Sheryl Crow will open USGBC’s Greenbuild conference

Grammy winner and environmental activist Sheryl Crow will open the U.S. Green Building Council’s Greenbuild 2009 Conference, the organization announced today.

“Performing at Greenbuild is like being on the international stage of the green movement, celebrating with you the progress we’re making on this important issue,” Crow said in a statement.

The Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, scheduled for Nov. 11 to 13 in Phoenix, has grown to be the leading forum on sustainable buildings and communities. Because of its increasing profile and size, the USGBC decided to open this year’s event at Chase Field, home to Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks.

“Beyond her music, Sheryl Crow’s informed and effective advocacy made her the natural choice to help us open Greenbuild in a new and powerful way,” Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC President, CEO and Founding Chair, said in a statement. “More than 25,000 people gather every year at Greenbuild because we know that the building industry can play a major role in reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy independence and economic growth.”

A graduate of the University of Missouri, Crow also holds honorary degrees from Temple University and Southeast Missouri University. She has been on the leading edge in urging the adoption of efficient technologies like CFLs and biofuels, and has applied her influence to the grassroots, the media, Fortune 500 companies and the government to build support for environmental protection.

In addition to guest speakers, Greenbuild 2009 also will feature more than 100 educational sessions, LEED and Education Provider workshops, off-site educational sessions, a two day Residential Summit, and tours of local green building sites throughout the Arizona area. More than 1,700 exhibitors will showcase some of the leading technologies and products in green design, construction and operations.

Last year’s Greenbuild, held in Boston, drew more than 28,000 attendees and featured more than 800 exhibit booths. Past Greenbuild keynote speakers have included President Bill Clinton, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, E.O. Wilson, Van Jones, William McDonough and Paul Hawken.

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