Former Vice President Al Gore opens Greenbuild 2009 (photo Tipper Gore from Our Choice/Rodale)Former Vice President Al Gore will provide the opening keynote address at Greenbuild 2009, which begins next week in Phoenix. His new book, Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis, was just released.
This annual event, organized by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), focuses on sustainable building; the conference goal is to advance the conversation about “how we can build a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-effective, energy-efficient, water-saving green buildings.” The USGBC oversees the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification process for buildings.
Over twenty thousand attendees are expected to explore the array of offerings at Greenbuild 2009, which includes the world largest expo devoted to green building, a green building job fair, over 100 educational sessions, and LEED accredited workshops.
Along with Al Gore, the impressive line-up of speakers features Discovery Channel explorer Josh Bernstein, Starbucks President of Global Development Arthur Rubinfeld, and Assistant to President for Energy and Climate Change Carol Browner. Singer Sheryl Crow opens the event with a special concert celebration.
Stay tuned for my live dispatches from Greenbuild 2009 beginning next week!