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National Green Schools Conference to Promote Leadership in Green Building and Education U.S. Green Building Council

Turner Construction Company and Global Green USA, Sponsor Conference for Educators Health Professionals and Facility Planners to be held in Los Angeles on June 27

National Green Schools Conference to Promote Leadership in Green Building and Education U.S. Green Building Council

Turner Construction Company and Global Green USA, Sponsor Conference for Educators Health Professionals and Facility Planners to be held in Los Angeles on June 27

Published 06-12-06

Submitted by Turner Construction Company

New York, N.Y. - The U.S. Green Building Council, Turner Construction Company, the nation's leading general builder, and Global Green USA, today announced the program for "Investing in the Future: A Green Schools Symposium." The conference is part of a series resulting from a commitment made at the Clinton Global Initiative Inaugural Meeting in 2005 by the USGBC and Turner Construction. This conference is also part of Global Green USA's School Initiative, funded by the Annenberg Foundation. The daylong symposium will be held at The California Science Center in Los Angeles, Calif., on June 27.

The conference will focus on sustainable design and construction in both the K-12 and higher education sectors, and provide valuable insight on the significant economic, health and productivity benefits of building green schools.

"By giving people the information, resources, and tools they need to build green schools and universities, the Green Schools conference series is having a direct impact on our children's future," said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO & founding chairman, USGBC. "Our children deserve every opportunity for success, and we owe it to them to provide healthy, safe, productive learning environments."

The various panel discussions will include national, regional and local experts that will address the latest in research, policy and practice in the field of sustainable building and design.

"Investing in healthy green schools for our kids provides an opportunity to dramatically improve test scores, reduce sick days and create healthier learning environments," said Global Green USA President, Matt Petersen. "Green Schools also save School Districts 20-40 percent on operating costs and allow more money to be spent on books and teacher salaries. With all the benefits, there's no reason why every new school in the country shouldn't be built green."

Speakers include:

  • Keynoter Sim Van der Ryn, principal of Van der Ryn Architects and former state architect of California. Van der Ryn is an award-winning architect and consultant renowned for his ecologically sensitive, energy efficient, and sustainable design portfolio.

  • Darroch Young, chancellor, Los Angeles Community College District

  • Guy Mehula, deputy chief facilities executive, Los Angeles Unified School District

    "Clearly green building is fast becoming a standard in both the private and public sectors, with proven performance and productivity benefits. The need and opportunity for greening our education system is tremendous," said Thomas C. Leppert, chairman and CEO of The Turner Corporation. "By cosponsoring this conference series, we are providing more and more decision makers with the facts they need to move forward, including the crucial economic rationale."

    Following the conference, there will be a tour of Cahuenga New Elementary School No. 1, a showcase of Los Angeles Unified School District's high performance schools program.

    There is no charge for attendance, but registration is mandatory. For a complete program, please visit: http://communicate.usgbc.org/greenschools

    About U.S. Green Building Council The U.S. Green Building Council is the nation's leading coalition of corporations, builders, universities, government agencies and nonprofit organizations working together to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. Since its founding in 1993, the Council has grown to more than 6,000 member companies and organizations; a 70-person professional staff; a broad portfolio of LEED programs and services; the industry's popular Greenbuild International Conference and Expo; and a network of more than 60 local chapters, affiliates and organizing groups. For more information visit: www.usgbc.org.

    About Turner Turner is the leading general builder in the U.S., ranking first or second in the major segments of the building construction field. During 2005, Turner completed $7.4 billion of construction, including $1.5 billion in education projects. The company was an early pioneer in green building, and has completed or is under contract for more than 160 green projects, valued at over $11 billion, and totaling more than 43 million square feet.

    Turner is the only builder offering clients a network of 46 offices across the U.S. Founded in 1902, the firm was acquired in 1999 by HOCHTIEF AG, one of the world's leading international construction companies. For more information, visit Turner's website at www.tunerconstruction.com.

    About Global Green USA Global Green USA has been a leader in green building and improving our urban environment for more than a decade. Global Green USA's Schools Initiative, funded by the Annenberg Foundation, focuses on greening schools in California and beyond and has allowed Global Green to help LAUSD green $14 billion in new school construction.

    Global Green has also pioneered a national Green Affordable Housing Initiative to build healthy homes that save low-income residents money on their utility bills and is helping to build the first net zero energy affordable housing in the country. Through its Green Building Resource Centers in Santa Monica and New Orleans, Global Green also provides green building advice, classes and workshops for the general public. Global Green USA (www.globalgreen.org), headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Washington D.C., New Orleans and San Francisco, is the US affiliate of Green Cross International, founded by Mikhail Gorbachev in 1993.

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