Weber State leads the way in sustainability with annual summit
OGDEN, Utah — From March 20–21, over 400 sustainability professionals and emerging leaders will gather at Weber State University to share and advance sustainable practices.
The Intermountain Sustainability Summit was started in 2010, thanks in part to Chris Brown, a former WSU student who hosted a recycling event in 2009, which served as the inspiration and impetus for the ISS.
“When you talk about what one person can do, this is something that one student started,” said Bonnie Christiansen, WSU’s sustainability programs & engagement manager. “Chris was so proud of it, and a simple act of him saying ‘Hey, let’s talk about recycling’ has impacted hundreds and hundreds of people.”
Since that first year, experts have come together for the Intermountain Sustainability Summit to create positive change in the community, environment and economy. This year’s theme is regeneration.
“Regeneration moves us from thinking about how we can do less harm to how we can do more good,” Christiansen said. “It helps us know how to utilize the lessons of nature to better ourselves and our planet.”
This year’s keynote speaker is Bill Reed, an internationally recognized planning consultant, design process facilitator, lecturer and author. His work focuses on regenerative development, which improves the overall quality of the physical, social and spiritual life of living places.
Along with the keynote, workshops and speakers will focus on a variety of topics such as sustainability plans for municipalities, preparation for electric vehicle charging infrastructure for local government and much more.
There will also be a chance to visit the Eco Expo, vote in the student poster contest and view sustainable art displays.
“This is a really great opportunity to meet and network with employers and people who are working in sustainability,” said Kaylee Anderson, sustainability programs coordinator at WSU. “They offer actual examples of what can be done in the field.”
Workshops and breakout sessions require registration. For a full schedule of events and pricing information, visit the ISS website.
Chloee Robison, Marketing & Communications
- Contact:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu