Not surprisingly, there is much concern in the green building community regarding the impact of the current economic slow-down and credit crunch on our industry. The first of our quarterly workshops will focus on the opportunities that exist in this tumultuous market, and we will hear from leaders in the design, construction, and development fields of the business.

This technical workshop is a panel discussion exploring Green Building challenges and opportunities in the current economy. At the end of the workshop there will be time for  socializing, so come help the Seattle Branch kick off the new year by learning, digesting (figuratively and literally), and discussing the latest in green building knowledge and information.
Speakers:

Dennis Wilde, Gerding Edlen

Dennis Wilde, a nationally respected green building expert, leads the Renewable Energy & Infrastructure division of Gerding Edlen Sustainable Solutions. His passion for sustainable urban development runs deep. From his graduate studies in architecture and urban planning to his work at Gerding Edlen,environmental responsibility and smart design are central to his philosophy. As Gerding Edlen’s designated “green guy,” Dennis has pushed the bounds of sustainability in development projects while building a strong business case for the economic and social benefits of environmental responsibility.

Mark R. Schuster, The Schuster Group

Mark R. Schuster is the Founder and CEO of The Schuster Group, Inc, a Seattle-based real estate development firm. As an early industry leader in sustainable practices The Schuster Group developed Mosler Lofts, the first Silver LEED® certified high-rise condominium building in Seattle that has since become one of the most nationally acclaimed high-rise condominium projects of 2008. The Schuster Group also recently retrofitted its headquarters which became one of the first dual-LEED® certified existing office buildings in the State of Washington. Mark is a nationally recognized leader and expert in the green building movement, regularly speaking at national and regional conferences on the topic of green building.

A-P Hurd, Touchstone Corporation

A-P Hurd is a Vice President at Touchstone Corporation, responsible for corporate and project strategy.  Prior to that she worked at McKinstry Co. where she developed their Transition to Sustainable Operations services and headed up the company’s internal sustainability initiative. A-P has worked on environmental policy initiatives ranging from the Department of Ecology’s Toxics Reduction Program to current City and County efforts to meet GHG targets for development and transportation-related emissions. She has a particular interest in the structure of incentives and how to quantify and allocate the cost of development and how to develop better frameworks to encourage investment and innovation. 

Betsy Hunter, Capitol Hill Housing

Betsy Hunter is the Director of Real Estate Development with Capitol Hill Housing, a Seattle neighborhood-based non-profit in business since 1976. She managed the development & construction of Broadway Crossing, Seattle’s first LEED Silver mixed-use development, as well as the Pantages Apartments, winner of a national 2006 AIA “Show Your Green” award. Betsy holds a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from the University of Washington.

Josh Chaitin, The Frause Group

Josh Chaitin is an expert in public relations and communications within the environmental, outdoor travel, governmental, and the design/build and built environment sectors. Josh specializes in working with his clients to refine and promote their efforts towards sustainability and social responsibility, ultimately helping to better position themselves in their target markets. His works with clients such as REI, Starbucks, The Schuster Group, King County, City of Seattle, Top Pot Doughnuts, Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort and Belt Collins.

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