The Earth Institute and the School of Continuing Education MSSM Practicum present an introduction to how sustainability standards and metrics can advance the integration of sustainability in communities. The talk will center on the STAR Community Rating System, a national certification program that promotes health, inclusion, and prosperity.

Katherine Gajewski is the Director of Sustainability in the City of Philadelphia, where she is responsible for the implementation of Greenworks Philadelphia, the city’s sustainability framework unveiled by Mayor Nutter in April 2009. The framework sets goals in five areas:— energy, environment, equity, economy and engagement ,—and encompasses more than 150 achievable, measurable initiatives. The talk will be given by Hilary Varnadore, Executive Director of STAR Communities, who is focused on advancing a national framework and rating system for sustainable communities. Previously, she served as Frederick County, Maryland’s first Sustainability Director in the Office of the County Manager and was a member of the Urban Sustainability Directors Network. She has experience as a land use, environmental and municipal planner and was appointed to serve on STAR’s Planning & Design Technical Advisory Committee in 2008.

Location: Columbia University Morningside Campus, Havemeyer Hall, Room 209

RSVP required
To RSVP for this event, please contact Hayley Martinez via email (hmartinez@ei.columbia.edu).

Photo courtesy of: http://www.starcommunities.org/