CSU, Chico Will Host Western Regional Conference on Sustainability In March
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 26, 2006
Kathleen McPartland
530-898-4260
Joe Picard, Continuing Education
530-898-6105
CSU, Chico Will Host Western Regional Conference on Sustainability In March
California State University, Chico will host Towards Sustainability: Western Regional Conference and Expo, March 7-9, 2006, on the Chico campus.
Towards Sustainability is a collaborative effort between academic, student, community, government, tribal and industry leaders to provide an engaging forum on issues surrounding institutional, economic and ecological sustainability.
"In conjunction with the State of California's effort to become more energy efficient and to develop more sustainable communities we are pleased to host Towards Sustainability. The conference provides the University an opportunity to showcase the successes of our region and learn from experts about what is working and how we integrate the concepts of sustainability into our curriculum and everyday lifestyles," commented Scott McNall, CSU, Chico provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.
The conference features four tracks: teaching sustainability, renewable energies and sustainable economies, sustainable building design and management, and student life. Educators, students, civic leaders, contractors, architects, interior designers, facility directors, energy managers, operation officers and concerned community members are encouraged to take advantage of this learning opportunity.
Keynote speakers include Nan Jenks-Jay, director of environmental affairs, Middlebury College; Debra Rowe, senior fellow, University Leaders for a Sustainable Future; Ken Grossman, founder, Sierra Nevada Brewery; Matthew St. Clair, sustainability director, University of California; and Geoffrey Chase, dean, undergraduate studies, San Diego State University.
In addition to a full schedule of conference presentations, the campus will host a Sustainability Expo where exhibitors will demonstrate the latest products, resources and programs. Attendees can also take part in field trips to successful projects that utilize appropriate technologies to maintain sustainable systems. Tours of sustainability projects include field trips to Sierra Nevada Brewery, solar installations, ecological preserves, homes, agricultural facilities, and community locations that demonstrate sustainable practices.
Special events include a Center for Applied and Professional Ethics (CAPE) forum featuring local business leaders on the topic of Ethics and the Bottom Line and a specially selected feature for the University Film Series. These and other special events are open to the public.
The day after the conference, Friday, March 10, educators are invited to participate in a one-day post-conference curriculum workshop presented by Geoffrey Chase.
To participate in Towards Sustainability: Western Regional Conference and Expo, please visit the Web site.
Interested individuals can sign up for single- or multiple-day registrations. Towards Sustainability registration fees are $200 for a 3-day pass, $150 for a 2-day pass, and $75 for a single-day pass. Students, CSU faculty, CSU staff and Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education members receive a discounted rate.
For more information please contact CSU, Chico Continuing Education, 530-898-6105.
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