Sustainability conference set for UC

 

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, along with ZMM Architects and Engineers and the University of Charleston, is sponsoring the “Making the Business Case for Sustainability” conference from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 5 at UC.

The conference will be conducted in the Erma Byrd Gallery, which is located in UC’s Riggleman Hall.

The purpose of the conference is to examine opportunities to link social, economic, and environmental actions to building, manufacturing, and operational performance. The conference will focus on a variety of business-related issues including sustainable commercial real estate, sustainable manufacturing and supply chain management, and sustainable buildings.

Jim Hartzfeld will deliver the keynote address. As managing director of InterfaceRAISE, Hartzfeld helps organizations weave sustainability into the fabric of everything they do, accelerating their learning, while enhancing their value and fulfilling their mission.

Other confirmed speakers include Gary Thomas, director of Sustainability Programs with CB Richard Ellis; Sandra Nessing, director of sustainability with AEP; Mark Bueltmann, manager of Sustainable Supplier Development with AEP; and Anita Snader, Environmental Sustainability manager with Armstrong Commercial Ceiling Systems.

“Sustainability is a long-term necessity due to the use of our finite natural resources,” said Cabinet Secretary Randy Huffman of the West Virginia DEP. “In the short term, it is a smart business decision because it can bring profitability. This conference will help participants understand why maintaining sustainable business practices makes good business sense.”

Greg Adolfson, sustainability officer for the DEP, said: “The number of large and small businesses refocusing their organizations to more sustainable strategies, operations, products and services has increased dramatically over the past few years. These organizations often share public concern about the environment, the greening of consumer preferences, and take a practical view of the potential business benefits of sustainability.”

Jill Watkins, ZMM’s sustainability coordinator noted that, “This event is being held to raise awareness of business solutions that meet the triple bottom line of economics, equity and ecology. Local and national experts will share many unique and competitive solutions that lead to higher profits, increased social equity among stakeholders and a restorative natural environment. We invite all West Virginia business leaders to come network with your peers, learn from other leaders making change in their organizations, and be inspired to reevaluate the overall sustainability of your own business.”

Seating for the event is limited. Please email your contact information to tickets@zmm.com to request a ticket for the event (maximum of 2 tickets per person). The deadline for ticket requests is July 2, 2010.

Contact:

Greg Adolfson
304-926-0499, ext. 1332
Gregory.E.Adolfson@wv.gov