Breakout Session Tracks
Download PDF presentations from the conference»
Presentations will be available for download through Nov. 20
Energy and Water Efficiency
Implementing Efficiency (Water, Energy, Historic Buildings, Renewable Energy)
How can we incorporate these four concepts to create sustainable buildings? What is the difference between the whole-house systems approach and the individual-measures approach, and why is whole-house more reliable? Can you make historic properties energy and water efficient, and include renewable energy?
Green Infrastructure/Overflow Control Planning
Historically, cities have installed infrastructure made of concrete and steel which may not be perceived by the public to be an accomplishment since infrastructure is often underground. New concepts about approaching infrastructure from a sustainable or green perspective are rapidly spreading. What is involved in green infrastructure and what can its implementation mean to the public perception of sustainable neighborhoods?
Local and State Policies on Efficiency
Not all states have energy codes. States and municipalities have a range of policies that either support or inhibit energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy. What is the range of energy-efficiency policies in the Kansas City region? What steps are being taken to understand the policies that may need to be revised because they are inhibitors, because of intent or because the issue is not addressed?
Building Market Demand
What is the market demand for energy efficiency and renewable energy in the Kansas City region and what steps are being taken to increase demand? Policies, perceptions and accessibility to adequate financing resources all have an impact on market demand. Market demand impacts employment opportunities and the ability of companies to provide specific services.
Healthy Homes
I'E'Q: An Overview of Indoor Environmental Quality
Do people truly understand the effects of indoor air quality on their health? Get an overview of indoor air quality and outside influences with specific examples for improving air quality with smoke-free housing, a reduction of outdoor particulate levels and a greater understanding of the laws that protect them.
The Other "Silent" Killer: Radon in Homes
No person or home is safe from radon. This silent, odorless gas — the second leading cause of lung cancer — may be naturally occurring, but it can also be controlled.
Energy and Health, Is There a Connection?
Energy efficiency has become an emerging topic as we strive to reduce the amount of energy used in our homes. The activities we do to reduce energy use in our homes may have a negative effect on air quality. When energy and healthy homes professionals work together, energy upgrades can be done in a manner that supports health.
Build Smart, Breath Easier — An Innovative Approach to Building Healthy Homes
The building envelope includes the physical components of the home which can positively or negatively affect indoor air quality. The Asthma Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), Habitat for Humanity and Merck pharmaceutical company have joined forces to help build homes with asthma-friendly features. This innovative program has just built its first home in Detroit for a family whose children suffer from asthma.
Homebuilder and Developer
Appraising and Marketing Sustainability
Many builders and developers recognize the significant savings of building energy-efficient, sustainable homes, yet they struggle to get appraisals that recognize the costs associated. This session will focus on how the appraisal community is catching up with energy efficient technologies and how to best market sustainable homes.
Construction Financing in Today’s Economy
When the economy collapsed in 2007, housing was the hardest hit and the recovery has been slow, at best. Builders and developers have struggled to find financing, even for viable projects. Listen to experts in the field as they discuss the current reality and implications.
Nonconventional Lenders
As many builders and developers struggle to secure funding from conventional lenders, some have turned to non-conventional lenders to fill the construction financing gap. This session will highlight a few of these lenders and how they are able to provide financing.
Sustainability in Recovery Efforts
The recent tornado and flooding disasters in Kansas and Missouri will ultimately result in the rebuilding of communities and the restoring of residents’ lives. Come hear about recent success stories in Greensburg, Kan., and the challenges that lie ahead in Joplin, Mo., and other communities.
Sustainable Neighborhoods
Defining Sustainable Neighborhoods
The term "sustainable" is becoming more common and may be overused by many organizations and agencies throughout the country. Learn what it really means to be a "sustainable" neighborhood from several experts.
Transitioning Neighborhoods: An Open Discussion
Many areas of our community have housing stock that is older and no longer viable for today’s market in terms of amenities and/or energy efficiency. A panel will highlight their success in transitioning neighborhoods into modern, sustainable neighborhoods.
Sustainable Communities Grants from Across the Region
In 2010, the U.S. Department of House and Urban Development announced Sustainable Communities Grants for several cities in the region. This session will focus on three of those cities and provide updates on their progress and future planning efforts.
Developing Capacity to Build Sustainable Neighborhoods
A common theme among many communities is the lack of capacity to develop sustainable neighborhoods. This forum will be led by cities describing how they are trying to develop capacity followed by an opportunity for all in attendance to briefly describe the tools and resources they are using to build capacity in their communities.
Download PDF presentations from the conference»
Presentations will be available for download through Nov. 20
