6th Annual Global Environmental Sustainability Symposium: Transportation, Human Mobility, and Sustainability at CCSU

April 4th, 2013

9:45 AM-7:15 PM 

FREE, Registration Required

Central Connecticut State University

New Britain, Connecticut

The CCSU Global Environmental Sustainability Action Coalition invites the public to learn and to teach one another about the actions that we, as human beings, must take to ensure that we live in such a way that we are able to satisfy our needs while ensuring that our children and grandchildren will be able to satisfy their own. The symposium will offer 3 classes, two performances, a panel discussion, a tour, and an optional attendance at the town meeting, as well as opening and closing notes from distinguished professionals in sustainability. This event is FREE: anyone can register online to show up. *Exhibitor tables are still open.

Schedule

9:45-10:00 AM: Symposium opening and welcome with Dr. Charles Button and Dr. Jack Miller (tentative) at Alumni Hall

10:00-10:45: Transportation, Migration, and Sustainability in Four Worlds Alumni Hall

Dr. John Kelmelis expands upon a possibility raised by the United States National Intelligence Council when they published Global Trends 2030: Alternative World. This work explores four very possible future worlds. Dr. Kelmelis will explain what each of these worlds might mean for our future as well as what strategies we might use to make the most of each circumstance at the local, regional, national, and global levels. 

11:00-11:45: Panel Discussion: Electric Cars and Alternative Vehicles Alumni Hall

The president of the New England Electric Auto Association (Dave Oliveria), an environmental writer and speaker (Jim Motavalli), the Senior Associates Autos Editor for Consumer Reports (Eric Evarts), and a natural gas car owner (Joe Booth) all come together in one place to talk about the real value that hybrid, extended hybrid, and electric vehicles hold. This is a special opportunity to discover what users and reviewers genuinely think about these alternative vehicles.

12:00-1:45 (*with second free registration): Water Wars Performance and Lunch Alumni Hall

While you enjoy your lunch, the Sonia Plumb Dance Company will be performing Water Wars. This is an emotionally charged piece of art that exposes the very important and very tenuous relationship that human beings have with one of our primary sources of life: water.

2:00-2:45: Tour of New Sustainable Science Hall Alumni Hall

Linda Reeder of LEED and James Grupp lead a tour of the CCSU Social Sciences Hall, which has just received Silver LEED Certification! In fact, depending on the outcome of a third-party review, this building could possibly achieve the gold standard. Participating in this tour will teach attendees how an LEED certification can specifically and uniquely help any building to become more sustainable, while simultaneously being more efficient.

3:00-3:45: Tracing the Evolution of Sustainability at the Four CT State Universities Alumni Hall

Ms. Laura Worthington, an energy technical specialist, dives into the specific ways that each of four Connecticut State Universities approached the idea of implementing sustainability onto their respective campuses. The unique approaches show that sustainable living is not necessarily a one-size-fits-all garment: its practices can be customized to best meet any consumer's present needs.

4:00-4:45: CT fastrack and Walkable, Sustainable Communities Alumni Hall

Michael Sanders, the Transit Administrator at the CT Department of Transportation, presents a rapid transit project that is underway in Central Connecticut. He incorporates the possibility of creating a sustainable community with more walking and less traffic.

5:00-7:00: Illustrated Poster Session, Eco-Fair, and Reception with Covert Jazz Alumni Hall

Includes posters designed by students, academics, and professionals. 

*Free and Open to the Public*

*Exhibitor Booths are still available*

Includes, so far: CCSU Global Environmental Sustainability Action Coalition, CCSU President's Advisory Council for Environmental Sustainability, CT Green LEAF Schools Initiative, CT League of Conservation Voters, CT Rides, EnergizeCT, Reforest the Tropics, Solar Energy Association of CT, USDA-National Resources Conservation Services, and more...

6:00-7:00 (*with another free registration): Town Hall Meeting Alumni Hall

Dignitaries will be talking about CCSU and the State of CT transportation initiatives and policies. This will be followed by a traditional Town Hall style Q&A with audience members.

7:00-7:15: Closing remarks with Dr. Charles Button at Alumni Hall. 

Sign up by visting: http://www.ccsu.edu/page.cfm?p=11065