GreenBiz U returns to ASU for 2015 Sustainability Solutions Festival
The power of global business leaders discussing the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in sustainable business is returning to Arizona State University for GreenBiz U, a shadow conference of the 2015 GreenBiz Forum taking place in Paradise Valley, Arizona, Feb. 17-19.
A part of the second annual Sustainability Solutions Festival, a program of the ASU Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives, GreenBiz U will bring GreenBiz Forum keynote speakers to the ASU Tempe campus for three days of insights and discussions with sustainability business, education and thought leaders, such as Carter Roberts, president and CEO, World Wildlife Fund; Aaron Hurst, author of “The Purpose Economy”; Jackie Prince Roberts, chief sustainability officer for the Carlyle Group; and Sheila Bonini, CEO of The Sustainability Consortium.
This diverse array of speakers will address topics such as the value of partnerships, portable solar electronics, zero carbon campuses and the State of Green Business report that will be discussed during the GreenBiz Forum opening. All presentations will take place in Wrigley Hall, room 481. All sessions are free and open to ASU students, faculty, staff and community partners.
"This is an extraordinary collaboration with far-ranging impact,” said Joel Makower, chairman and executive editor of GreenBiz Group, Inc. “By leveraging our collective networks and knowledge bases, we are convening an unparalleled group of speakers and attendees that will make this week a truly exceptional opportunity for knowledge sharing and networking among the sustainable business community."
GreenBiz U will mark the first campus presentation by Bonini, who last fall was named CEO of The Sustainability Consortium, a multi-stakeholder nonprofit organization that translates scientific information into business practice.
More than 100 member organizations and companies collaborate with scientists to design and implement credible, transparent and scalable science-based measurement and reporting systems that drive innovation to improve consumer product sustainability. Bonini and Kevin Dooley will discuss the function and future goals for The Sustainability Consortium, which is jointly administered by ASU and the University of Arkansas.
"The Sustainability Consortium is an important part of ASU’s commitment to sustainability, serving as a bridge between academic science and real-world business to drive more sustainable consumer products," said Bonini. "With the global reach of our members, along with our partner institutions at ASU, Arkansas, Wageningen University in The Netherlands and Nanjing University in China, this session is a valuable opportunity for the ASU community to understand the scale, scope and impact of this organization that is based in their 'backyard.'"
Now in its second year, the Sustainability Solutions Festival’s partnership between ASU, GreenBiz and The Sustainability Consortium has positioned the week’s events as a premiere destination for audiences of all ages to learn about and engage in sustainability solutions. This year’s theme is “(re)imagine what’s to come,” showing how one organization, one community or even one person can make positive change in the world.
“We are extremely proud of our partnership with GreenBiz for the Sustainability Solutions Festival and feel fortunate to be able to bring such esteemed sustainability leaders to the ASU campus to engage our university community,” said Patricia Reiter, executive director of the Walton Initiatives.
For the full GreenBiz U schedule, visit sustainabilitysolutions.asu.edu/greenbiz-university-forum-2015. For more information about the Sustainability Solutions Festival, visit sustainabilityfestival.asu.edu.