Our Sustainable Future - CSU, Chico
2008 This Way to Sustainability IV Conference
Friday Program
- 9 a.m. program
- 10 a.m. program
- 11 a.m. programs
- 1:30 p.m. programs
- 3 p.m. programs
- 4 p.m. program
- 6 p.m. programs
Program subject to changes. Please see printed program upon check-in.
9:00 Brian Brazeal, CSU, Chico
Evil Nature: The malicious use of plants in Afro-Brazilian sorcery
What little rainforest that remains in the Bahian littoral is an essential resource for the viability of Candomblé religious communities. Brian Brazeal focuses on one temple community’s stewardship of a small forest, the Mato de Caquende in the colonial city of Cachoeira, and shows how this community’s culture and heritage rely on wild forest plants.
9:00 Andy Keller, ChicoBag Co.
Green Business – Inside the ChicoBag Company – Green Business Learnings of ChicoBag Company for Make Benefit Glorious Planet of Earth
Determined to start your own green business? Passionate about working for a green business? Simply interested in green business? Andy Keller, founder and proprietor of the ChicoBag Company, explains how his company started and continues to evolve as a green company. It will be an interactive presentation driven by audience interest.
9:00 John Kennedy, Autodesk, Inc.
Autodesk's Sustainable Analysis Tools and Curriculum
Autodesk, a diversified global software company, offers design tools to help move architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing toward more sustainable paths. John Kennedy discusses current issues and shares analysis tools that are targeted to assist today's designers in measuring elements of sustainability.
9:00 Ben Corey-Moran, Thanksgiving Coffee Co.
Coffee's Roots & The Pursuit of Sustainability
For decades Thanksgiving Coffee Co., a small, family-run coffee roaster in northern California, has worked in close partnership with family farmers in Nicaragua to create a sustainable coffee trade. Learn how this web of relationships has grown throughout Central America, South America, and East Africa, and continues to develop while addressing new issues, challenges, and opportunities.
9:00 Various experts in sustainability from on and off campus
What is sustainability, anyway?
Confused about what sustainability really means? Come listen to this roundtable discussion as various people offer their definitions of what sustainability means to them.
9:00 Paul Smith, GreenSmith Consulting
Greenwashing: What it is, how to spot it, how to avoid doing it yourself
In previous years, “going green” was something that other businesses did. Now it’s what every business wants to do. But in the rush to promote their business or product as green, many companies seeking to exploit this growing opportunity are by their very actions damaging the credibility and viability that truly green businesses offer. Paul Smith explores “greenwashing” and its implications.
9:00 Andreas Vogel, SAP
Environmental Accounting with SAP
Triple-line and environmental accounting are not new concepts. However, given the global warming debate, these approaches are attracting new attention. Andreas Vogel examines current environmental accounting methodologies and discusses their implementation through software solutions.
9:00 William Shady, Pacific Solar Radiant, Inc
Renewable Energy Systems Applications in Residential Buildings
Integrated solar thermal radiant floors and solar heating for domestic water swimming pools are popular applications for integrated residential radiant heating systems. The project William Shady uses as an example to discuss when, where, and how to use renewable energy systems domestically won the 2007 Showcase Award for Innovation from the Radiant Panel Association in Hartford Connecticut.
9:00-1:00 Jeff Mott, BCCER / Institute for Sustainable Development
Tour the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserves
This four-hour hike is a moderately difficult trek from the BCCER headquarters to Big Chico Creek and back. The group will observe a multitude of wildlife and birds, discuss fire ecology of the area, habitat programs, and the local geology. Each hiker should wear long pants, hiking shoes, and bring sun protection, water, binoculars if available, and a lunch.
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10:00 James Pushnik, CSU, Chico
Climate Change 101
Confused about the cause and effects of climate change? Wonder what the difference is between global warming and the greenhouse effect? Jim Pushnik deconstructs the complexity of climate change and shares basic information about why this pressing issue is so important to understand.
10:00 Robert Jones, CSU, Chico, Environmental Ethics
The Environmental Impact of Meat Production
Can factory farms be the number one contributor to global warming? Robert Jones shares data that supports this conclusion. He summarizes the environmental impact of Concentrated Animal Feed Operations (CAFOs), and discusses the ethical implications of possible solutions to this pressing global situation.
10:00 Kenneth Siegler, IT Transformation & Sustainability Solutions
Managing Profitable Sustainability through Technology Transformation
Business can profitably manage for sustainability. Kenneth Siegler will discuss sustainability and business profitability, and especially trends in information technology than will transform the ability of businesses to achieve sustainability goals.
10:00 Julie Wright, CSU, Chico
Greening the Associated Students through Student Government: California State University, Chico
Vice president of CSU, Chico’s Associated Students (AS), Julie Wright offers an insider’s view of AS sustainability efforts and projects, and explains how the Environmental Affairs Council drafts resolutions to implement sustainability policies."
10:00 Pat Furr, Computers for Classrooms
Save the environment through Reuse then Recycling - it is 25 times better
Computers for Classrooms, a nationally recognized program started by Patt Furr, helps schools and low-income families through rebuilding computers for reuse. Learn more about the tremendous environmental savings that can be achieved by reusing before recycling.
10:00 Chad Worth, Empower Poly Coalition
Lessons from Europe- 2008 European Smart Energy Study Tour
In the spring of 2008 twenty students, energy experts, county officials, and community leaders traveled to Europe on a two-week European Smart Energy Study tour. The tour included stops in England, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden to participate in meetings and workshops and to see some of Europe’s most cutting-edge policies and technologies. Come learn about best practices from across the pond.
10:00 Mark Herrera, AS Sustainability, Chico
The Basics of Composting: from worm bins to windrows
This session offers a basic overview of composting methods, and explains why composting is the most important “recycling” you can do—a simple act that also helps reduce global warming. Mark Herrera discusses the types of material that can be composted, trouble-shooting for compost problems, resources and references for assistance, and the future of the composting industry.
10:00 Kent Sandoe, Chico Green School
Building a Green High School
Current work to establish a green charter high school in Chico is a reference point for exploring sustainability in high school education. Kent Sandoe encourages participants to generate their ideal “green high school,” including innovative ways to help students build a sense of competence, responsibility, and purpose; to foster an understanding of ethical principles; and to widen their sense of respect for the environment and the communities to which they belong.
10:00 Jim Mikles, Golden Capital Network
Trends in Clean Tech Investing
This panel of leading angel and venture capital investors discusses getting green from going green, focusing on clean technology and clean energy while exploring current trends, opportunities, and challenges.
10:00 Cristina Archer, CSU Chico
Big Wind: Harvesting Energy on the Sea
One of the advantages of offshore wind is that it has the potential to produce more electricity than onshore wind farms. In 2005, Archer analyzed wind potential around the world and found that, at the height of a wind turbine, offshore wind is on average 90 percent stronger than onshore wind because hills, trees, buildings, and other structures don't get in the way of winds blowing over the ocean.
11:00 KEYNOTE Jeanna Wirtenberg, Institute for Sustainable Enterprise, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Journey to Sustainable Enterprise: When It All Comes Together
“People – planet – and profits” is rapidly becoming the new mantra of the 21st-century businessperson, challenged as never before to address concerns that go far beyond the profit motive—issues ranging from consumer and worker health and safety to entrenched poverty and global warming. Dr. Wirtenberg’s presentation positions business at the center of these problems and their possible solutions. She brings into clear focus the qualities of a sustainable enterprise, and suggests specific means for achieving these.
1:30 Lucas Miller, Philip Saneski, Caitlin O'Neill, Rachael Mache, Erin Dacayanan, Crystal Toogood, and Matt Curson, Community Legal Information Center
The Ambiguity of Global Warming and Carbon Emissions: Weather Channel v. Gore
John Coleman, founder of The Weather Channel, believes that climate change is a result of natural weather modifications. He contends that proponents of global warming—including Al Gore—are perpetrating fraud, and plans to sue to stop them. This panel discussion examines both sides of this issue, including the question of standing, and explores possible effects of Coleman’s lawsuit.
1:30 1:30 Elizabeth Devereaux, Chico Sustainability Group, Jon Clark, BCAG, Tom Varga, Scott Gruendl, City of Chico, Eric Reichel, CSU, Chico
Transportation Planning for the Campus and Community
Imagine a Chico and Butte County 10 years from now with wide pedestrian friendly streets, services within walking or accessible easy transit with 10 minute headways, and mixed use housing close to downtown. Think too of quick, quiet, easy transit to Butte College, Oroville, the County seat, Paradise, and other Butte Co. cities. What are the steps it will take to realize that dream? What are the impediments? What is first – infrastructure or housing? How can we make better use of state and federal transportation dollars to reduce our carbon emissions? What is AB375 and how would it affect us? Come participate in a conversation between all the key transportation/transit decision-makers in our University, city, and county.
1:30 Angela Casler, Bonnie Persons, Willie Hopkins, Ray Boykin, Jeff Trailer, CSU, Chico
College of Business' Sustainability Strategy, Best Practices in Greening the Supply Chain, and upcoming 2008 Environmental Regulations
The CSU, Chico College of Business is dedicated to ensuring that students successfully compete in the new green economy. Panelists offer an overview of the college’s sustainability strategy and discuss its Minor in Managing for Sustainability as well as educating for the green economy, best practices in supply chain management, and new legislative developments relating to sustainable business practices.
1:30 Panel, Speakers: Roy Beck, NumbersUSA; Dick Schneider, Californians for Population Stabilization; Ben Zuckerman, UCLA
Sustainability 101: The Three Most Important Aspects of Sustainability
Sustainability 101: What you can do to help save the Earth that you won't find on lists of 50 Simple Things you can do to save the Earth
Climate change, alarming rates of species extinction, and human overpopulation are arguably the three most important aspects of America’s contribution to the global sustainability problem. Dick Schneider and Ben Zuckerman discuss these topics and other pressing environmental issues that are a result of poor choices made by average citizens.
1:30 Ted Tiffany, Gurdaver Singh, Guttmann & Blaevoet Consulting Engineers, Kimberly Matsoukas, Bently Prince Street, Rachel Sauerbeir, Meeks Lumber
LEEDing the Way: Environmental Sustainability in Remodeling, New Construction, Integrated Building Design and the Value of Comprehensive Modeling
“Building green” can be profitable for the construction industry and also affordable for businesses and homeowners. Panelists share helpful concepts and practical tools for businesses, schools, and others to incorporate LEED rating systems and to identify no-cost and low-cost opportunities to “green” projects."
1:30 Morgan King, Strategic Energy Innovations, Renee La Frenze, Alliance to Save Energy - Green Campus Program (Oakland)
Green Workforce Development: Pathways to preparing the next generation for green collar jobs
As the Green Revolution gains momentum, economically stressed communities are searching for new employment and business development opportunities. There is a need to train a new generation of "green collar" workers to ensure that emerging green businesses and organizations have the employees they need to grow the green economy. Morgan King and Renee Lafrenz explore pathways of green workforce development.
1:30 Sally McNall, CSU, Chico
Green Poets
Poet Sally McNall presents an invitational and open mic reading of poems about the natural world. Poets will read from their own poems that reflect their understanding and interpretation of the natural world.
1:30 Greg Turcotte & Jessica Lundberg, Lundberg Family Farms
Lundberg Family Farms: Growing a Sustainable Business
Lundberg Family Farms is striving to improve their environmental impact across their entire organization. Initiatives such as solar energy production, recycling and waste-stream reduction are significant steps in this ongoing practice. Lundberg Family Farms is delighted to share their experiences and discuss their future goals in pursuit of sustainable business practices.
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1:30 Don Hankins, CSU, Chico Department of Geography and Planning; Jeff Mott, Director of the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve (BCCER); Mark Lynch, Education Coordinator, BCCER; John Rowden, BCCER Vegetation Management; Jim Brobeck, Butte Environmental Council (tentative)
Firing up a Sustainable Landscape
Fire is an integral part of healthy wild land ecosystems, globally, yet too often has been excluded as both a natural and management process—with often disastrous results. Panelists will draw upon local and global examples that demonstrate the useful if not essential inclusion of fire as a viable tool for managing the interface between wild land and urban landscapes
1:30 Cheri Chastain, Sierra Nevada Brewery
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co Sustainability Tour
Visit Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. on a tour guided by Sierra Nevada’s sustainability coordinator to learn about the brewery’s fuel cell and solar installations, biodiesel production, energy efficiency, water conservation, a unique CO2 recovery system, and 98 percent landfill diversion rate. Meet in front of the fuel cells in the west parking lot of the brewery. Close-toed shoes are required.
1:30 Amelia Gulling, Chico Green Campus Program
Campus Energy Tour
See and experience Green Campus energy efficiency projects and tour other Chico State sustainability accomplishments. Coordinators from the Alliance to Save Energy’s Green Campus Program will lead a tour of the Sustainability House, the real-time energy meters in Lassen and Shasta Hall, and campus LEED buildings and solar arrays.
1:30 Morgan King, Strategic Energy Innovations, Renee La Frenze, Alliance to Save Energy - Green Campus Program (Oakland)
Green Workforce Development: Pathways to preparing the next generation for green collar jobs
As the Green Revolution gains momentum, economically stressed communities are searching for new employment and business development opportunities. There is a need to train a new generation of "green collar" workers to ensure that emerging green businesses and organizations have the employees they need to grow the green economy. Morgan King and Renee Lafrenz explore pathways of green workforce development.
3:00 Roy Beck, Numbers USA
More Americans, Bigger Footprint: Did Nov. 4, 2008 elect A Congress likely to grapple with rapid U.S. Population Growth?
Roy established NumbersUSA in 1997 to carry out the immigration-reduction recommendations of President Clinton’s Council on Sustainable Development. The top objective is to reduce overall legal and illegal immigration so that the numbers no longer impede American environmental sustainability, economic justice and individual liberty
4:00 Keynote Felicity Barringer, New York Times
Reporting on Nature
How do our major news papers report environmental issues? When is it a controversy? When isn’t it? Come Listen to Barringer from NY times and discuss environmental reporting issues with staff from the Orion, News and Review and other local papers.
4:00 Friday:
The Sustainable Art Contest Reception
The show displayed art pieces submitted to the Sustainable Arts Contest, which was hosted by the AS Sustainability Program and funded in part by AS activity fee. The contest was open to all types of media, ranging from poems to 3-D sculptures. Winners will be announced during the reception on Friday, November 7th, from 4-6 p.m.. How do you imagine sustainability? Come check out the variety of arts submitted by students and local artists.
6:00 Awards Banquet and Art Show
Come to the awards banquet and pay recognition to your peers as they receive awards for their efforts in sustainability. "Artists of the Natural World" art show will start the festivities off and feature local artists and regional artists. The banquet will be followed by presentations of the Greenies awards, the Paul Maslin Award, and the newly established Paul Persons Award. Ticket required.