Wind Energy Conference Boosts Pittsburgh's "Green" Image

Today marks the first day of the Nation's largest-ever wind energy conference at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh.
The conference is expected to draw over 4500 attendees who are studying how to increase the use of wind power in the United States.
It should be no surprise that an energy conference is being held in Pittsburgh because our region has a rich heritage in developing oil, coal and nuclear energy. Westinghouse Electric's Nuclear Division is about to add several hundred jobs to the regional economy.

What might be surprising is that we are seen as a leader in alternative energy and sustainabilty. Our reputation grows with every green project that is built in the region, including the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and many of PNC's facilities.

As an architect, I have seen the trend toward sustainability and alternative energy growing exponentially, and the current high fuel prices will only feed that trend. Because we are still known in some remote corners of the world as a "smoky city", it is doubly important that we promote ourselves as a "green" city.

Please read more about Pittsburgh's energy heritage and future in Chris Briem's column in last August's Post Gazette.