Breakout Sessions 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Advancing active transportation systems to benefit people and the planet
Active transportation—or “human powered”--infrastructure is a crucial component in our ongoing quest to improve and protect the environment, local economies, and the health and welfare of those with whom we share the planet. During this breakout we will explore the positive impacts of trails, as well as examining ways in which key cities are successfully advancing their active transportation agenda.

Presenters: Greg Lindsey, Professor, Executive Associate Dean, University of Minnesota; Leslie Strader, Assistant Environmental Steward, City of Columbus; Tony Collins, Director, City of Gahanna Parks & Recreation Department

Weathering the Storm: Can efficiency and renewables provide added benefits to a back-up power system?
Maintaining power takes priority when the grid is down. This panel will focus on how implementing energy-efficiency of critical equipment can extend emergency generation run-time. Also, learn what the obstacles are, and the benefits of, integrating solar energy with back-up batteries or generators. Finally, hear from the City of Powell and Westerville Electric Division, who have incorporated efficiency and renewable energy into back-up power of some of their critical loads.

Local Food as a System: Production, Processing and Distribution in a Secure, Sustainable and Resilient Manner
Farmers markets and community gardens are tiny parts of a local-food system. What is needed for real impact are major increases in “specialty crop” and livestock production, and local processing and distribution infrastructure. What are the challenges in building and funding such a system?

Breakout Sessions 2:45 - 4:15pm

Shifting business as usual toward economic and environmental sustainability
Doing business in an environmentally friendly way not only has societal benefits, but also yields greater efficiency, economic returns, and innovation. Companies are increasingly stepping up to the plate to improve environmental performance. This session will showcase various approaches by manufacturing companies, and highlight some of the available resources and services that support sustainable practices.

Presenters: Thomas G. Pendrey, Vice President and General Manager, G & J Pepsi Cola Bottlers; Darrin Lacheta, Environmental Health and Safety Engineer, Tosoh SMD, Inc.; Greg Hume, Program Manager, Energy and Environmental Services, TechSolve, Inc.

In the air and all around: pollution knows no boundaries
Air pollution does not stop at political borders, meaning that many countries are both sources and receptors for transboundary air pollution. Transboundary flows of pollutants occur between the United States and our closest neighbors, Mexico and Canada, as well as across continents. Learn about the state of Central Ohio’s air and how it is affected by pollution sources locally and abroad, and regional strategies to reduce air pollution.

Creating more livable and sustainable communities with green infrastructure
Water is being called the "Oil" of the 21st century. How can we continue to clean up impaired waterways while at the same time revitalizing our communities? Come and learn about projects that not only improve water quality but also create livable places.