DEADLINE EXTENDED - DUE JAN 31st!
2019 IMPACT Conversation Corner Proposals

The West North Central Communities are currently accepting conversation corner host proposals for IMPACT 2019. 

The West North Central Region includes the following USGBC Integrated Communities and aligned chapters:

Central Plains 
Iowa 
Minnesota 
Missouri Gateway
Nebraska Flatwater
North Dakota 
Wisconsin

Conversation Corners are 20 minute hosted mini-sessions, aimed at catalyzing conversation among IMPACT attendees.  Topics focus on critical issues and concepts in sustainable design & construction and help maximize educational opportunities during IMPACT through peer-to-peer learning.

As a host, you’ll have five minutes to introduce a sustainability concept to attendees of your corner.  Then by asking thought provoking questions, your audience will have 10 minutes to consider what you’ve posed to them.  Conversations can happen amongst attendees, or between the host and attendees.  As the host, it is your responsibility to monitor conversations and ensure that attendees remain on topic.  In the last five minutes you’ll bring the group back together for sharing of information and reflection.

Conversation corners are eligible for General Continuing Education Units through GBCI for LEED, WELL, and SITES credential holders.  In order to earn a credit, the attendees must attend three, full 20-minute sessions, and the content presented by the hosts must be tied to the built environment and be non-commercial in nature.  Visual presentations are not allowed.

We seek to expand an understanding of the importance of healthy, sustainable buildings and communities to a broader audience. Conversation Corner topics should advance our mission and enhance the knowledge of our members and parties interested in design, construction, and operational practices, as it relates to promoting green building best practices, LEEDv4.1 and other certification processes. The IMPACT steering committee has identified the follow priority topics which we hope you’ll consider when putting together your conversation corner proposal:
  • Global, Regional, Local – Talking about our role and the Interconnected Effects of Climate Change on the Built and Natural Environment.
    • Suggested Topics: Messaging climate change to clients | Net Zero | Shifting conversations to focus on carbon | Depolitization of climate conversation | Carbon Economics | Commercial activism | Climate research | Resilience
  • “If there is magic on the planet, it is contained in water.” (Loren Eiseley) Current and Future Water issues within the Upper Mississippi Watershed
    • Suggested Topics: Future of water on the north coast | Role of the built environment and the gulf dead zone | Case for efficiency with an abundance of water? | Water Positive Buildings
  • Is the Market enough?  The role of policy and global commitments in addressing the climate crisis.
    • Suggested Topics: Cop 24 Reflection | Local Leaders, Global Gain | Mayors Pledge, Paris Climate Agreement | PACE Financing | 2030 Commitments | City and County Benchmarking Ordinances | Personal Actions
  • Closing the Loop.  Considering materials, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions in the modern world.
    • Suggested Topics: Life Cycle Assessment | Health Product Declarations | Environmental Product Declarations | Zero Waste, Compost Programs | Materials and Resources categories in LEED | Local Materials.
  • Regenerating and sustaining the health and vitality of all – the role of equitable and affordable housing in sustainable built environments
    • Suggested Topics: Design for Affordable Housing | Minneapolis 2040 plan | Challenges in implementing affordable housing | Role of Policy | Recent Successes
  • Feel free to propose other topics for consideration
Timeline:

DEADLINE EXTENDED: 11:59 p.m. CST, Thursday, Jan 31st 
Application Review: Jan 31st - Feb 
Host Selection: Jan 28th - 8th
Notification of Proposal Acceptance: Feb 11th

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