The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC), the leading certifier of green construction projects and a cornerstone of sustainability efforts in the state, has unveiled an exciting early schedule for this year’s GreenTrends Conference, “Put Your Money on Green,” Oct. 20-21 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Hotel in Hollywood, Fla.

A stimulating and informative lineup of programs, workshops and speakers is on tap at the state’s signature green building event to promote, educate and support green building design, construction and operations.

For Opening Ceremonies, Syd Kitson, Chairman and CEO of Kitson & Partners, a Florida-based real estate company specializing in the creation and development of master-planned communities and commercial properties will truly inspire attendees with his passion, vision and innovations taking place right now at Babcock Ranch - the world's first solar town.

Nationally recognized appraiser, instructor, and author Sandra Adomatis, principal at Adomatis Appraisal Service in Punta Gorda, will offer inside information on getting the most out of green project appraisals. She spearheaded the development of the AI Residential and Commercial Green and Energy Efficient Addendums and authored the often quoted study, “What is Green Worth? Unveiling High-Performance Home Premiums in Washington, D.C.

Sorrell Negro, a land use and environmental law attorney with Robinson + Cole LLP in Miami and Dr. Deborah Brosnan, an environmental scientist with 30 years’ experience focusing on solutions to challenges where humans interact with natural resources, climate change, hazards and disasters will talk about the future of land development. Ms. Negro will discuss the nature and impacts of Sustainability ordinances, specifically what they are, what to expect with regard to regulations, and which are being enacted with greater frequency in Florida and around the country. She will also discuss green tax incentives and incentives related to urban agriculture as a component of development. Dr. Brosnan will discuss how to estimate and quantify the benefits that green or gray infrastructure can provide. She will also address when and how to target investment in restoration, conservation, and resiliency efforts that are both effective and financially responsible.

The two-day focus on sustainability will be highlighted with multi-level workshops and educational sessions, renowned national experts on emerging trends, timely topics and specialized training. GreenTrends will also offer a much wider opportunity for professional engagement and business development networking with peers and colleagues.

For the latest information on registration, programs and speakers, visitwww.GreenTrends.org.

About the Florida Green Building Coalition

The Florida Green Building Coalition is the leading certifier of green projects in Florida. To date it has 13,300 residential, over 25 million square feet. of commercial and high-rise space, 60 land developments, and 86 local governments participating in its certification programs. FGBC certification programs are the only standards developed with climate specific criteria to address issues caused by Florida’s hot-humid environment and natural disasters. The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) is a nonprofit 501(C)3 Florida corporation founded in 2000 dedicated to improving the built environment. Its mission is "to lead and promote sustainability with environmental, economic, and social benefits through regional education and certification programs." For more information about the FGBC “Florida Green” certification programs visit www.floridagreenbuilding.org.