Newsroom

August 12, 2007

Contact:

Ashley Zawrotny, Green Building Assistant
(480) 312-2245

Julie Stanton (602) 614-7110

GREEN BUILDING EXPO ANNOUNCES NUMEROUS SPECIAL EVENTS

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Aug. 12, 2007) – The annual gathering for those passionate about the environment, Green Building Expo has announced its lineup of special events during the 2-day event, occurring October 5th and 6th, 2007. 

Architect Ed Mazria as Keynote Speaker
Famed architect Edward Mazria will be the keynote speaker for the eco-friendly event, following this year’s theme of “urban sustainability.” Mazria is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions and has traveled around the world educating people about building, architecture, energy and climate change.

“Edward Mazria is a pioneer in bringing a cutting-edge environmental approach to design,” said Kevin Edwards, Green Building Expo chairman. “He will provide inspiration to Expo attendees as we strive for a more sustainable future.” 

 Mazria has written a number of published works throughout his long and distinguished career, including The Passive Solar Energy Book. He is the founder of Architecture2030 and The 2030 Challenge, a global movement to address the current climate crisis. He has also received Design Awards and the Design Innovation Award from the American Institute of Architects, as well as the “Pioneer Award” from the American Solar Energy Society and an Outstanding Planning Award from the American Planning Association.

“As we celebrate our 10th year of the Expo, we are honored to have a visionary such as Ed Mazria share his thoughts on the changes that he sees as necessary in the building industry to effectively address global climate change,” added Anthony Floyd, Scottsdale Green Building program manager.

Cinema Verde Sustainable Film Festival
Another highlight of the Expo will be the Cinema Verde Sustainable Film Festival.  Over 20 short films, documentaries and television shows, all focusing on sustainable living practices will run continuously during the two-day Expo.  “The Film Festival is the perfect companion for the Expo – a place for attendees to delve with more depth into many of the topics introduced through the Expo’s programs and exhibits,” said James McCay, co-organizer of the Festival, along with local film-maker Mick Dalrymple.

Locally-produced content includes guest appearances from City of Scottsdale’s Green Building Manager Anthony Floyd, Greg Peterson of the Urban Farm, Mick Dalrymple of AKA Green, and Barry Fuller of The Center for Alternative Building Studies.  Many of the local film-makers will be available at the Expo to answer questions.   The films address a broad scope of sustainability topics – from practical home-owner education, to the science of global warming, to great things happening in Chicago, Seattle and even China. Many of the films will be available at the Scottsdale Public Library for individual checkout and viewing after the Festival, and also for sale in the Store at Scottsdale’s Center for the Performing Arts.  For a complete listing and schedule of films, visit the Expo website at http://www.greenbuildingexpo.com/film.html

Interactive Activities
A variety of interactive demonstrations will take place over the two days including making bricks out of recycled paper, composting and rainwater harvesting strategies.  Activities have been planned specifically for kids, including story corners, magic noodle building, seed plantings and eco-quizzes.  For families, At One Yoga will be providing family yoga sessions.  And for the adults, the Expo will showcase the first-ever Solar Cook-Off, a competition between 10 local cooks using solar ovens to prepare a tasty, healthy and meal cooked only by using the sun’s rays.

About Green Building Expo
The two-day Expo, beginning Friday, Oct. 5, will feature more than 50 programs and workshops and more than 100 exhibits showcasing state-of-the-art products and services that support sustainability and resource efficiency.  All programs and events at the Green Building Expo are FREE and open to the public. For more information or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, visit our Web site at www.greenbuildingexpo.com or call 480-312-2245.

The Green Building Expo is a unique multi-city partnership, hosted by the Cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe.  It is organized by employees of each city, along with many passionate volunteers who are professionals in the fields of architecture, environmental design, landscape design, green construction, and solar technology.

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