Distinguished Speakers Join Al Gore at West Coast Green 2008

   West Coast Green speakers address architects, builders, innovators and

   policy-makers at nation's largest green building, business and design

                                 conference



    SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 14 /EMWNews/ -- West Coast Green announced

today that they have added to the prestigious speaker lineup anchored by

Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Al Gore to cover the breath

and depth of green innovation at their third annual conference in

September, 2008. Chuck Reed, the 64th Mayor of San Jose, CA; David Suzuki,

award-winning biologist and broadcaster; Sarah Susanka, bestselling author

and architect; and Hunter Lovins, international consultant, professor and

author are all confirmed speakers. The range of expertise addressing green

building, business, design and innovation reflects the comprehensive

coverage found at West Coast Green, September 25-27th, 2008, at the San

Jose McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, CA. To learn more about the

exciting West Coast Green 2008 speaker lineup and see clips of the speakers

in action, please visit the recently-released video collection on the West

Coast Green site at:

http://www.westcoastgreen.com/connect/video-directory.php



    Never before has a conference and expo provided access to such

comprehensive state-of-the-art resources. West Coast Green incorporates new

breakthroughs in conference design by creating an Action Hub on the show

floor. Available to all guests, the Action Hub is a seed for innovation and

a place where ideas can flourish. Anyone is free to mingle with speakers

and specialists to facilitate investment introductions and opportunities.

This allows ideas to infuse with best business practices and market ready

disciplined thinking. As a result, networks can form and flourish long

after the show's conclusion.



    West Coast Green keynote speakers will include the Mayor of San Jose,

Chuck Reed, who will discuss the San Jose Green Vision on Thursday,

September 25th at 9:30-11:30am. Reed's 10 ambitious goals will guide green

building efforts in the City of San Jose over the next 15 years. His

political goals include a commitment to receive all electrical power from

clean renewable sources and a vision of making the political process more

accessible to the general public.



    Also speaking Friday, September 26th at 9:30-11:30am is David Suzuki, a

brilliant interpreter of science and nature for the non-specialist who has

pioneered efforts in sustainable ecology. Suzuki received a UNESCO Prize

for Science, as well as the United Nations Environmental Medal. Suzuki is

also a best selling author, host of the award-winning television show The

Nature of Things, and a Professor in Zoology at The University of British

Columbia.



    Cultural visionary Sarah Susanka encourages homeowners, builders,

remodelers and design professionals to focus on quality over quantity. With

six best-selling books, Susanka influences not only architectural

interests, but her "Not So Big" philosophy is evolving beyond our physical

habitations into how we inhabit our lives as well. Susanka will be speaking

on Thursday, September 25th at 9:30-11:30am.



    Hunter Lovins is a leading expert in enhancing business value while

practicing environmental sustainability. Lovins is one of the founders of

Sustainable Management, a co-developer of America's first accredited MBA

Sustainable Management program, and a Professor of Business at Presidio

School of Management. Her book, "Natural Capitalism -- Creating the Next

Industrial Revolution," was called "A huge deal" by President Clinton and

The Economist stated it will "...leave every reader with the hope that the

old battle between business and the environment can reach a peaceful and

constructive conclusion." Lovins will address West Coast Green audiences on

Friday, September 26th at 9:30-11:30am.

    About West Coast Green:



    West Coast Green serves as the central gathering point for innovators,

business leaders and building professionals nationwide. Fourteen thousand

designers, green professionals and homeowners come together to network,

share resources, grow strategic alliances and foster new ideas that will

change the face of the built environment.



    This year's conference will feature 400 exhibitors showcasing the

latest in resource-efficiency among a stunning array of green and healthy

building products and technologies that allows us to work and live more

efficiently in our homes and work spaces. More than 200 experts and

visionary leaders will be presenting their latest developments, insights

and inspiration at the expanding frontiers of the field.



    At the heart of West Coast Green is a commitment to revolutionize the

way people build and live in their homes, by realigning ourselves with the

natural world. Whether you're determining regional construction standards,

expanding your green business, or simply looking to make your house a

smarter, healthier home, West Coast Green is the place to get inspired

about making positive change.