Aren’t you excited to come visit us in June?!

Our three-day event is just around the corner!

Here is a brief overview of the events that will be happening at the Charlotte Sustainability Summit from June 7– 9.

Thursday, June 7:

7:00 p.m. Climate Stories NC Films Viewing and Discussion

Join us at 7 p.m. Thursday evening to enjoy dinner and a discussion, then a viewing of Climate Stories NC with panelists Dr. Brian Magi and others who address climate change in their work. Climate Stories NC seeks to capture the voices of ordinary North Carolinians—farmers, hunters, beekeepers, fishermen, Christmas tree growers and others whose lives have been affected by changes in the climate.

Friday, June 8:

8:30 a.m. Understanding the Role of integrated Sustainability in Security and Prosperity

Come enjoy light breakfast and a discussion with Poonam Arora! This talk explores linkages between the three types of sustainability and the crucial role that businesses and decision makers have in supporting integrated sustainability.

Saturday, June 9:

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Networking and Check-In

9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Welcome, Keynote Speak, and Self-Serve Breakfast

We are excited to have Jacqueline Patterson, the Director of Environmental and Climate Justice at NAACP giving our keynote address.

11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The following workshops/discussions will be available during this time block

Making Room—Affordable Housing for Everyone

This workshop, led by OneMECK, will discuss the barriers to affordable housing in Charlotte and American metropolitan regions, in general with panelists Carol Hardison (Crisis Assistance Ministry), Pam Jefsen (Supportive Housing Communities), Justin Perry (OneMECK), and Judy Seldin-Cohen (author and ‘A Way Home’ rental subsidies program) and moderator Angie Forde (St. Martin’s Episcopal Church)

Transportation Choices for a Sustainable Future

Following a presentation about Charlotte’s transportation challenges and opportunities led by Sustain Charlotte, we’ll take a short guided walk to the Seventh Street Public Market and Charlotte Transportation Center to learn how different modes of transportation can be used together

Local Water Quality and Water Resources

In this discussion, participants will learn about our natural and man-made water resources. Topics will include water treatment, stormwater, BMPs, and specific actions citizens can take improve our waters

Land Conservation and the Carolina Thread Trail

Matt Covington, Land Acquisition Director of Catawba Lands Conservancy and Bret Baronak, Community Coordinator of Carolina Thread Trail will discuss land protection efforts in the Charlotte region as well as the Thread Trail’s efforts to create a regional trail system, and how that complements land conservation activities

12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. State of Sustainability in Charlotte Presentation and Lunch

How are we doing? Are we making any progress? Where do we need to focus more? Join this session for a “state of local sustainability” regarding encouraging recent trends and the challenges that remain to improve sustainability in the Charlotte region from Sustain Charlotte and INSS

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sustainability Workshop Block 2

Public Service and Sustainability in the Charlotte Region

This panel, moderated by State Representative and former Charlotte City Council Member John Autry, will discuss the role of citizen advisory boards, how they have contributed to local plans and policy decisions, what barriers their members face as they attempt to influence policy, and ways that others can get involved. Participants will include members of the Charlotte’s Bicycle Advisory Committee, the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Committee, the Transit Services Advisory Board, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Plan Commission

Sustainability and Waste 101

Join Crown Town Compost for a workshop on composting, landfilling, recycling, waste policy, and the state of waste in Mecklenburg County. They will discuss Mecklenburg County’s waste policy and breakdown what to compost and recycle and why as well as environmental justice concerns

Planning for Greenways and Parks Workshop Part 1

Greenways for Mecklenburg will host a session that will include speakers and hands-on breakout sessions that is intended to involve both community leaders and invited staff from city and county departments to identify future ‘Dirtway’ projects along the proposed greenway planning map. Primary facilitators will include Greenway for Mecklenburg founding board members Brett Tempest, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UNC Charlotte, and Rick Winiker, local criminal defense attorney and Vice-chair of the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Commission

Energy and Policy

The City of Charlotte’s Director of Sustainability, Robert Phocas, will give an update on the resolution and the Strategic Energy Action Plan

3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Sustainability Workshop Block 3

Monitoring Air Quality in Local Communities

Clean Air Carolina is leading this workshop on the advances in smart, portable air sensors that enable AirKeepers to see the results right on site. The data collected will allow scientists, health experts, and environmental advocates to leverage this information to fight air pollution like never before, engage individuals, and promote better outcomes for all

Innovative Approaches to Improving Healthy, Local Food

Led by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council, panelists will discuss how school gardens, mobile markets, sustainable farming practices and supporting local farms are all essential to building a sustainable local food system here in Mecklenburg County. Panelists include: Nicole Miller (School Garden Coordinator with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools), Gigi Lytto (FoodCorps Service Member), Alisha Pruett (Founder of The Bulb), and Holt Akers-Campbell (Lazy Heron Farm)

Planning for Greenways and Parks Workshop Part 2

Greenways for Mecklenburg will host a session that will include speakers and hands-on breakout sessions that is intended to involve both community leaders and invited staff from city and county departments to identify future ‘Dirtway’ projects along the proposed greenway planning map. Primary facilitators will include Greenway for Mecklenburg founding board members Brett Tempest, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UNC Charlotte, and Rick Winiker, local criminal defense attorney and Vice-chair of the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Commission

For more information on the 2018 Summit schedule, please check out the Charlotte Sustainability Summit website!

Don’t forget to register for the Summit!

Photo by Valerie https://www.flickr.com/photos/ucumari/