The Spirit of Greenbuild
Last week I attended my seventh-consecutive Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, and I have to admit this year’s event was extra special for me personally. The show afforded me my first opportunity to get out in front of a large sampling of the green-building industry and share what Eco-Logic is all about. As most of you probably know, I previously attended Greenbuild representing a nationally circulated magazine geared toward architects in the green-building space. That magazine helped me find my passion in this industry and inspired me to go out on my own and report about topics that are covered less frequently—the nuts and bolts of a green building, the practical solutions, the decisions and concessions that are made during the design and construction process and after. These stories are less glamorous than showcasing the beautiful completed building, but they certainly are not less important, especially now when misinformation and confusion abound.
As I walked into the Phoenix Convention Center for the first time on Wednesday morning, I wondered how people would receive the site. Would they think I was crazy to take this chance in the worst economy since the Depression? What ideas would they have to improve the site? Would they support Eco-Logic with content and contacts? The butterflies were fluttering in my stomach! But the moment I stepped onto the show floor, I felt at home. I was greeted with more hugs than handshakes. Kind words and encouragement were offered by those I knew well and those I didn’t. I even was cheered on by some of my former competitors in the publishing industry. And I didn’t expect the strangers who would overhear what I was talking about and wait to ask more about Eco-Logic and how they could sign up for the newsletter or find the site. That was extremely rewarding!
Every year, the Greenbuild show has been extremely motivational for me. It allows me to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. It provides hundreds of story ideas, impressive products and invaluable lessons. (Take a look at some of the innovative products I saw at the show, which were highlighted in the latest newsletter.) But I think this year provided the extra encouragement I needed to keep Eco-Logic focused and growing.
For a moment while in Phoenix, I wished I could bottle the energy I was feeling. But then I quickly realized that energy comes from the people who attend Greenbuild and, like me, believe in making the world a better place through buildings. That spirit and drive is represented every day in what each of us does for a living, and—if an extra spark is needed—everyone who attended Greenbuild is only a phone call away!
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