2013 Conference

The Sustainable Communities and Campuses Conference connects experts and learners from municipalities, college campuses, government, businesses and nonprofits. Everyone interested in best practices and resources will find this conference timely, practical and valuable. Our previous conferences had full audiences (www.MaSustainableCommunities.com and www.MassGreenCareers.com). We hope you join us!

THE OBJECTIVES

• Engage in cross-sector dialogues to support collaboration and action.
• Learn about best practices, services and products for sustainability.
• Network with local, regional and statewide stakeholders.
• Go home with knowledge and resources to improve campus and community sustainability.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Municipal elected and non-elected officials, facilities, planning, conservation, DPW, sustainability/energy, environment, school committees
• Higher education administrators, sustainability coordinators, career services, workforce development, community relations, faculty, facilities managers, researchers, innovators, students, graduates
• Business owners, staff and business organization reps
• Non-profit community group members and leaders
• Everyone interested in learning about sustainability

THE SPEAKERS, TOPICS & SCHEDULE – SEE SCHEDULE BELOW

Leading experts and peers from communities, campuses, businesses, government, and non-profits

THE EXHIBITORS

• Businesses with products and services
• College certificate and degree programs
• Government agencies
• Community organizations and non-profits
• Student organizations

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Exhibits and networking all day
• Lunchtime options: Visit exhibitors, join an informal roundtable discussion, campus session
• Display and FREE raffle of excellent books about campus and community sustainability
• Breakfast includes muffins and coffee; and lunch includes a selection of delicious chicken and veggie wraps and cookies

GREEN EVENT FEATURES

• OUR PURPOSE
  To create a local forum for sustainable practices and resources
 • To nurture a sustainability network among communities and campuses
• LOCATION
  Worcester DCU Center – centrally located In Massachusetts and New England
 • Accessible by public transportation (Bus, MBTA, Amtrak) 
• Carpooling encouraged and group discounts provided
 • Growing green initiatives
• FOOD & BEVERAGE
  Organic and fair trade coffee
 • Bulk sugar and milk – No single serving packets 
• China and silverware – No disposables: cups, glasses, plates, utensils 
• Water pitchers – No disposable plastic water bottles 
• WooFood certified catering 
• Unserved food donated to the South Worcester Green Island Food Pantry
• REDUCED MATERIALS
  Online registration, announcements and presentations
 • 2-page conference guide printed on recycled/FSC-certified paper 
• Reusable exhibit posters and banners
 • Limited handouts and giveaways
• WASTE STATIONS
  Bins clearly marked 
• Recycle:  paper, cardboard
 • Recycle:  empty glass and plastic bottles, aluminum foil
 • Compost:  food, soiled paper items
 • Trash: items that cannot be recycled or composted
• CARBON OFFSET
  Building energy and transportation carbon offset is a donation to Massachusetts environmental organizations. Former recipients: Live Cooler, Mass Climate Action Network, Toxics Action Center, Home Energy Efficiency Team, and Green Marlborough.
• EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES   
Green PDF
, Sustainable Production

… and more.  We’re happy to work with our venue managers, exhibitors, vendors, participants, and staff.

REGISTRATION FEES

• Early registration is $60. Advance registration $75. Students $45. $95 at the door. 10% discount for groups of 5 or more.
• Registration fee covers speaker sessions, exhibitors, lunch, breakfast and FREE book raffle. Advance registration is recommended as previous conferences have filled in advance. Parking is $6
• Register @ http://masccc.eventbrite.com

HOST
An advisory team of sustainability professionals – representing communities, academia, business, government and nonprofits – and an on-site conference team helped with this conference which hosted by Green Workforce Training.

CONTACT
For sponsor, exhibitor and speaker information and general questions contact Conference Director, Jen Boudrie, 508-481-0569, JenBoudrie@gmail.com

THE SPEAKERS, TOPICS & SCHEDULE

Click on speaker’s name to see presentation.

3rd Massachusetts Sustainable Communities Conference
2nd Massachusetts Sustainable Campuses Conference
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
8:00 – 9:00 am  Registration, Coffee, Baked Breakfast Goods
8:00 am – 4:30 pm  Exhibits, Posters, and Networking

9:00 – 10:00 am

A Smarter Grid and a Wiser Community
What is the smart grid?  Worcester is engaged in a pilot project which can save energy, increase service reliability, give customers more knowledge about and control over their energy use, and interface with renewables.  Hear from government, utility, academic, and community stakeholders.
Jill Dagilis  Executive Director, Worcester Community Action Council
David Cash  Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities
Ed White  Vice President, Customer and Business Strategy, National Grid 
Jennie Stephens  Associate Professor, Environmental Science and Policy, Clark University

Campus Roundtable Discussion Junior Ballroom
Join informal groups.  Have coffee.  Network.  Discuss campus initiatives.

10:15- 11:15 am

Community Sustainability Indicators
Criteria for community sustainability and public works infrastructures exist.   This session presents two perspectives on successful local and national measures and implementation of sustainability initiatives.
Peter Lowitt  FAICP, Director, Devens Enterprise Commission
Anthony Kane  Rating System Research Director, Zofnass Program, Harvard Graduate School of Design

Making our Physical Environment More Sustainable
While being responsive to day-to-day operations, city leaders are encouraging and championing sustainability initiatives to strengthen their communities.  A roadmap to a more sustainable infrastructure means navigating challenges and coordinating projects like “complete streets” and budgeting for change.   Cambridge and Worcester are perfect examples of cities working on sustainability and planning ahead.
Henrietta Davis  Mayor, City of Cambridge (invited)
Robert Moylan  Public Works Commissioner, City of Worcester

Massachusetts Green Communities
We’ve seen a significant shift in communities towards energy efficiency and renewables.  Massachusetts has 110 “Green Communities” and 17 “Solarize” programs.  Our speakers bring research and data to illustrate these success stories.
Meg Lusardi  Director, Green Communities Division, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
Aimee Powelka  Muncipal Efficiency Coordinator, Mass DOER
Jill Murphy Newburyport Solarize Coach; Director, Newburyport Clean Tech Center
Mollie Ettenborough Recycling & Energy Coordinator, Health Department, City of Newburyport
John Snell Chairman, Green Tech Committee, Town of Lincoln; Director, Analytical Services, Peregrine Energy Group

The Campus as Learning Lab for Community Sustainability
On and off campuses, exceptional opportunities exist for students to be actively engaged in the world around them.  Learn about the academic achievements at Clark University that connect the campus to the surrounding community, and the MIT Energy Initiatives that connect campus and community sustainability.
Jack Foley  Vice President, Government and Community Affairs, Clark University
Amanda Graham Director, Education Office, MIT Energy Initiative

Integrating Sustainability into Curricula
Our common understanding of sustainability is essential if we are to affect overarching change.  Faculty, staff and students need sustainability knowledge and practices on our campuses and in our schools.
Michael Simpson  Chair, Department of Environmental Studies, Antioch University (VT)
Christine Copeland  Program Assistant, Renewables/Energy Efficiency Program, Science Department, Greenfield Community College

Campus Sustainability Successes and Indicators
A Sustainability Plan is a roadmap to a more sustainable future.  From action plan to implementation to reporting, campuses are moving towards more sustainable practices with metrics that show improvement.
Robyn Tsukayama Assistant Director, Office for Sustainability, Harvard University
John Orr  Chairperson, WPI President’s Task Force on Sustainability; Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, WPI

Local Food on Campus
Growing food on campus and buying local food is a challenge many campuses are meeting each in their own way.
Leslie Cox  Manager, The Farm Center, Hampshire College; NOFA Mass Board Member
Heather Vaillette  General Manager, Sodexho, Clark University Dining Services
Abrah Jordan Dresdale  Coordinator/Faculty, Farm and Food Systems, Greenfield Community College

11:30 – 12:30 

Sustainability Leadership and Community Success
Governance at the municipal level is producing environmental, economic, and social benefits in communities.  While providing guidance and responding to community needs and interests, city leaders are encouraging and championing a variety of sustainability initiatives to strengthen their communities.
Lisa Wong  Mayor, City of Fitchburg
Patricia Vinchesi  Town Administrator, Town of Scituate
Jacob Glickel  Chief of Staff, Office of Environmental and Energy Services, City of Boston

Materials Management and Zero Waste
State government regulations and innovative waste-to-profit opportunities are transformative. Composting food waste is becoming an attractive commercial enterprise.
Elizabeth Casella  Business Development, Casella Resource Solutions
Gretel Clark  Chairperson, Recycling Committee, Town of Hamilton
Carly Filler   Representative, AGreen Energy LLC

Policies, Green Chemistry, Healthier Communities
Green chemistry and organic choices are preventative alternatives to environmental toxics.  Healthier choices at home, work, school, and in the community depend on policies and implemented practices.
Chip Osborne  President, Osborne Organics LLC; Board Member, Beyond Pesticides; Staff, Marblehead; Consultant, National Park Service
Mark Myles Training Program Manager, MA Toxics Use Reduction Institute, UMass Lowell
Joy Onasch Community and Business Programs Manager, MA Toxics Use Reduction Institute, UMass Lowell

Expanding Sustainability between Campus and Community
Shared challenges, resources, information, and solutions promote campus and community sustainability.  One town and one city provide excellent examples:  internship opportunities, community gardening, town gown reporting, shared biking infrastructure, and more.
Stephanie Ciccarello  Sustainability Coordinator, Town of Amherst
Cliff Cook  Planning Information Manager, City of Cambridge

Campus Sustainability Directors
Each campus has unique sustainability programs and practices.  Sustainability coordinators connect core interests and people in collaborative ways to affect change.
Dennis Carlberg  Sustainability Director, Boston University
Susan Jennings  Director, Office of Campus and Community Sustainability, UMass Dartmouth
Dallase Scott  Sustainability Coordinator, Babson College and Greener U

Campus Energy
Energy conservation and efficiency are becoming common successes on some campuses.  Renewable solutions are emerging, too:  geothermal, solar, wind, and more.
John Rizzo  President, ADI Energy
Bill Swift  Director, Maintenance and Mechanical Systems, Mount Wachusett Community College
Matthew Sepe  Dean, Facilities Management and Campus Manager, Bedford Campus, Middlesex Community College
Warren Fairbanks  Assistant Vice President of Capital Planning and Director of Facilities, Framingham State University
Tony Dover  Energy Project Manager, Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM)

Proactive Student Projects
Students and recent graduates are championing complex campus and community projects. Examples include: sustainable town and regional food research, campus sustainability outreach and permaculture, smart grid research assistance, and a city bike share program.
Meghan Little  UMass Amherst, 2012
Jamie Pottern  Conway School of Landscape Planning and Design, 2012
Ria Langheim  Clark University, 2013
Samir ElKamouny  UMass Lowell, 2012

12:30-1:30 Lunch

Community Roundtable Discussions  Main Ballroom
Join informal groups. Have lunch. Network. Discuss community initiatives.

1:45 – 2:45 pm 

Community Sustainability Management
Coordinators connect diverse community stakeholders to provide resources and solutions in their communities.
John Odell  Energy Efficiency and Conservation Manager, City of Worcester
Stephanie Ciccarello  Sustainability Coordinator, Town of Amherst
Cynthia Veit  EPA NE Energy Team Facilitator for NE Municipal Sustainability Network

Local Solar Energy Challenges and Solutions
Each community that is contending with zoning, bylaws, ordinances, resources and outcomes looks to overcome new challenges and find resources.
Kurt Gaertner  Director, Sustainable Development, State of Massachusetts
Courtney Feeley Karp  Attorney, Prince Lobel The LLP (invited)
Caroline Britt  AICP Community Planner; Partner, Community Investment

Community Vulnerability  Assessments, Risk Reduction, Resilience, and Adaptation
How do communities tackle issues such as extreme storm management, mitigation plans, assistance and grants.  Some insight from the experts.
Leon Gaumond  Town Administrator, West Boylston
Susanne Rasmussen Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning, Cambridge
Vandana Rao  Assistant Director for Water Policy, Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

What do Communities and Campuses Need?
Where can you go to get info, tools, answers, experience?  Know what your options are for environmentally preferred products and practices.
Rick Reibstein  Environmental Analyst and Policy and Outreach Manager, Office of Technical Assistance and Technology, State of Massachusetts
Rob Guillemin Sustainability Coordinator, Innovation and Sustainability Unit, US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1

Sustainability Success Stories
Inspirational solutions to sustainability provide ideas, guidance, and resources.
Jenny Isler  Sustainability Coordinator, Clark University
Steven Bandarra  Sustainability Coordinator, Worcester State University
Liz Tomaszewski  Sustainability Coordinator, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Waste Audits and Solutions
Waste audits help identify materials that can be reduced, reused, recycled and composted.  Solutions can then be found or created to expand the ‘cradle-to-cradle’ life span of materials to reduce our impact on the environment.
Mark Lennon  Founder, Institution Recycling Network
Latoya Jones  IDCE MS 2013, Clark University
Will Cutshall  BA 2013, Clark University

Career Connections
Career placement services, internships, a career discovery program, …. many options are available for those seeking a greener career.
John Aslanian  Assistant Director for Student Life and Recruitment, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Michelle Waters-Ekanem  Director, Diversity and Outreach, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Adrian Dahlin  President & CEO, Rising Green

3:00 – 4:00 pm

Technical High Schools – Best Practices

Schools across the Commonwealth are creating and growing programs to educate children and practice sustainability.  Teachers are working on the Curriculum Frameworks.  Students are working on worthwhile projects at school and in communities.
Russell Anderson  Department Head, Environmental Technology, Worcester Technical High School
Tabitha Hobbs  Environmental Science Teacher, Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School

Local Food Solutions
The ‘foodshed’ is being rebuilt in communities and backyards across the Commonwealth.
Steve Fischer  Executive Director, Regional Environmental Council
Lilly Lombard  Executive Director, Grow Food Northampton
Jonathan Bates  Author of Paradise Lot; Founder of Food Forest Farm and Permaculture Nursery

Partnering with Businesses to Affect Change
Businesses are working with local and regional stakeholders on small and large scale sustainability initiatives.
Caroline Petrovick  Project Manager, Coldham and Hartman Architects
Emma Kosciak  Renewable Solutions Manager, Nexamp
Eric Weiss  Sustainability Director, Hampshire Council of Governments (HCOG)

Faith and Sustainability
Caring for the earth is a mission among many faith-based community groups and campuses.
Cynthia Davidson  UU Ministry for Earth Board/Director
Robert Pion  Sustainability Program Director, Boston College
Paul Helgesen  Director, Plant Operations & Sustainability, Gordon College

Education and Engagement
Education and training programs help us solve current and future energy management and sustainability challenges. Each offers something unique in the field.
Kelly DeMello  Graduate Outreach Coordinator, Mass Maritime Academy
Ellie Baker  Senior Environmental Planner, Horsley Witten Group
Mark Leighton  Associate of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University
Mollie Babize  Associate Director, Conway School, Sustainable Landscape Planning and Design

Sustainable Transportation
Implementing a better sustainable transportation infrastructure has many advantages.  It takes a bit of work but campuses and cities are moving forward with sustainable transportation initiatives.  This session features three views of sustainable transportation:  local/campus (Wellesley), state (Massachusetts), and international (Zurich).
Danielle Gaglini  Sustainability Coordinator, Wellesley College
Catherine Cagle  Manager, Sustainable Transportation, Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Debra Shepard  Senior Consultant, SustainServ

Best Practices and Possibilities:  Business Innovations
Companies are coming up with practical solutions and future opportunities: diversifying to include large solar system installations, building vertical wind turbines for building owners, and providing a green community roadmap with energy solutions.
Mike Ortolano  President, Absolute Green Energy LLC
Dan Cook  Vice President, Urban Power USA
Charlie Ehl  Energy Efficiency Specialist, Guardian Energy Management Solutions

SCHEDULE