Green Summit looks toward future

Buzzwords and terms abound in the Boulder Valley when it comes to business and the environment: Green. Sustainable. Renewable energy. Triple bottom line. New Energy Economy.

Each word or phrase carries great meaning as the region both builds a base of companies and organizations engaged in development of clean-energy technologies, and works to shift away from fossil fuels as the major source of power.

The fourth annual Green Summit, presented by the Boulder County Business Report, will address each of those topics and more. The event is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Millennium Harvest House in Boulder. This year’s Green Summit will include an overriding theme of “New Horizons: Moving Toward a Sustainable Future.”

Topics will include:

• Boulder’s Energy Future: The City Decides

The city of Boulder will soon determine whether to create a municipal-owned utility or to sign a new franchise agreement with Xcel Energy. Our panel will explore various aspects of the issue, including costs, as the city prepares for one of its most important decisions in decades.

• ACE: Dealing for Jobs

The planned Aerospace Clean Energy Manufacturing and Innovation Park in Loveland could spur creation of thousands of jobs along the Front Range as it facilitates commercialization of NASA technologies. Our panel will discuss the future and potential of this project, and how it might affect the Boulder Valley.

• Moving Forward: The Ideal Transportation System

High-speed rail, electric cars, buses, bicycles – ideas for a more sustainable system for transporting goods and services abound, but funds are limited. Our panel will discuss statewide transportation goals, and what initiatives are under way in the Boulder Valley.

• High Fives

Ten companies will make five-minute presentations on one of their greatest successes in sustainability, providing practical ideas for attendees to implement at their own companies.

• Green Real Estate: Lessons Learned

Implementing green design into real estate – both new projects and retrofits – requires a commitment to sustainability, but also a commitment to due diligence. Our panel will delve into the economics of specific sustainable features, exploring what works – and what doesn’t.

• Clean-Tech Reality Check

Colorado, including the Boulder Valley, has emerged as a leader in the “New Energy Economy.” But other cities, states and countries are pushing toward renewables and clean tech with equal – or greater – zeal. How do we really stack up with other parts of the world, and are we losing ground?

• One-on-Ones

9News business reporter Gregg Moss will interview three to four leaders of local clean-tech and green companies and organizations, in one-on-one interviews in front of the audience.

• Eco-Heroes Awards

Celebrate with the Boulder County Business Report as it honors six Eco-Heroes – individuals who are contributing to sustainable business practices.

The Green Summit is once again presented through the support of our title sponsors, Holme, Roberts & Owen LLP and Western Disposal Services Inc. Associate sponsors include the Colorado Carbon Fund, CopyExperts, EnergySmart, Roche Colorado and the GrafX Group. The media sponsor is KUNC 91.5 FM, while the reception sponsor is the Millennium Harvest House in Boulder. Regonline is the official registration sponsor.

Sponsorships are still available. For sponsorship information, contact Kevin Loewen at 303-440-4950, or via email at kloewen@bcbr.com.

Register for the event at www.bcbr.com/greensummit.

Christopher Wood can be reached at 303-440-4950 or email at cwood@bcbr.com.

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