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2017 Conference

 

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Our conference gathered 250 people from 5 states, 25 colleges, 25 nonprofits, 40 businesses, 50 Massachusetts communities and more. The conference was full.

Conference Comments

  • Good mix of people attending, choices of workshops, keynote address, and zero-waste event. Excellent lunch!
  • I liked the content, positive energy, and diverse group of people.
  • Walking tour of green infrastructure was good.
  • Wide variety of presentations and exhibits by notable speakers and organizations.  Good opportunity for networking with people and organizations from the region with similar interests or concerns.
  • As a facility manager I was more interested in the sustainable campus side of the conference. However, upon reflection I was glad that the keynote speaker talked about climate change and sea level rise.
  • The presenters were all very knowledgeable, and the folks in attendance were friendly and engaged.  As a whole it was a great event.
  • Our town is updating its Community Development Plan and the update needs to address climate change and storm impacts on the town’s infrastructure.  The conference provided numerous resources for this project. 
  • As a student looking to enter the workforce, attending the Eco-Career forecasts talk was useful to me, as the presenter noted key points one should emphasize in their resumes and the need for specialization.
  • I got a lot of insight into sustainability and the difference approaches you can take to do your part in the environment.  As a result, I will be looking for other groups that my organization can work with since everyone has the same goals in mind and can make a big difference together.
  • I will discuss with the board of the nonprofit I work with about having zero-waste events.  Lots of ideas for forum speakers and panelists.
  • I was interested concerning content of classes on climate change and building/community sustainability and ensuring we impart this in our course instruction.
  • I made several important contacts who helped me find data I need for my research.  I think I may have helped one person connect with a job opportunity. 
  • The presenters were all very knowledgeable, and the folks in attendance were friendly and engaged.  As a whole it was a great event.
  • The topics were very interesting and pertinent; I thought the exhibitors were as well; food was delicious; free parking was appreciated; cost was very reasonable.  I’m definitely coming next year.

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Exhibitors

The Conference

The annual Sustainable Communities and Campuses Conference connects stakeholders from communities, campuses, companies, and nonprofits.  Everyone wanting to learn about best practices, current trends, and resources will find this conference timely, practical and valuable.

Objectives

  • Engage in cross-sector dialogues
  • Learn about best practices and current trends
  • Go home with knowledge and resources to advance community and campus sustainability

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  • Government:  Municipal and state elected and non-elected officials and staff
  • Education:  University, college, training, K-12, staff, faculty and students
  • Business:  Owners and representatives
  • Community:  Non-profit group leaders and members
  • Everyone interested in learning about sustainability

50 Presenters  

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

20 Exhibitors 

  • Business products and services
  • College certificate and degree programs
  • Non-Profit organizations

Green Event

  • Reduced printing, packaging and conference materials
  • Zero Waste includes recycling, composting, and donating unserved food
  • Carpooling assistance available
  • Carbon offset for conference travel and building energy is a donation to a local environmental organization
  • See more Green Event info

Registration Fees

The $0-$75 registration fee covers keynote presentation, breakout sessions, exhibitors, snacks, lunch, and networking.

Host

An advisory team of professionals representing communities, education, business, government and nonprofits; and an on-site conference team helped with this conference which was created and hosted by Green Workforce Training.

Program & Presenters

Click on a presenter’s name to view a PowerPoint presentation.

8-8:45am REGISTRATION
Coffee, tea, oatmeal cookies, whole fruit

8:45-9:30 KEYNOTE in AUDITORIUM
Sustainability by Land and Sea:  Advancing Sustainability in Communities and on Campuses
Massachusetts has often had an important role in American history. In modern times our campuses offer timely research to communities striving for resilience, adaptation to climate change and proactive sustainable development solutions.
WELCOME  Jen Boudrie Conference, Director; Dr. Richard Wylie President, Endicott College; Barbara Warren Executive Director, Salem Sound Coastwatch
KEYNOTE   Ellen Douglas Associate Professor, School for the Environment; Graduate Program Director, Environmental Sciences, Marine Science, and Technology, UMass Boston  Presentation: Impact of Sea Level Rise on Greater Boston, Green Infrastructure, and Planning

9:45-10:45 SESSIONS

1
Municipal Sustainability
Hear about coastal resiliency and sustainability achievements that leaders are championing in their communities.
Henrietta Davis (Moderator) Policy Consultant, former Mayor of Cambridge
Brendhan Zubricki Town Administrator, Town of Essex
Donna Holaday Mayor, City of Newburyport

2
Leading by Example: Energy Management in 2017
Massachusetts is one of the preeminent states in energy efficiency and renewables.  Learn about best practices, resources, and results.
Elizabeth Isenstein Director of Facilities Technical Services, Tufts University
John MacDonald Energy Manager, Engineering & Energy Management, Boston College

3
Our Oceans & Climate Change
The oceans drive our weather systems and can give us wake up calls with weather events.  Learn about human impacts on the ocean and efforts for a more sustainable future
John Bullard Regional Administrator, Greater Atlantic Region at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

4
Eco-Career Forecasts for 2017
Check out the latest in environmental, conservation, sustainability and climate resilience career trends in:  water, clean energy, climate adaptation, food, big data, permitting, facilities management, activism, finance, and more.
Kevin Doyle Principal, Green Economy

5
One if By Land, Two if By Sea: A Call to Action
The language of the Declaration of Independence started at New England town meetings and spread throughout the 13 colonies. Hear about modern day movements that build on our past history.
Keith Bergman Town Administrator, Town of Littleton; Climate Reality Leadership Corps volunteer mentor; President, Metropolitan Area Planning Council
Nathaniel Stinnett CEO, The Environmental Voter Project

6
Walking Tour: Engineered Solutions for Stormwater Management
Tour Endicott’s stormwater management systems:  rain gardens, detention basins, pervious pavement, and a series of man-made ponds.
Dennis Monaco Director of Physical Plant, Endicott College
Charlie Wear VP, Meridian Associates

11:00-noon SESSIONS

7
Energy Storage, Micrograms, and Distributed Generation
Learn about emerging energy technologies from experts witnessing and creating the next wave of energy projects in Massachusetts.
Will Lauwers Director, Emerging Technology, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
Phil Fischer Sales Director, NEC Energy Solutions
Sean Hamilton General Manager, Sterling Light Department
Steven Strong President, Solar Design Associates

8
Campus Sustainability
Directors & consultants describe progress, projects, plans & collaborations on any or all of these: energy, water, food, waste, buildings, pollution prevention, land use, transportation, student & staff engagement, sustainability across the curriculum, how to fund projects, and implementation of plans.
Sarah Hammond Creighton Director of Campus Sustainability, Endicott College
Kathy Driscoll Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability Officer, Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Debra Shepard Principal, Riverstone Sustainability

9
Vulnerability Assessments & Setting Priorities
Communities spend millions each year on weather-related events.  Learn how identifying vulnerable infrastructure issues and prioritizing green infrastructure strategies help them adapt to current and future climate-driven hazards and manage costs.
Kathryn Glenn Regional Coordinator, MA Coastal Zone Management
Janet “Jennie” Moonan Project Engineer, Tighe & Bond
Aaron Clausen Director, Planning, City of Beverly
Kevin Doyle Principal, Green Economy; Researcher, National Green Infrastructure Workforce Study

10
Interns, Students & Community Projects
Today’s students own the future.  Let them learn and lead the way!  Hear about six amazing projects in Massachusetts communities.
Grace Evans Ipswich High School,  Local Effects of Sea Level Rise and How We Can Prepare for Them
Katelyn Tarrio Boston University,  Massachusetts Facility Discharge Water Analysis
Mariko McNamara The Conway School,  Masterplan for a Native American Community and Town on Martha’s Vineyard
Annie Fortnow Brandeis University,  Hair Salon Study
Catalina Aycardi Andover High School,  Merrimack River Trail
Julia Seremba UMass Amherst,  100% Clean Energy Campaign

11
Dynamic Actions Lead to Results
Discover the latest about natural gas leak mapping, plastic bans, solar installations, interfaith collaborations, and coastal/water initiatives that are sweeping through Commonwealth communities.
Audrey Schulman President, Home Energy Efficiency Team
Barbara Warren Executive Director, Salem Sound Coastwatch
Mark Sandeen President, MassSolar; Chair, Sustainable Lexington; Founding Member, Lexington Interfaith Garden
Claire McElwain & Claire Werner Students, Ipswich High School

12
Walking Tour: Local Food & Dining Hall
Learn about a local community-based organization dedicated to local, healthy food. Then visit the dining hall to witness sustainable dining practices on campus.
James Harrison Executive Director, The Food Project
Cat Bartolini Sustainability Coordinator, Endicott College

12:00-1:00 LUNCH Buffet in Dining Hall
1:00-1:15 Exhibits, Networking
1:15-2:15 SESSIONS

13
Moving Forward in 2017
How do campuses & communities fit in with the new federal administration?  In 2007 college presidents and mayors signed climate commitments which arose in response to the Bush administration.  What will we do in 2017?
Tim Carter President, Second Nature
Henrietta Davis (Moderator/Discussion Facilitator) Policy Consultant; former mayor, City of Cambridge

14
Legislative Updates
What’s next and why does it matter? Learn about the role of renewable energy in Massachusetts, job growth, business development, financing, and affordability. Get the facts from the experts.
Erica Mattison Legislative Director, Environmental League of Massachusetts
Kathleen Theoharides Director of Climate and Global Warming Solutions, MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Dan Bosley Government Relations Consultant, Northeast Clean Energy Council

15
Coastal & Water Projects
Learn about a range of climate adaptation strategies being implemented in communities. Hear about local natural systems restoration, green infrastructure, and stormwater projects.
Scott Horsley Principal, Horsley Witten Group
Julia Knisel Coastal Shoreline and Floodplain Manager, MA Coastal Zone Management
Barbara Warren Executive Director, Salem Sound Coastwatch

16
Workshop:  Chart a Course to Career Success
Set the stage for your next job, whether you are a student, volunteer, career changer, or career advancer.  This presentation will encompass goal setting, communicating your value, and asking for what you want when negotiating compensation.
Amanda Peters Associate Director & Career Coach, Office of Career Advancement, Harvard Kennedy School Career Development Strategy Worksheets
Michelle Waters Ekanem Director, Diversity & Inclusion, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

17
Grassroots, Government and Environmental Justice
People, power and politics drive change. Hear from organizers & experts about solar for low income citizens, and healthy homes and communities.  Everyone has a right to clean air, water, and affordable clean energy.
Rick Reibstein Lecturer, Environmental Law, Boston University & Harvard University Extension
Joel Wool Advocate, Energy & Environment, Clean Water Action
Jerrold Oppenheim Co-Owner, Democracy & Regulation

18
Walking Tour: Large Scale Solar and Cutting Edge Lighting
Tour Endicott’s 945KW solar parking lot canopy.  On the way there, tour some cutting edge lighting installations in a variety of space types, and learn about how lighting has cut Endicott’s carbon emissions even more than large-scale solar.  Hear about lessons learned and get your questions answered.
Sarah Hammond Creighton Director of Sustainability, Endicott College
Kelly Cota Principal, Wicked Watts

2:30 – 3:30 SESSIONS

19
Innovations in Transportation
Explore multi-modal transportation choices, electric vehicles, and flying transit pods. How we move from one place to another is changing rapidly.
Galen Mook Marketing and Advocacy, Landry’s Bicycles
Mike Stanley CEO, Transit X

20
Solar Energy Prospects
Learn about solar for public entities and nonprofits, the link between solar and other carbon reducing technologies, battery storage support for solar projects, and solar careers.
Matt Shortsleeve VP, Solect
Timothy D’Souza Business Development, Direct Energy Solar
Zac Bloom Director, Sustainability and Renewables, Competitive Energy Services
Kevin Doyle Principal, Green Economy

21
Expand Your Network
Meet exhibitors and other conference attendees.  Expand your network.  Take time to talk and discuss what is happening.  Meet in the exhibit hall.
Jen Boudrie Conference Director

22
Workshop:  Sustainable Development and Collaboration
Work through an engaging activity to explore current and future goals for sustainability while taking into account the current political climate to determine constructive and proactive responses.  Insights generated will be shared with attendees and via social media.
Debra Shepard Principal, Riverstone Sustainability

 

ECO-CAREER FORECASTS

Check out the 12 Eco-Career Forecasts from Kevin Doyle at Green Economy:

#1: Water Look for strong growth in jobs throughout the water, wastewater, watershed protection, and stormwater management industry. Qualified water industry workers at all professional and occupational levels are expected to be in demand, even before consideration of possible federal infrastructure investments proposed by the new President during the campaign.

#2: Clean energy Even with the fossil fuel-friendly energy policies expected from the incoming Trump Administration, there will be continued growth in the clean energy (solar, wind, storage, etc.) and energy efficiency industries. Falling prices and other market forces – in combination with effective policies in many states – are driving consistent expansion.  Clean energy and energy efficiency employment nationwide already exceeds 2.5 million jobs, and counting.

#3:  Retirements Expect a significant increase in the number of retirements at local, state and federal government environmental protection and conservation agencies.  Many agencies have a sizable number of employees who are (or soon will be) eligible for retirement.  Although these retirements will be met by some modest government hiring increases, many public sector jobs will be replaced by private contractors, and some will not be replaced at all.

#4:  Climate adaptation Coastal communities, especially, will begin to actually implement aspects of their climate change adaptation plans aimed at preparing for storm surges and other coastal hazards.  Unfortunately, sea walls and other shoreline hardening may continue to be preferred over natural (green infrastructure) plans, generating more construction jobs than ecological ones. Activist pressure in support of local green infrastructure policies and ordinances can make a difference here.

#5:  Food systems Student and job-seeker interest in urban food systems and alternative agriculture is very high, and college/university programs are springing up to serve student demand. It’s hard, however, to see how actual job numbers will match this high interest. We will track this closely in 2017.

#6  Big data With the rise of big data analysis possibilities for environmental protection purposes (and the increase in relatively inexpensive data gathering technologies) we’re predicting a shortage of qualified big data analysts with an environmental focus. Those with geographic information systems skills, coupled with outstanding general IT qualifications, will be particularly well positioned.

#7  Permitting A long standing equation shows that increases in construction for buildings and infrastructure (expected in 2017) are coupled with increases in work related to environmental assessments and permitting. Expect this to hold true again next year.  Certainly one of the best bets for where eco-jobs will be.

#8:  Facilities management Look for more and more corporate, academic and municipal sustainability assignments to be incorporated into the job descriptions of existing facilities management and/or Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) staff.  Community colleges and job training organizations may be called on for “green up” training of existing personnel.  We expect desired qualifications for sustainability positions to become even more sector-specific than they are now.

#9:  Insufficient funding Most state government environmental, conservation, and parks/recreation agencies in the USA will (once again) be asked to perform their duties with budgets that fall far short of the actual need.  The maintenance backlog will continue to grow.

#10: Activism Rapid changes in the political, demographic, financial and technological landscape require new approaches to campaign organizing, membership development and fundraising.  Nonprofit environmental managers/professionals with proven, recent successes that combine mastery of social marketing and social media strategies with old-school approaches, will be in high demand.

#11: Financing Demand is already strong for professionals who can craft innovate public/private partnerships and other creative financing arrangements to pay for environmental improvements. This demand will increase in the face of continued budget constraints and uncertainty at the federal level.  Financing expensive water and stormwater management infrastructure improvements is one example of a common challenge in need of innovation.

#12: Summary  The nation has never needed a talented and passionate environmental professional workforce more than it does in 2017.  For those already employed, we will need all of your energy and creativity. For students and job seekers, best of luck to you.  I’m grateful that a new generation is arriving to take on this critical work.

 

Schedule & Topics

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