The Regional Grey to Green Conference: Exploring Green Infrastructure and Economic and Environmental Justice is set to take place in Chicago, IL, on June 6 -7, 2024. Hosted by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities with co-host Blacks in Green, the conference will delve into the latest design and product advancements, economic valuation, public policy, and design and maintenance best practices in green roofs and walls.

The conference will explore opportunities to integrate green infrastructure design, installation and maintenance with the goals of achieving greater community environmental and economic justice. The event is pending approval for 7 HSW CEUs from: AIA, ASLA, IIBEC, and GRP. Learn more about the training, tours and the Grey to Green conference here.

“We are thrilled to be working with Blacks in Green on this event which promises to break new ground on green infrastructure best practices, and how to leverage community scale green infrastructure for greater environmental and economic justice”, said Steven W. Peck, GRP, Founder and President, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities North America Inc. “Our new Green Roof Installation and Maintenance Professional (GRIMP) training will open new doors to people who want to work in this growing sector,” he added.

Green infrastructure, encompassing green roofs, green walls, and other forms of living architecture, has emerged as a critical solution in addressing environmental challenges. The conference aims to inform policy by advocating for increased investment and care in green infrastructure on both local and global scales.

“Omni Ecosystems is incredibly excited to be hosting the Grey to Green Chicago Conference on June 6 & 7th this year” said Jesse Rosenbluth, President, Omni Rewild. “We want this conference to demonstrate that investments into green infrastructure are necessary to improve equity in communities around Chicago. Green infrastructure investments can increase access to greenspace, create a sense of place, provide areas for gathering and social interaction, and create jobs – all benefits that improve social capital,” he added.

Key highlights of the conference include expert-led sessions such as:

• The Sustainable Square Mile™: Healing a Community with G-O-D ~ Garden Oriented Development,™ by Naomi Davis, Founder and CEO, Blacks in Green
• Exploring the Benefits of Green Infrastructure at the Community Scale by David Yocca and Ben Bezark from the Green Infrastructure Foundation
• The Climate Action Plan in Chicago by Angela Tovar, Chief Sustainability Officer and Commissioner at the City of Chicago
• Accessing U.S. Federal Funding for Green Infrastructure by Michael Krause, President and Director of Strategy and New Projects at Kandiyoh Development Partners
• A panel discussion moderated by Michael Davenport, President of Omni Re-Wild and CEO & Founder of Omni Ecosystems, on Best Practices of Green Roof Maintenance
• More speakers can be found here.

Moreover, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in Green Roof Installation and Maintenance Professional (GRIMP) training, a comprehensive certification program developed to address the need for skilled professionals in the installation and maintenance of green roofing systems. The program, developed in collaboration with the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia (RCABC), offers hands-on training and equips participants with the necessary skills to excel in the field.

In addition to educational sessions, the conference will feature networking opportunities, tours of local green infrastructure projects, and a networking reception.

For more information and registration details, please visit our website.

Thank you to the sponsors, Omni Ecosystems, and Siplast.

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) is a non-profit 501(c)(6) professional industry association working to grow the green roof and wall industry throughout North America since 1999. Our mission is to develop and protect the market by increasing the awareness of the economic, social, and environmental benefits of green roofs, green walls, and other forms of living architecture through education, advocacy, professional development, and celebrations of excellence.

GRHC publishes The Living Architecture Monitor quarterly online magazine where industry leaders share their insights and expertise. These articles increase awareness of the economic, social, and environmental benefits of green roofs, walls and other forms of living architecture.

GRHC also offers free access to The Living Architecture Academy, an online professional development platform which is dedicated to bringing you the best, most up to date professional training information on design, installation and maintenance practices across a wide range of green infrastructure topics. The LAA offers short lectures and multi-day courses such as: Green Roof Professional Training, Introduction to Green Walls, Biodiverse Green Roof Maintenance, and more.

GRHC also publishes the Green Pages: Industry Green Roof and Wall Directory which is designed to support you with your living architecture projects by providing a list of trusted manufacturers, suppliers of accessories, green walls, nurseries, and certified Green Roof Professionals (GRPs). From small-scale residential projects to large commercial installations, this directory has everything you need to find support to create a sustainable and beautiful living space.

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