April 20: Lake County Green conference emphasizes role of schools

Lake County Green 2017, an April 20 conference hosted by the College of Lake County, will bring together local business, education, non-profit, municipal and county leaders for presentations and discussions on the role of schools in building a sustainable ethic and inspiring green career choices. The theme of the seventh annual conference is "Building a Resilient Future."

The keynote speaker is the Rev. Booker Steven Vance, policy director for Faith in Place, a Champaign, Ill.-based non-profit organization that helps people of all faith traditions advocate for environmental stewardship. Vance will explain how promoting a culture of sustainability begins with inspiring youth, in greening school curricula and facilities.

Following Vance's presentation, a plenary discussion will highlight green buildings at the elementary, high school and college level, including CLC's geothermal loop and new Science Building. A separate session will explain opportunities available with the Future Energy Jobs Bill, which was passed by the Illinois legislature last December and will increase funding for solar and other renewable energy sources beginning July 1.

In other sessions, students will explain how green buildings and sustainability programs help inspire them to pursue green careers, and speakers will offer tips on how to advocate for green practices in local schools and communities.

Lake County Green will be held from 1-5 p.m. in CLC's Lower Level A Wing Conference Center and Auditorium, 19351 W. Washington St. Check-in begins at 12:30 p.m., and following the conference, attendees can tour CLC buildings designed to LEED Gold and Platinum standards, visit the college's farm market and enjoy a microbrew reception.

The $25 registration fee, which is waived for students, includes refreshments and the reception.

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

Sponsors include Lake County Partners, a Lincolnshire-based, non-profit economic development organization.