7 Lessons from Greenbuild 2015

If you’ve been following our Twitter feed, you likely noticed we’re tweeting a bunch from the Greenbuild 2015 conference from our nation’s capital! Greenbuild was a smashing success in Philadelphia two years ago, so I was psyched to return to this conference.

Greenbuild is the annual gathering for sustainable building professionals, thrown by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). We might initially think of what we eat, drink and do to live sustainability – but what about the places we inhabit, work and play?

Sad you missed this week’s events? No fear, reader! Here’s a few things we learned along the way.

7 Things We Learned at Greenbuild 2015

1. The sustainability movement is strong. There’s nothing more reenergizing than meeting professionals from across the country (and world!) who are all on a mission for a sustainable future. From sustainable floors to creative bike rack storage, companies are creating solutions for our common problems – and helping the environment, too.

2. Animal agriculture is a major contribution to climate change. OK, ok. We knew this one. But it’s important to talk about, because people want to feel guilty about where their food comes from. James Cameron touched on dietary habits and how his decision to go vegan is based off sustainability. And although we may not all have the luxury of a personal vegan chef, we can at least reduce the amount of meat in our diet.

3. A lot of problems with our food system is that we’re not even eating food, according to MSNBC host Mika Brzezinski. A combination of craving GMOs, sugary, heavily-processed food and access to healthy produce are two major problems with the American diet.

4. Diversity needs to be a part of the sustainability movement. Gabrielle Bullock, principle at Perkins + Will said that she is one of 326 black women architects in the US! Sustainability isn’t an issue of gender, race or region. How can we be more inclusive to have more diversity when talking sustainability?

5. Even Green Building professionals sometimes need to be reminded of sustainability. I went to a market focus group for lunch, where the company was asking opinions on marketing tactics. After chatting for 40 minutes about direct mail, I was surprised to be the first to mention there was no acknowledgement if the paper was recycled – and that customers want this from brands. Sometimes stating the (perhaps perceived) obvious is worthwhile.

6. The best learning tools go back to basics… and childhood. The USGBC North Florida display caught my eye when they had an interactive landscape exhibit. Sarah (from the organization) explained that they show these different foods (jello, oatmeal, water, etc) and shows how water is contaminated after a storm and all these materials are in the ground. This learning tool educates children in a fun visual way, but also often teaches the parents about sustainability. 7. Greenbuild is FUN! I mean, where else can you be front row to see Fitz and the Tantrums after days of working and meeting new friends?

Readers, what are your biggest sustainable building questions? Tell us in the comments.