AltBuild to Showcase Green Building, Sustainable Living
AltBuild, the Alternative Building Expo sponsored by the City of Santa Monica, CA, returns for its 5th year on April 25-26, 2008.
Designed to promote green building, alternative energy, and sustainable technologies and practices, the Expo brings together all members of the building and construction community. This includes architects, contractors, designers, government representatives, as well as the interested public. And really, aren’t we all interested these days?
Though I didn’t attend last year, I did go to the event’s transportation equivalent, AltCar. I found AltCar to be very interesting, with tons of great information available to those looking to learn more about sustainable options. If AltBuild is as good, it will be well worth attending.
This year, AltBuild has moved to a new home at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium at 1855 Main Street. On Friday the 25th, the focus is geared toward those in the building trades, while Saturday’s agenda focuses on the general public.
Though admission is free, the event features many top speakers in addition to exhibitors. On Friday at 1pm, a special presentation will be made by Green Cities of California, a collaborative made up of cities throughout the state dedicated to accelerating efforts to achieve sustainability. The group will share its goals and impacts thus far.
Also of note, Victoria Johnston, LEED AP and board member of the US Green Building Council - Redwood Empire Chapter, will deliver Saturday’s Keynote address. Her topic: “Things that work to manifest your green vision.”
A few other panels and presentations that look interesting include:
- Exhibitor Paul Mosier from InvestGreen will offer insight into socially-responsible investing resources.
- SoCal’s Edison and Gas Co will showcase their latest professional and homeowner energy efficiency programs and rebates, and conduct extensive giveaways of showerheads, aerators, and light bulbs. That means free stuff!
- The “Developments Go Green” panel of residential developers and homebuilders will discuss financing sustainable homes and communities, and the integration of deconstruction and reuse into the development of green homes. The panel will be led by Greymar Associates founder and CEO Wally Geer, who brings an extensive background in design, construction, marketing, and finance of both conventional and alternative housing systems.
In addition, workshops and panels on landscaping, climate, interiors/remodeling, and affordable solar applications are scheduled. Check the full schedule for more details about dates and times.
To wrap up the event, the City is hosting free Green Building Tours on Sunday, April 27th. Tours include homes, offices and gardens. Check them out if you need a little inspiration!
