John Miedema and Howard Sprouse present an overview of their quest to create organic “waste” management facilities yield the highest use for their inputs. Biochar was a big topic for the evening. It catalyzed a multi-disciplinary discussion that spanned topics such as agriculture, forestry and remediation.
environment
6/28/2011: Solar Design / Green Building Potluck BBQ
Passive solar design is quite possibly one of the most efficient building techniques ever. Yet we rarely see the conscious implementation of this timeless way of building structures which are in-tune with the energy balance of their environment. Thanks to our dear friend Thomas Wagner, we got a firs hand look at innovative solar design in action.
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MASDAR CITY, UAE: World’s First Carbon-neutral, Zero-Waste Community
Karin Larsen, Masdar City Project
Masdar City is the expression of a vision. It represents Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted response to the challenges facing a sustainable future. The Masdar Initiative and Masdar City are positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader and hub for the research and development of renewable energy and sustainable technology. The funding for Masdar comes from the Abu Dhabi government.
Masdar City’s aim is to become the Silicon Valley for clean, green and alternative energy. A global centre where over 1500 companies will converge to address one of man’s greatest challenges. A city where current and future technologieis will be funded, researched, developed, tested and implemented. Masdar’s mandate is to champion renewable energy technologies, and to contribute to the diversitfication and sustainable growth of the Abu Dhabi economy into one that is industry-led and knowledge-based.
For more information, see www.masdarcity.com and www.masdar.ae.
Karin Larsen is the US Sales Representative for the Masdar City Property Development Unit, where she develops cross-border strategic partnerships and business relationships between Masdar City and US companies. Prior to this, she was a Senior Vice President at Gulf Capital Private Equity in the UAE where she analyzed and executed investment opportunities in energy services, alternative energy, and technology/media. Previously, she established i2i Capital in Hong Kong, a boutique private placement and investment firm serving SMEs in Asia. In the cleantech sector, she has worked with companies active in electric vehicles, coal gasification, plastics recycling, nanomaterials, and water filtration.
Appetizer Story:
Developing Green Innovative Communities with Dr. James Caldwell
The Sustainability Revolution: Inspired Community Design
Curt Johansen
Executive Vice President, TriadCommunities
Seeking inspiration for a sustainable future? Join us as Curt Johansen, EVP of Triad Communities, shares his aspirations, experiences and insights.
The advanced protection and preservation of our environment is integral to the well-being of future generations. Socially responsible development is now immutably on the political agendas of most politicians and many business leaders. Along with economic prosperity, these three concepts formulate the basis for sustainable development and blended-value creation.
Curt’s practical experience and research over the past twenty-five years has led him to understand the role of sustainable community in the creation of a true land ethic. He will explain how localizing five critical economic sectors can create healthy balance between globalization and strong communities. He will demonstrate how his own work is leading him toward the creation of perhaps the most sustainable community in the country, right here in the Bay Area. And he will invite us to explore how we might face the challenge of incorporating sustainable principles into our careers.