Environment and Conservation Announces Green Development Conference February 24-26

Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will host a Green Development Conference in Nashville Feb. 24-26, in partnership with the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  The three-day conference, titled “Green Development:  Good for Water and the Bottom Line” will be held at the Sheraton Music City Hotel.

The conference will feature expert presenters from across the country, and is designed to promote dialogue and exchange among state and local officials, developers, architects and contractors on the aspects of green development and its contribution to the efficient use and quality of state waters.

“This is a great opportunity to learn more about the benefits of green development and tools available to communities to help implement this type of more sustainable growth,” said Sloan.  “Our goal is to connect with representatives of local governments who manage and implement stormwater programs, land-use planning, building and plumbing codes, as well as those in the design and construction industries involved or interested in green development.”

The conference is the result of a joint proposal submitted to EPA by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection and is largely funded by a grant from EPA’s Office of Water.

Advance registration received before January 31 is $185.  Registration received February 1-21 is $215.  On-site registration will be $250 per person.  Registration fees include full access to the event, including the exhibit show, educational sessions and meals. Meals include a reception on Sunday, February 24; breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Monday, February 25; and breakfast on Tuesday, February 26; plus other refreshments.

Attendees also have the option of registering to tour examples of exceptional green development in the Nashville area, including the Ellington Agriculture Center Campus and Metro Nashville Courthouse, or attend a Green Development Technical Workshop led by representatives from the Center for Watershed Protection, the Southeast Watershed Forum and TVA.  Each of these optional components will take place Tuesday at the conclusion of the conference.

Special rates are available to conference attendees by calling the Sheraton Music City at (615) 885-2200 and using the group name “green development.”  More information on the Green Development Conference, including a list of exhibitor and registration forms is available at http://www.outreach.utk.edu/GreenDevelopment/.