Al Gore opens FEX SIM Launch

"The launch of a clean technology market on Wednesday had some serious pulling power including the former United States vice-president Al Gore.

Mr Gore was at the launch in Sydney of the FEX Sustainability and Cleantech Investment Market (FEX-SIM), and spoke about global warming and the opportunities it presented for businesses and for companies aiming to become sustainable." |Read more|

Sustainable Brands Conference to be Held in New Orleans

"The countdown to Sustainable Brands ’07 continues, as more big brands and new green brands alike make plans to gather in New Orleans September 26-28. They are coming to support the rebuilding of New Orleans, honor the reality of corporate contribution to climate change and discuss rapidly emerging best practices associated with turning environmental and social responsibility into a new driver of brand value.

Dozens of well-known corporate brands such as AMD, Bosch/Siemens Home Appliances, Clorox, Dell, Nestle/Purina, IDEO, and Behr Paints are joining PR/Brand/Creative agencies and media companies like Leo Burnette, Celery Design and BBMG to learn from a stellar line up of presenters at SB07. More than three-dozen of the most experienced leaders in making sustainability pay are set to share their experience with the growing audience assembling for this landmark conference.

Rand Waddoups, Sr. Corporate Director Strategy and Sustainability, Wal-Mart and Act Now EVP, Judah Schiller whose sustainability collaboration is featured in the current Fast Company issue, are just two of those speaking.

Those interested in up-to-the-minute details on the event, including links to the complete list of speakers, the conference program, hotel and travel information and a look at who else is coming, should visit: http://www.sustainblebrands07.com">

"Sustainable Brands '07 is more than just a green marketing and PR conference," says KoAnn Vikoren Skrzyniarz, founder of Sustainable Life Media, the B2B media company organizing the event. "Truly sustainable brands take into account more than what you say, how you say it, and to whom. They start with an honest look at who you are, what you do and how you do it." SB07 was designed to help companies jump ahead to success in this rapidly evolving arena by developing a deeper understanding of the issues and opportunities involved, and how to take action.

WHY GATHER IN NEW ORLEANS? New Orleans was selected as the right backdrop for the launch of Sustainable Brands ’07 for two key reasons. First, it is centrally located, a fantastic destination and inexpensive to get to from both coasts. The French Quarter and the newly renovated Ritz Carlton New Orleans are open for business, better than new, and represent the travel bargain of the year. With airfares available for under $300 from many parts of the US, and room rates of $169/night at one of the country’s top hotels, it’s much cheaper (and more fun!) to visit NOLA than major metro areas.

Secondly, Hurricane Katrina was a major catalyst for many companies to think seriously about their impact on climate change, and New Orleans serves as a great reminder of the impact, positive or negative, business will have on our future. By holding the conference there, participants will have the opportunity to reconsider their own connection to our shared future, and to support the restoration of the NOLA economy."
CSRwire.com - News from Sustainable Life Media, Inc.: Countdown to Sustainable Brands '07 -- Early Reg. Deadline Friday. AMD, AT&T, IDEO, Kimberly Clark, HP, Nestle/Purina, More Join

Building Green with LEED

"LEED is a voluntary, consensus-based national rating system for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. USGBC's members, representing every sector of the building industry, developed and continue to refine LEED. LEED addresses all building types including new construction, commercial interiors, core & shell, operations & maintenance, homes, neighborhoods, and specific applications such as retail, multiple buildings/campuses, schools, healthcare, laboratories and lodging.



Based on well-founded scientific standards, LEED emphasizes state of the art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. LEED promotes expertise in green building through a comprehensive system offering project certification, professional accreditation, training and practical resources."