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Sustainable Delaware conference to address land-use, renewable energy

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Sustainable Delaware 2010, this year's 5th annual American Institute of Architects sustain-ability conference and green expo, will be from 830 a.m. to 430 pm, Wednesday, Sept. 22, at the Virden Center in Lewes. The conference convenes state and national leaders to examine energy, climate change, sea-level rise, and land use and its health effects. Gov. Jack Markell, Sen. Ted Kaufman and Sen. Tom Carper will particpate.

For two days, 30 green exhibitors, 50 presenters and 400 Delaware leaders in sustainable design, science, public health and policy will come together to envision Delaware's sustainable future in terms of nature's services, such as the stability of climate and sea level; natural resources like energy and water; and human resources like public health, safely and community livability. This gathering provides a cross-section of perspectives on sustainability in Delaware. While each presenter has his or own particular area of interest, all are convening to begin addressing concerns and goals in the coordinated way policymakers will need.

Many people think about sustainability as product-related, such as by purchasing solar panels and energy-efficient appliances. While these are important steps that consumers can take, government policies and regulations must also address sustainability for the long-term health, safety and welfare of the public. Additionally, in an economic downturn sustainability should create immediate labor-intensive green jobs that positions Delaware well for the competitive economy of the future based on clean, safe, renewable energy.

In accord with the findings of national American Institute of Architects and University of Delaware research, sustainability is considered a three-legged stool: land-use pattern reform, renewable energy and efficiency, and all three legs must be in place to work

Registration for the Sustainable Delaware 2010 Sept 22, in Lewes includes breakfast, lunch and a reception for $65.





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