2009 Oklahoma Green Building Summit set for Sept. 15
By Jim Roth | Phillips Murrah P.C. |
The Journal Record
[ AUGUST 17, 2009 - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK ] - A green tsunami is sweeping the world and it has reached Oklahoma. It is not only about automobiles, cleaner electricity, waste control and less carbon use, it is about building green.
Choosing green construction makes sense for you whether you’re interested in reducing your carbon footprint and improving environmental quality, creating a healthier atmosphere for your business or family, conserving energy and natural resources, lowering your utility bills, reaping tax benefits, capitalizing on green market opportunities or simply creating a sustainable space.
You can learn more about the benefits, strategies and resources available for green building by attending the 2009 Oklahoma Green Building Summit on Sept. 15 at the Express Event Center, 8512 Northwest Expressway in Oklahoma City.
The Green Building Summit is presented by the Oklahoma State Home Builders Association, Oklahoma City Metro Association of Realtors and Guaranteed Watt Savers Systems of Oklahoma City. Each of the Summit sponsors has going-green experts that will be available. They include C&S Supply; Climate Master; Forest – Jeld-Wen; Morrison Supply; OG&E; ONG and Weatherization Partners, a Tyvek distributor.
There also is a Pre-Summit Commercial Developers Seminar to be held Sept. 14 at the same location. Topics will include “The Broker’s Role in Sustainable Commercial Properties,” “Greening Existing Buildings,” and “Valuation and Financing Sustainable Commercial Properties.” This workshop meets the elective requirement for the Green Realtor Designation from the National Association of Realtors.
Registration for either event is $35 in advance, $45 at the door. Registration for both days is $60.
Through the National Green Building Program, the National Association of Home Builders is helping its members move the practice of green building into the mainstream and the summit will help you keep pace. Energy efficiency, water and resource conservation, sustainable or recycled products and indoor air quality are increasingly incorporated into the everyday process of home and business building.
Available tax credits for builders and homebuyers will be highlighted at the summit in addition to special breakout classes about the green program and green home features. Continuing education credits are available for those attending the summit.
Special guest speaker, J.D. Strong, Oklahoma’s visionary secretary of the environment, will be kicking off the summit with a few words about the green movement in the state Legislature.
Nationally recognized presenter Mark LaLiberte, an expert in building science, will detail techniques and requirements of green home building in today’s market. LaLiberte has been featured at leading industry events such as the NAHB International Builders Show, West Coast Green, Sunbelt Builders Show, Energy Star Summit and GreenBuild conferences.
Don Carr, project manager at the National American Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center, will be explaining the implementation of the NAHB National Green Building Standard Certification.
Joyce Painter, Pro-development Systems, will be discussing going green and sustainability as they relate to real estate.
And Kelly Parker, president of Guaranteed Watt Saver Systems Inc. (GWS), will be explaining the going-green movement nationwide and available tax incentives.
The future of our communities depends on a collaborative effort to move forward with green building practices. Join the Green Building Movement in Oklahoma by attending the 2009 summit.
To get more information about the 2009 Green Building Summit and the Pre-Summit Commercial Developers Workshop or to register, visit the summit Web site at www.okgreenbuildingsummit.com.
Jim Roth, a former Oklahoma corporation commissioner, is an attorney with Phillips Murrah P.C. in Oklahoma City, where his practice focuses on clean, green energy for Oklahoma.