New Green Matters Conference examines emerging issues in concrete and sustainability

A special focus Green Matters Conference, held Feb. 23-24, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas brings together leading industry experts to share up-to-date information on sustainable concrete technologies and trends in green building. High-interest topics will be covered in technical seminars, including infrared reflective coatings for heat island mitigation, innovative uses of concrete to provide cooling and stormwater management, environmental benefits of polished concrete, and advancements in functional resilience of architectural concrete.

“When innovative products and new methods come to market, it is a challenge to evaluate when, where and how to use them,” says conference director Sherry Boyd. “It’s a huge advantage that the Green Matters Conference is held side by side with the Concrete Decor Show so that attendees are able to see them in use and talk with technical experts during demonstrations and competitions.”

Registration for the Green Matters Conference includes admission to the exhibit hall floor Feb. 22-24 and to live demonstrations of the latest product and equipment developments scheduled at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. During three action-packed days, the demonstration pavilion showcases competitions in arenas dedicated to polished concrete, concrete coatings, and precast fabrication. On Wednesday, Feb. 22 and Thursday, Feb. 23 a lunch, included free with event registration, is served in the exhibit hall to allow attendees uninterrupted time to see the action and talk with industry leaders.

The panel discussions and technical seminars at the Green Matters Conference go beyond reviewing the criteria for green building certification to look more closely at innovative materials and methods. The courses offer AIA-CES Credits. TimGregorski, Senior Editor for Building Design+Construction leads a panel discussion on “Sustainable Design Using Architectural and Decorative Concrete”.

An opening address by David D. Shepherd, AIA, LEED AP, Director of Sustainable Development for the Portland Cement Association, presents an industry outlook for 2012 and beyond, including an update on new research at MIT being sponsored by the Concrete Joint Sustainability Initiative. He will translate their academic findings for the benefit of nonscientists.

The Green Matters Conference is targeted to the whole building team, including public and private project owners and managers, architects, landscape architects, interior designers, builders, general contractors, specialty subcontractors, facility managers, municipal authorities and related consultants. The event will raise awareness and understanding of the new directions in sustainable design and green building that are made possible with architectural and decorative concrete. The Green Matters Conference and the Concrete Decor Show, take place at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in February 2012. The new event is owned and operated by Professional Trade Publications, Inc. For more information, visit www.greenconcretematters.com. BD+C

Rural hospitals present unique opportunities and challenges for healthcare facility operators. Oftentimes, the infrastructure and building systems have not been updated for years and require significant improvements in order to meet today’s modern medical demands. Additionally, as these smaller, more remote hospitals are acquired by larger regional and national healthcare systems, the first step by new ownership is often to update and rehabilitate the building. But how can this be done thoughtfully, economically, and efficiently in ways that allow the engineering and facility staff to adapt to the changes? And how can the updates accurately reflect the specific needs of rural communities and the afflictions with which these areas most commonly face?