August 2008
Act Now for Early Bird Registration

Only one week left to act on Greenbuild early registration fees. Before September 8, USGBC members save $100 and non-members save $175. Prices for several other popular events, including the Wednesday night Welcome Gala, green building tours, LEED and Education Provider Program workshops, and the Boston Harbor cruise, will no longer be offered at the Early Bird rate. View page 25 of the Greenbuild Program (PDF) to see the price changes.

Early registration not only saves money, but also gives you a head start on reserving space for some of Greenbuild’s most popular sessions. This year, attendees are now required to register for the various educational sessions they wish to attend. Hotels are also selling out, so be sure to book your room today.

Register online at GreenbuildExpo.org to immediately begin reserving space for the educational sessions you want to see. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with a link to the Greenbuild Scheduler where you can learn about all on- and off-site sessions available (including educational sessions, green building tours, etc.); reserve seats for those that interest you; and create an exportable calendar for your PDA or iPhone.

Even if you haven’t registered for Greenbuild yet, you can book your hotel room now. There are over 15 Greenbuild partner hotels in Boston that are offering discounted rates and greener operating practices. Rates can only be confirmed if you book through the Greenbuild housing bureau. Read more about the partner hotels and book today. Changes and cancellations can be made through October 12.

Closing Plenary: Science in Sustainability

On the final day of Greenbuild, Friday, November 21, two of today’s greatest scientific minds will discuss the intersection of science and sustainability. E.O. Wilson and Janine Benyus have dedicated their careers to nature and how it can and should inform human behavior. In a session moderated by Kevin Klose, President of National Public Radio, they will share their expertise and research.

E.O. Wilson is University Research Professor Emeritus and Honorary Curator of Entomology at the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University. He is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and has written several books in which he highlights the calamitous loss of species diversity.

Janine Benyus is the author of Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature, which names an emerging discipline that seeks sustainable solutions by emulating nature's designs and processes. Benyus regularly consults with sustainable business, academic, and government leaders and conducts seminars about what we can learn from the genius that surrounds us.

LEED 2009 Workshops and USGBC-Approved Education Provider Courses Available at Greenbuild

Each year, hundreds of Greenbuild attendees take advantage of the pre- and post-conference LEED workshops that are offered. This year, the new LEED 2009 curriculum will make its debut with several new workshops offered in Boston. Be among the first to walk through the credit categories and intents or learn how to implement LEED 2009 on your current projects. Register Now!

For the first time, Greenbuild’s educational program will also include Education Provider courses alongside LEED Workshops. USGBC Education Provider courses are developed by USGBC member organizations and undergo a rigorous review conducted by trained third-party reviewers. For professionals seeking to go beyond LEED and enrich their knowledge of green building theories, techniques, and business trends, the Education Provider Program offers high-quality, peer-reviewed courses.

Education Provider courses serve building professionals, LEED APs, and anyone interested in expanding their knowledge. Many of our Education Providers’ courses are registered with other organizations to offer continuing education requirements. We encourage you to check with each Education Provider regarding any CEUs they offer for a course. Currently USGBC does not assign CEUs to courses reviewed in the Education Provider Program.

2008 Greenbuild Film Festival Call for Submissions

Back by popular demand, the Greenbuild Film Festival has expanded to two full days, November 19-20. It will feature films that promote green building practices and address social, environmental, and health topics related to the built environment. USGBC is now accepting film submissions from qualified parties for short films, feature films, documentaries, and animation. Find out more about the submission process.

“The Green Revolution” Welcome Gala

The Welcome Gala for Greenbuild will be a reflection of the green revolution and how Boston, as a city, has embraced going green. The event will be held at the Boston Children’s Museum, Boston’s first green museum, which earned LEED Gold certification. The past, present and future of green building will be reflected on the museum’s various floors. Watch Colonial craftspeople demonstrate the original green trades, learn about how one group is merging social equity with green building, and enjoy the whimsical décor and top-notch entertainment that is sure to get Greenbuild off to an exciting start.

The Boston Children’s Museum was designed as a place for children and their families to learn about science, culture, and environmental awareness—hopefully creating the next generation of planet caretakers. The museum’s green roof features some of its hands-on learning: more than 25,000 children and parents helped prepare and install over 3,000 plants over the Museum’s entrance.

The Boston Children’s Museum will assemble packets from their “Recycle Shop” for each guest of the USGBC Welcome Gala. The guests will have a chance to create a keepsake made from recycled materials. Also not to miss:

The Green of the Past – Third Floor: On the third floor, a timber frame team, a spinner and a weaver will demonstrate their trades from the Colonial Era. Meanwhile, a town crier dressed in period costume will announce the entertainment available throughout the venue, including Poor Richard’s Penny performing colonial ballads, stately instrumentals, comical tavern songs and lively dance tunes.

Plimouth Plantation historians from Plymouth, MA, will also offer a program on Wampanoag Indian life and culture. The program will be presented by Native American educators who will discuss the daily life, environment and shelter of early settlers with attendees.

The Green of the Present – Second Floor: Artists for Humanity’s mission is to bridge economic, racial and social divisions by providing underserved youth with the keys to self-sufficiency through paid employment in the arts. The group is housed in a new 23,000 square foot facility featuring 100 percent renewable energy, underscoring the feasibility and affordability of green design. Enjoy meeting some of the students as they put finishing touches on their artwork made of recycled materials. A contemporary dance orchestra, Sultans of Swing, will perform.

The Green of the Future – First Floor: Airtubes, colorful tubes of infinite lengths and applications, will accent the outside of the Boston Children’s Museum. The inflatables contain 99% air and are reusable and recyclable, thereby eliminating the use of raw materials. Standing Hi-Lights and Star Hi-Lights, softly illuminated from within, will create an elegant atmosphere and entryway, setting an imaginative tone for the evening.