This summary provides an overview of a forum hosted by the University of Alabama Environmental Council on exploring Alabama's position on green energy initiatives and sustainable practices. The forum agenda includes sessions on energy issues, sustainability, and recycling led by university faculty and local business owners working in areas of wetland ecology, green chemistry, sustainable architecture, rainwater harvesting, and the university's recycling program. The forum aims to catalyze discussion on future sustainable energy practices in the state.

1. Thank you for
joining us:
University of Alabama at
Tuscaloosa has always prided
itself on being an institution that
fosters excellence in all arenas--in
academia and the pursuit of
knowledge, in individual and civic
engagement, AND in innovation.
At a school noted for its economic
and educational accomplishments,
UA is now also turning a "green
eye" to innovative, sustainable,
and economical energy practices
for the future. This University has
been a game changer by tradition-
-and this possibility also exists in
the realm of energy innovation.
The UA Environmental Council
(ECo) hopes this forum will
provide a space to explore where
Alabama stands, as well as
catalyze dialogue about future
green energy initiatives and
practices. Thank you so much for
joining us; we hope you learn
something new, and (of course)
Roll Tide!
 
Hosted by:
Sponsored by:
 
Coordinated with help
from:

2. Forum Agenda:A Little About Our Speakers:
Dr. Julia Cherry isan educator and researcher at
the University of Alabama inter-disciplinary
program, New College. Her research and teaching
focuson wetland ecology,the effectsof climate
change on natural ecosystems, and plant
community dynamics. Dr. Cherry also serves as
the Faculty Advisor forUniversity of Alabama
Environmental Council and the Focus the Nation
campus coach.
Dr. Robin D. Rogersisa distinguished research
professor at the University of Alabama, holds the
Robert Ramsay Chair of Chemistry, and is the
director of the Center forGreen
Manufacturing. His research interests include
utilizing ionic liquids and green chemistry for
sustainable technology,improving the efficiency
of biomass and biorenewable materials, and
reducing waste in the pharmaceutical field.
Mr. Paul Owenisthe owner of Nature's Tap in
Birmingham, Alabama. Nature's Tap is a
sustainable water solutions company that
specializes in the harvesting of rainwater and
reuse of greywater in order to provide lower
utility bills to their customers and a restored
watershed forfuture generations.
Mr. Jonathon McLelland isthe founder and owner
of McLelland Architecture locatedin Tuscaloosa,
Alabama. McLelland Architecture advocates a
progressive Southern architecture rooted in place,
culture, and sustainability. Jon is a member of US
Green Building Council, holds LEEDaccreditation,
and has served on the Tuscaloosa ForwardTask
Force.
Mr. Ashkan Bayatpour isa Marketing Assistant and
graduate student here at the University of
Alabama. He is also a partner at the Truman
National Security Project,was an Alabama State
Captain of Operation Free, and was the
founder/past president of the UA Campus
Veterans Association. His graduate research is
involvedin examining the country’s energy sector
from a National Security standpoint.
Mr. Tony Johnson isthe executive directorof
logistics & support services forthe Recycling
Department here at the University of Alabama. He
thusly oversees an award-winning recycling
program, whichwas recently selected as one of
fivefinalists for the Southern Association of
College and University Business Officers“Best
Practice” competition in 2010.
[ 1:05 – 2:15 PM ]
-- Dr. JuliaCherry& Focus theNation Student
Coordinators: BailieClark, EmmaBuchalter,
Andrew Bersson.
“Energy, Alabama, & Focus theNation: Global
Issues, Local Actions”
-- Mr. Ashkan Bayatpour
“National Security & theEnergy Sector”
Session 1: Avenues of
Energy
Session 2: Towards a
Sustainable Future
Session 3: Crimson IN
Green
[ 2:15 – 3:20 PM ]
-- Mr. Jon McLelland
“SustainableArchitecture: Tuscaloosa& the
Future”
-- Mr. Paul Owen
“Sustainability, theSouth, &
Entrepreneurship”
[ 3:20 – 4:30 PM]
-- Dr. Robin Rogers
“Green Chemistry, Technology, & Innovation”
-- Mr. Tony Johnson
“Recycling& theUniversity