Washington - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that former President Bill Clinton will deliver the keynote speech of the opening plenary of Greenbuild, the world's largest conference and exposition dedicated to green building, to be held November 7-9, 2007, in Chicago.
"This is an unprecedented opportunity for our green building community to hear from one of the greatest philanthropic and environmental leaders of this century," says Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC president and CEO. "The William J. Clinton Foundation is facilitating a series of global action plans that are addressing some of the most intractable problems of our times-AIDS, economic sustainability as a way to eradicate poverty, the elimination of childhood obesity. His framework has shown the power that groups of individuals have to effect real change."
"Reducing the C02 emissions that lead to climate change is another key area of focus, and it's being addressed by the Clinton Climate Initiative, with green building as a cornerstone of that effort," notes Fedrizzi. "We are making a difference, and President Clinton's unique ability to inspire individual action will add incredible momentum to this important work."
Clinton's keynote will kick off what is expected to be the largest Greenbuild ever. More than 20,000 people from all over the world are expected to take part in three days of dynamic speakers and educational sessions; LEED® workshops and hands-on training; local green building tours; design charrettes and networking events; and a bustling exhibit hall. Greenbuild's exhibit hall sold out nearly a year in advance: Its 800 booths will display the newest green building technologies, products and services.
About USGBC
USGBC is a community of leaders working to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated. USGBC envisions an environmentally responsible, healthy, and prosperous built environment that improves the quality of life. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.