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Cities
for Sustainable Growth in 2007 An Environmental Sustainability Workshop |
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• July 17-19, 2007 Local governments are taking an increasing initiative in developing policy to adapt to climate change, achieve carbon neutrality, and to implement sustainable business and growth practices. Buildings generate over 50% of the total pollution in the U.S., more than transportation and industry combined. Due to rising energy costs, buildings have become a financial, as well as environmental, burden to municipalities. Fast-growing cities have a unique chance to implement policies to promote the construction of green buildings and the renovation of existing buildings. Cities for Sustainable Growth provides a forum for government officials to share best practices for achieving economic development through environmentally sustainable policies and practices. This year’s event will bring together senior-level city officials and industry experts to explore best practices for adopting green building practices for municipal construction to increase social, economic, and environmental capital. “Green Buildings for Growing Communities” will focus on four strategic tracks: environment, policy, consensus building, and green building standards. This event will bring together approximately 85 mayors, city planners, and directors of economic development with architects and industry experts to explore best practices for promoting green buildings to increase social, economic, and environmental capital. Background Ensuring environmental sustainability by 2015 is the seventh goal of the U.N. Millennium Development Goals, as agreed to by 192 countries and by leading development institutions. This will be achieved through a multi-pronged effort which includes energy and land conservation and the creation of healthy cities. As cities assess their environmental footprint, many come to the conclusion that the most effective way they can limit their emissions is by meeting green building standards. LEED, Energy Star, and the 2030 Climate Challenge are promoted by local government associations and environmental groups alike for their standards in energy efficiency, environmental quality, health standards, and financial rewards. The tools available through these various programs will assist local governments in achieving environmental sustainability. Objectives The goal of this year’s forum on Cities for Sustainable Growth: Green Buildings for Equitable Communities is to assist participating cities in achieving the U.N. Millennium Development Declaration on environmental sustainability through the adoption of green building policies for local governments. Through the workshop, participants are expected to obtain the following specific benefits:
Best Practices Cities for Sustainable Development 2007 will address the theme of “Green Buildings for Equitable Communities” through four tracks: Environment This track will discuss implications of rising energy prices and climate changes on cities with an emphasis on efficiency improvements to promote a cleaner, cooler city that consumes less energy. Case studies will explore best practices in implementing policy to reducing a cities environmental footprint and adapt to predicted climate changes. Participants will gain tools to determine their actual greenhouse gas emission levels and identify the source of the emissions. Policy Delegates will examine best practices in policy to promote green buildings, such as zoning, building/ energy codes, fast-track permitting, affordable housing, and various tax incentives. Green Building Standards Industry experts will discuss varying LEED standards, benefits, and costs as well as the process in achieving certification. Participants will also look at Energy Star programs and the 2030 Climate Change as initiatives for progress. Consensus Building This track will explore ways to actively engage the community in efforts to achieve environmental sustainability and to promote private sector efforts. Participants will explore best practices for building the skill levels of policy makers, private sector officials, and citizen groups and to facilitate open dialogue between the three. Discussions on policy formation, partnerships, education, and outreach will be the main issues of concern for this topic. Format The forum will build on the methodology and knowledge management tool used by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to foster effective best practice sharing among high level city officials and international experts. Following registration, a self assessment survey will be sent to participants to assess the municipality or organization’s level of competency in achieving sustainable development and specifically in adopting LEED standard certification for municipal construction. This survey will assist the organizers, as well as the participants, in identifying the areas where each participant wishes to expand their knowledge, as well as their strengths and expertise that could benefit other cities. Results from the self assessment process will then be used to pair delegates at the workshop for best practice sharing through a series of knowledge management exercises that will encourage thoughtful exchange of ideas and practical guidance in priority areas identified by delegates. In addition participants will benefit from high-level key-note plenary talks by city officials and industry experts. Forum participants will be able to use both the formal sessions and the informal time to learn more from each other about how to improve their city’s response to climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and adopt LEED standard certification for municipal construction, promote economic development and achieve economic development. Outputs Outputs from the forum will be disseminated in the following formats:
Participant Profile The focus will be on executive level participants. The approximately 85 participants will include executive level city officials, managers and other expert participants representing some of the world’s largest cities. The current or potential cities selected typically share one or more of the following characteristics:
Breakdown of Delegates: For More Information: |
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