As I walked this year’s GreenBuild tradeshow and worked at our booth display, my primary impression was an engaged and broad audience. Many tradeshows are single industry silos. This one exists to advance the expansive future of green building – a rapidly growing industry. The attendees were concerned and informed about broad sustainability issues.
I missed retired Gen. Colin Powell’s opening keynote address but I heard his remarks were thought provoking and motivating. What I didn’t miss were the throngs of people milling through the aisles. They ranged from students to facility managers, engineers and lighting specifiers in commercial, residential and municipal capacities. All sought the best products and practices. It’s apparent that sustainable technology is an expectation of innovative new products.
For those attending, I hope they stopped by the Department of Energy’s Solid-State Lighting booth for free training sessions on a range of hot topics. It was a great opportunity for the curious and skeptical to learn about the latest CALiPER test results, GATEWAY demonstrations, the Lighting Facts® label, and other energy saving opportunities.
As an exhibiting lighting company, it was refreshing to be among an international audience prioritizing reduced energy consumption and who might not have otherwise understood our LED products amongst the many lighting solutions.
The energy (no pun intended) among this interested crowd served as a reminder that improved efficiency is a common goal. The U.S. Green Building Council’s Greenbuild event showcases sustainability trends and thought leaders in our industry. Few shows accomplish so much, so well.
Chris Cullen
BetaLED regional sales manager