depending on municipal population, with a 50/50 match requirement. Eligible projects include green infrastructure projects including greenroofs and rain gardens.

Deadline is June 4, 2008.

Visit the DEC website.

May 23-25: EcoBuilding 2008 International Meeting for Architecture and Technologies for Sustainable Construction, Sao Paulo, Brazil

The EcoBuilding 2008 International Meeting for Architecture and Technologies for Sustainable Construction was  held on May 23 - 25, 2008 at the Paulista University - Unip - Campus Indianópolis, Rua Dr Bacelar, 1212 - Vila Clementina, in São Paulo - SP - Brazil.  The conference seeks to explore national and international sustainable construction topics ranging from basic concepts to the most advanced contemporary practices of eco-design, through the use of sustainable materials and building technologies, renewable sources of energy, water conservation, as well as case studies, legislation and market trends on sustainable construction.

Topics
Bioclimatic design by passive systems
Design & technology for energy efficiency and conservation
Renewable sources of energy
Innovative building materials and technologies to sustainable construction
Sustainable building tools and methods
Water conservation and re-use
Building evaluation and certification
Public Policies and incentives to sustainable construction
Material selection and life cycle assessment

Visit the EcoBuilding 2008 International Meeting for Architecture and Technologies for Sustainable Construction website.
 

May 21-24: Urban Biodiversity & Design Conference, Erfurt, Germany
Source: Prof. Dr. Manfred Köhler

We would like to warmly invite you to the cultural heart of Germany for the 3rd Conference of the Competence Network Urban Ecology. Our international conference “Urban Biodiversity and Design” will summarise for the first time in a global context current scientific and practical approaches of implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in urban areas. The case for urban biodiversity:

Distinctive characteristics of urban ecosystems
Centres of evolution and adaptation (e. g. important in the context of climate change)
Complex hotspots and melting pots for biodiversity
The only biodiversity which many people experience
Contributing to the quality of life in an increasingly urban global society - 2007 the first time 50 % of the world population is living in cities.

Our conference based in the neighbouring historic cities of Erfurt and Weimar will draw upon the legacy heritage of over 1000 years of urban settlement as well as considering the challenges of the worlds more recent and faster growing cities. The conference will be attractive to all disciplines involved in research, planning, design and management of the green urban environment including biologists, ecologists, landscape architects and planners, horticulturists, urban designers and local government administrators.

Our conference will support the Curitiba Declaration 2007 “Cities and Biodiversity” and contribute to the discussions on taking forward “Local Action for Biodiversity” in urban areas. Together with the "Mayors Conference-Local Action for Biodiversity " in Bonn 26. - 28. May 2008 the conference will promote greater awareness of the important role of our towns and cities at the 9th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 9) in Bonn.

One track is planned for greenroofs and facades.

Visit the Urban Biodiversity & Design Conference website.

May 22: “Going Green: Green Rooftops in New York City,” Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
Source: Lawn & Landscape Magazine

Columbia University’s graduate program in Landscape Design will offer a free public program, “Going Green: Green Rooftops in New York City,” a discussion of green roofs, at 6:30 p.m. May 22. Green roofs offer many benefits in urban areas, from aesthetic to environmental to practical. They help minimize the effects of pollution, reduce the urban heat island effect, improve energy efficiency, and provide a natural oasis in the urban jungle.

Speakers are William F. Foley and Amy Norquist. William Foley, CSI, CCPR, has been directly involved with green roof specification, consulting, installation assistance, and project oversight for five years. Most recently, Foley has taken a new position as NE sustainable technologies specialist with Tremco, Inc. Roofing Division. His responsibilities include green roofing systems, photovoltaic systems, and reflective roof system alternatives. In addition, Foley has been an instructor for "Green Roofs for Healthy Cities," teaching classes across the U.S.

Amy Norquist is a green building entrepreneur, specializing in the design and installation of green roofs and living walls. Her company, Greensulate, is based in New York City and has offices on Long Island and on the west coast. Norquist has over 20 years of experience in environmental conservation and protection and has worked with green buildings for over five years. Greensulate’s clients range from large corporations to the individual brownstone owner or co-op building.

The free discussion will take place in Room 501, Schermerhorn Hall at Columbia University (entrance at 116th Street and Broadway or Amsterdam). To register for the talk and to find more about the Master of Science in Landscape Design, go to www.ce.columbia.edu/landscape.

Visit Columbia University's Master of Science in Landscape Design Events website and their Going Green: Green Rooftops in New York City webpage.

May 19-22: Ecobuild America & AEC-ST, Anaheim, CA, USA
Source: Ecobuild America

Ecobuild America and AEC-ST was held in Anaheim, California on May 19 - 22, 2008, and is THE annual gathering place for AEC professionals who design, construct, manage facilities and specify building products, materials, and services. These events cover the unique intersection where ecology meets technology.

Ecobuild America
Openly invites all industry organizations, experts and career professionals to provide you and your building team with comprehensive exposure to all aspects of:

Sustainable and environmental design
Energy efficiency and renewable resources
Green building practices
Built Environment product and service innovations
Best practices and expert strategies
And opportunities to expand your offerings to government projects & all under one roof.

AEC - Science & Technology (AEC-ST)
Serves the Built Environment by focusing its expert sessions on helping you increase your productivity and profits throughout the project life cycle - solely by maximizing the benefits of your information technology. Unlock the gateway to clarity in collaboration within your enterprise, especially in regard to:

Building Information Modeling
GSA requirements for BIM
AEC Technologies and Best Practices
Multiple-data format management
Project Life Cycle automation
Future direction of IT trends, best practices and sustainable solutions

Visit the Ecobuild America & AEC-ST website.

May 17-18: Chicago Green Festival, Chicago, IL, USA
Source: Green Festivals

The 2008 Chicago Green Festival took place on May 17-18, 2008 at Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Avenue, in Chicago, Illinois.  Celebrating what’s working in our communities, green festival showcases more than 350 diverse local and national green businesses displaying and selling eco-friendly, fair trade and sustainable products. More than 150 visionary speakers appear for standing-room-only panel discussions, presentations and main stage speaking events.

You’ll also enjoy great how-to workshops, green films, a fair trade pavilion, yoga and movement classes, kids’ zone, delicious organic beer, wine and cuisine, and live music.

We extend a special thanks to the City of Chicago and the Chicago Department of Environment for their support in bringing Green Festival to the Midwest. And we deeply appreciate the amazing efforts of the Host Committee, Chicago’s green business and community leaders who help Green Festival provide the best products, services and technologies in the Great Lakes.

Visit the Green Festivals website. 

May 15–17: AIA 2008 National Convention and Design Exposition, Boston, MA, USA
Source: AIA

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2008 National Convention and Design Exposition will take place on May 15–17 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston, Massachusetts.  See how a city that began at the forefront of American history now shines as a vibrant and thriving community.  Boston’s seamless integration of historical and modern design makes it the ideal locale for exploring this year’s theme, We the People.  This theme calls upon you to exchange ideas with peers and industry leaders on the architect’s role in society and the power of architecture on behalf of all people.  It’s a big, important topic, which means the 2008 convention is a must-attend event.

Support Greenroofs.com's Sponsors by visiting these who will be on the Trade Show floor this year:

American Hydrotech - Booth # 16143
GreenGrid - Booth # 21146
Green Roof Blocks - Booth # 13176
Roofscapes, Inc. - Booth # 22193

And don't forget to visit our other Greenroof Directory Advertisers at the Show, too:

American Wick Drain - Booth # 24090
Colbond - Booth # 20177
Henry Company - Booth # 10085
Liquid Plastics - Booth # 23188
Sika Sarnafil - Booth # 14200

Attend the AIA Expo Trade Show floor for free on May 15 -17, see here.  Visit the AIA Convention website.

May 15: D.C. Greenworks' 3rd Annual Green Carpet Gathering, Washington, D.C., USA
Source: D.C. Greenworks

D.C. Greenworks is pleased to announce their 3rd Annual Green Carpet Gathering on Thursday, May 15, 2008 from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm at 1425 K Street NW, Washington, D.C.:

Buy your tickets here, and visit the D.C. Greenworks website.

May 11-13: National Association of Home Builders National Green Building Conference, New Orleans, LA, USA
Source: NAHB

The National Association of Home Builders National Green Building Conference was held on May 11-13, 2008 at the Sheraton New Orleans, in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Get contacts, tools and ideas that are good for both the environment and your bottom line. The National Green Building Conference is the only national conference targeted to green building for the mainstream residential building industry. Network with designers and suppliers, attend exceptional education sessions and develop the skills you need for profitable green building.

Who Should Attend:
Single family builders
Multifamily builders
Remodelers
Developers
Land planners
Architects and designers
Energy raters, home inspectors, utilities staff
Product manufacturers and suppliers

Visit the National Association of Home