In case you haven’t already heard, GreenRoofs Australasia (GRA)  invites you to attend their 5th National  Conference in Sydney on November 9 – 12, 2011.

GreenRoofs Australasia

GRA is the peak body for the promotion and dissemination of information on greenroof and greenwall best practice, design, research and technology.  GRA is presenting an impressive list of international and national speakers to educate professionals, academics, councillors, planners, trades and homeowners at this 5th National Conference.

Supported by the City of Sydney, Australian Institute of Architects, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, Landscape Contractors Australia, Engineers Australia, Nursery & Gardens Industry of Australia, GBCA, “Greening Cities” was chosen as the theme for the conference in order to incorporate many disciplines which are all linked to vegetated systems for urban development.

The primary focus is on greenroof and greenwall systems for the built environment, with the inclusion of the “101 Greenroof Training Workshop”(receiving 4 Formal CPD points from AIA, AILA GBCA), project case studies, research studies, policy outlines, advances in technology and future perspectives on greening cities.

GRA received backing support from the City of Sydney and the National Conference will be held at the  Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour.   The new  City of Sydney  Head of Planning, Graham Jahn, will present the 2030 Vision for Sydney and set the theme for Greening Cities.

“Planting on roofs and walls is one of the most innovative, sustainable and rapidly developing disciplines in architecture, landscape design, urban environmental planning, ecology and horticulture.

As the peak body for the green roof & green wall industry in Australasia we are proud to present a distinguished list of leading international & national authorities in their disciplines to present recent projects, design technology, research data and a positive vision for a future of green cities in harmony with nature as a partner.” ~  Greening Cities Conference website

Organizers say it has been their endeavor to provide delegates with a broad international perspective covering Policy / Greenwalls / Greenroofs / Design / Installation / Plant Specifications / and Iconic Projects.

The 4 day  Greening Cities  conference will offer:

November 9:  101 Greenroof Training Workshop (Formal CPD Points)
November 10:   Plenary Conference (AIA, AILA informal points)
November 11:  Plenary Conference
November 12:  Greenroof / Wall Tour of Sydney

International Keynotes

International keynote speakers include Patrick Blanc from Paris, France: Botanist, Author, Environmental Designer of ‘The Vertical Garden’; Dusty Gedge of London, UK: President European Federation of Green Roof Associations, Author, Green Roof Designer; Bruce Hemstock of Vancouver, B.C. Canada: Principal Landscape Architect, Project Manager, PWL Partners P/L Vancouver; and Charles Sinkler of Boston, USA: Principal, Apex Greenroofs.

National Keynotes

Graham Jahn, Architect, Director City Planning for the City of Sydney and  Chris Johnson, the former NSW Government Architect and former Executive Director of the NSW Department of Planning.

Distinguished Speakers

Hon Tom Roper, Warwick Savvas, Rachel Neeson and Sue Barnsley, Mark Paul, Toby Adams and Jason Duda, Graeme Hopkins, Graham Cleary, John Potter, Dr. Khaled Dewidar, Todd Layt, Penelope Smith, Renee Davies, Robyn Simcock, Robert Griffith, and  Sidonie Carpenter.

Read about all of the speakers here.

Here’s another wonderful conference we won’t be able to make this year – perhaps the next time!  We know it’s going to be awesome with the lovely Sidonie Carpenter, GreenRoofs Australasia President, and the entertaining Matthew Dillon,  GreenRoofs Australasia Vice President and Conference Chairman leading the charge.

If you attended our inaugural Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summit 2011, I know you enjoyed Matt‘s lively presentation “GreenRoofs in Australasia.”

Again, if you’re going, we invite you to write about it and share your visit with the Greenroofs.com readership.

For complete conference information, and to register visit www.greenroofsaustralasia.com.au.

Happy travels Down Under!

Linda V.