Speaker: Kath Williams
Principal of Kath Williams & Associates; Past president, World Green Building Council; Executive Vice President, International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL)

Topic: Opportunities in eco-communities: People, Planet, and Profits

Description:

Globally the title “Eco-city” is used as a descriptor for every municipal project that is even the lightest shade of “green.”  From newly constructed communities in China and Middle East to sustainable infrastructure projects in developed and developing nations, it is easy to bestow upon oneself the title.  The questions becomes what are the motivations and what are the criteria? From lessons learned while working around the world, Kath Williams proposes all measurement tools should be framed in terms of values and opportunities for people, profit, and the planet if the goal of sustainability is ever to be achieved.

Bio: Kathy Wahrer Williams, past president of the World Green Building Council, has a diverse background in sustainability—from construction projects to green education. Drawing on her experiences as assistant to the vice president of research at Montana State University, her position as executive director of MSU’s Green Building project, and her service as vice chair of the U.S. Green Building Council for six years, Kath is involved in the development of green building councils and rating systems throughout the world, including India, Taiwan, Australia, UAE, Mexico, and Guatemala.

She has been recognized for her work in supporting the development of two LEED-Platinum buildings in India, Taiwan Semiconductor’s LEED-Gold fabrication plants, and two U.S. Air Force projects in Nebraska. Kath Williams + Associates (KW+A) currently supports sustainable education and LEED projects for clients including US EPA/DOE Labs21, Yellowstone National Park and National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Location: Seattle Central Library, Microsoft Auditorium, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle, WA  98104

Time: Doors open at 5:00PM, Lecture begins at 5:30PM

Date: Tuesday, Feb 8, 2011

Cost: Cascadia Members and students; Free (RSVP MANDATORY)
General Audience; $10

The Transformational Lecture Series aims to inspire all building industry professionals to embrace their role in creating as sustainable built environment now, as well as ensuring that sustainability becomes integral to all development in the future. In an effort to both reduce cost and carbon emissions, and to inspire the local community, most speakers are notable local heroes and reside in the Pacific Northwest.