Green California Summit Approaches: Broad Spectrum of Leaders from Government, Education and Commercial Sectors Gather to Further State's Sustainability Efforts

On April 8 and 9 at the Sacramento Convention Center, thousands of representatives involved in California green government initiatives -- from state and local governments to developers, property managers and educational institutions -- will gather for the Green California Summit and Expo. Full program of sustainability workshops, panels and keynotes. Free admission to exhibit hall and general sessions/keynotes.

Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) April 4, 2008 -- On April 8 and 9, thousands of representatives from a wide range of California's government, education and commercial communities will meet at the Sacramento Convention Center for the 2008 Green California Summit. The event, developed under the guidance of senior state officials and private sector leaders, is focused on the programs, strategies and products needed to build a California for future generations.

On April 8, a special event will be held at 4:30 p.m. to announce the winners of the Green California Leadership Awards. The awards were created at the request of the Summit advisory board to acknowledge outstanding accomplishments by state and local government; projects completed in 2007 in 8 categories of sustainability will be honored.

The opening session on April 8 will include a presentation by California Public Utilities Commissioner Dian Grueneich, and a keynote by S. Rick Fedrizzi, Founding Chair of the U.S. Green Building Council. The April 9 morning session will feature Lt. Governor John Garamendi and a keynote from renowned author (Natural Capitalism) and environmentalist Hunter Lovins.

The exhibit hall will feature hundreds of green products and services, from alternative vehicles and furniture to green office supplies and cleaning materials. The education program will focus on emerging trends, research and best practices in green building, energy conservation, design, landscaping and many other subjects.

A survey of registration to date reveals an unusually broad spectrum of participants, with hospitals, school districts, community colleges, the UC and CSU systems, tribes, churches, designers, property managers, and developers participating alongside representatives from state and local government.

"This broad participation is a dramatic confirmation of the commitment to sustainability that exists throughout the state, from government at all levels to business," said Bob Graves, president of Green Technology, the non-profit that is organizing the event.

"California is truly setting the pace in this field, a fact that was resoundingly confirmed by recent reports that China intends to implement California-style strategies for energy efficiency," he added. "This is the only event all year where it's possible to experience the breadth of the programs underway at state and local levels."

Admission to the exhibit hall, the keynotes and the Green California Leadership Awards is free. Registration is required. For details, or to register online, visit www.green-technology.org/gcsummit. On-site registration will begin at the Convention Center West Lobby at 8 a.m. on Monday, April 7.

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