The U.S. Green Building Council of Washington, D.C. recently announced that a performance by environmental advocate and nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow will help open its Greenbuild 2009 Conference, the world’s premier forum on sustainable buildings and communities.
The Greenbuild International Conference & Expo is being held November 11-13, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. More than 25,000 people attend Greenbuild every year, and its increasing profile and size led the USGBC to open this year’s event at Chase Field, home to Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks. The Nov. 11 opening evening will feature presentations and a keynote address, in addition to Crow’s performance.
“Beyond her music, Sheryl Crow’s informed and effective advocacy made her the natural choice to help us open Greenbuild in a new and powerful way,” said Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC president, CEO & founding chair. “More than 25,000 people gather every year at Greenbuild because we know that the building industry can play a major role in reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy independence and economic growth.”
“Performing at Greenbuild is like being on the international stage of the green movement, celebrating with you the progress we’re making on this important issue,” Crow said.
A graduate of the University of Missouri, Crow also holds honorary degrees from Temple University and Southeast Missouri University. Crow has been on the leading edge in urging the adoption of efficient technologies like CFLs and biofuels, and has effectively harnessed the grassroots, the media, Fortune 500 companies, and government to build support for environmental protection. Before finding success as a musician, Crow was an elementary school teacher; she recently worked alongside First Lady Michelle Obama in an effort to encourage public school students to achieve.
Greenbuild is the largest gathering of representatives from all sectors of the green building movement. Three days of extensive educational programming, workshops, a vast exhibition floor and ample networking events provide unrivaled opportunities to learn about the latest technological innovations, explore new products, and exchange ideas with other professionals. Greenbuild is the three time recipient of IMEX Green Meetings Award.
In addition to an impressive collection of master speakers, Greenbuild 2009 will also feature more than 100 educational sessions, LEED and Education Provider workshops, off-site educational sessions, a two day Residential Summit, and tours of local green building sites throughout the Arizona area. More than 1,700 exhibitors will showcase some of the leading technologies and products in green design, construction and operations.
Last year’s Greenbuild, held in Boston, drew more than 28,000 attendees and featured more than 800 exhibit booths. Past Greenbuild keynote speakers have included President Bill Clinton and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
