Educational leaders, teachers, and architects from across California convened in Anaheim to learn how to build a new generation of schools that provide a better learning environment for students and have the capacity to generate all their own electricity. The event was co-chaired by the California Secretary of State’s Office and Consumer Services, Rosario Marin and California State Architect David Thorman. Nikkei America participated in the Green California Schools Exhibition, exhibiting cutting-edge Japanese green technology products from their Green Innovation Connect project.
The first day of the Summit began with an address by L. Hunter Lovins, the noted environmentalist, speaker, writer and professor. Lovins spoke about “Black Swan” events -- completely unexpected events that have a major impact -- and argued that being prepared to recognize and exploit these opportunities was paramount. To Lovins, the sudden move towards sustainability is such an event, and “green-collar” jobs, which begin with greening buildings, will be the start of a revolution in our economy. More specifically, she pointed out the many possibilities for greening schools -- biodiesel for buses, solar panels for school roofs, greener cleaning products -- and their clear financial and academic benefits. Later events throughout the day centered on the specifics of how to green a school, including workshops on LEED standards, ways to finance solar purchases, and new recycling methods.
The second day of the event featured a message from Terry Tamminem, former secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency and current adviser to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Tamminem argued that historically, shifts in energy underwrite broad societal change and current policymakers of all kinds -- including school superintendents -- need to be receptive to such changes. His plan for moving forward in greening schools was four-pronged: promoting the adoption of renewable energy, adopting energy-efficient policies, using competition in cap & trade to create money for schools, and utilizing the democratic process to make these changes available to all. Later workshops provided strategies for energy efficiency, introduced the CHPS Program, and explored ways to involve large corporations in green schools initiatives.
Green Innovation Connect's booth in the Climate Green California Schools Exhibition received a steady stream of visitors throughout both days of the Summit. Visitors were impressed by the energy efficiency of the Noritz Tankless Water Heater and the ability of the Eco De Vita wallpaper from Shikoku to remove pollutants and odors from the air. Others marveled at the variety of noncombustible products from Asano on display. Interested parties were encouraged to sign up for the Green Innovation Connect mailing list, and given contact information for relevant partner companies.
The first day of the Summit began with an address by L. Hunter Lovins, the noted environmentalist, speaker, writer and professor. Lovins spoke about “Black Swan” events -- completely unexpected events that have a major impact -- and argued that being prepared to recognize and exploit these opportunities was paramount. To Lovins, the sudden move towards sustainability is such an event, and “green-collar” jobs, which begin with greening buildings, will be the start of a revolution in our economy. More specifically, she pointed out the many possibilities for greening schools -- biodiesel for buses, solar panels for school roofs, greener cleaning products -- and their clear financial and academic benefits. Later events throughout the day centered on the specifics of how to green a school, including workshops on LEED standards, ways to finance solar purchases, and new recycling methods.
The second day of the event featured a message from Terry Tamminem, former secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency and current adviser to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Tamminem argued that historically, shifts in energy underwrite broad societal change and current policymakers of all kinds -- including school superintendents -- need to be receptive to such changes. His plan for moving forward in greening schools was four-pronged: promoting the adoption of renewable energy, adopting energy-efficient policies, using competition in cap & trade to create money for schools, and utilizing the democratic process to make these changes available to all. Later workshops provided strategies for energy efficiency, introduced the CHPS Program, and explored ways to involve large corporations in green schools initiatives.
Green Innovation Connect's booth in the Climate Green California Schools Exhibition received a steady stream of visitors throughout both days of the Summit. Visitors were impressed by the energy efficiency of the Noritz Tankless Water Heater and the ability of the Eco De Vita wallpaper from Shikoku to remove pollutants and odors from the air. Others marveled at the variety of noncombustible products from Asano on display. Interested parties were encouraged to sign up for the Green Innovation Connect mailing list, and given contact information for relevant partner companies.
Green California Schools Summit, Dec. 8-10, 2008
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, Calif.
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, Calif.
Nikkei America kept GCSS guests caffeinated with free coffee.