May 27: Lake County Green conference emphasizes climate change response

Lake County Green 2015, a May 27 conference sponsored by the College of Lake County, will bring together local business, education, non-profit, municipal and county leaders for presentations and panel discussions on the theme of "Creating a Resilient Economy."

The keynote speaker, Mary Gade of the National Climate Assessment, will explain the 2014 assessment's implications for the Midwest in areas ranging from weather patterns to crop growth. The report concludes that the evidence of human-induced climate change continues to strengthen and that impacts are increasing across the country. A team of more than 300 experts, guided by a 60-member federal advisory committee, produced the report, which was reviewed by the public and experts, including federal agencies and a panel of the National Academy of Sciences.

Following Gade's presentation, John Weiss, senior manager with Ceres, a Boston-based, non-profit organization that consults with businesses, will lead the plenary session on how businesses and institutions are responding to climate change with sustainable practices that also help build a stronger economy. The session will include a panel discussion, with representatives from Baxter International, Inc., Abbvie and other organizations explaining how they have adopted new efficiencies in operations and technology.

The conference also will include three breakout "tracks" covering energy, water and workforce education. Sessions will focus on smart energy meters, the smart energy grid, stormwater management and high school outreach programs. Other sessions will explore topics of water conservation, supply chain management, composting and waste management and attracting a green-savvy workforce.

The day will conclude with a brainstorming session on what Lake County could look like in 25 years, a display on the geothermal field CLC is constructing and a microbrew reception.

Lake County Green is designed to attract businesses that want to "go green," along with educators, those working with non-profits and municipalities and others interested in sustainability. It will bring together around 200 attendees plus speakers and exhibitors to learn, network, share information and be inspired by the opportunities the new green economy will provide.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Lower Level C Wing, 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. Because of construction of the new Science and Engineering Building, please enter at the B Wing and park in lot 4 or 5 to access the C Wing.

Registration is $50, which includes the workshops, a locally-grown breakfast, lunch, organic snacks and a microbrew reception from 4:30-5:30. College students may attend for free.

For a complete schedule and to register, visit www.clcillinois.edu/events/lake-county-green. For more information or to become a sponsor, contact David Husemoller, CLC sustainability manager, at (847) 543-2643 or dhusemoller@clcillinois.edu.

Sponsors include Illinois Green Economy Network.