Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Greenbuild Conference & Expo is the largest gathering of architects, engineers, developers, contractors and builders involved in the greening of the built environment. With a hundred educational sessions and over 1,000 exhibitors, Greenbuild is overwhelming, exhausting and exhilarating.
Held this year in Toronto, this was the first time the conference was held outside of the U.S. Over 23,000 attendees from 108 countries were in attendance. This year’s Conference theme was simply “NEXT.” It seems quite appropriate. The field of green building has reached a certain critical mass over the past decade, prompting many to ask, “What’s Next?”
Seen roaming the conference halls were such laudables as Amory Lovins (Rocky Mountain Institute), Bill Browning (Terrapin Bright Green), Jerry Yudelson (Author & Consultant), Thomas Friedman (Author of Hot, Flat and Crowded) and Gail Vittori (Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems).
While energy conservation still remains a key issue within the sustainable design and construction industry, the importance of waste reduction is growing as evidenced by the number of Greenbuild education sessions focused on the use of recycled and bio-content materials and their contribution to reduced life cycle costs, greenhouse gases and landfills.
At Greenbuild, Ontario Tire Stewardship organised exhibits and networking events featuring 8 Ontario-based recycled rubber product manufacturers, raising the profile of their innovative products with North American designers and builders, and reinforcing the fact that products made from recycled tires are not only more sustainable, but often deliver greater performance benefits such as comfort, convenience, durability and acoustics over traditional products.
You may see these products popping up more often around your home, office, or school. To get a quick overview of each, click on the product names below.
Fabricushion Carpet Cushion and Underlayment
National Rubber Technology Pro-FIT Athletic Flooring
SofSurfaces Softile Roof Paver
What does OTS think is NEXT for green building? Check out our video to find out.
Andrew Horsman
OTS, Executive Director
