An Austrian delegation visits Greenbuild 2007, the world's largest conference dedicated to sustainable building, in Chicago November 21, 2007

Over 20,000 people gathered at USGBC's Greenbuild Expo 2007

Since the Austrian Trade Commission in Chicago covers, among other industries, the environmental and construction industries in the U.S. as well as in Austria, our focus this year was the green building industry on both sides of the world. The Austrian government has been fostering environmental programs for many years, which has helped Austrian products assume their leading role within the worldwide environmental and green building industries - biomass, solar and photovoltaic technology, innovative green building materials like recycled foam glass and new insulating technologies for windows, among others.  

Hence, the idea of a trade mission to Chicago in November was born. Ten Austrian companies made the trip over the Atlantic to be part of Greenbuild 2007 in order to connect with peers, industry experts, and influential leaders, as they shared their insights on the green building movement and its diverse specialties. In a joint effort, the Austrian Trade Commission in Chicago together with the support of the U.S. Commercial Service in Vienna as well as the Go International Program (an initiative of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and the Federal Ministry of Economics & Labor with the basic goal of encouraging and supporting Austrian companies) organized a 5-day program for the Austrian participants. This included a visit to Greenbuild 2007 as well as networking events and tours of “green buildings” in Chicago, such as the Chicago Chapter of the AIA, the Chicago Center for Green Technology, the City of Chicago Department of Environment, etc.

The purpose of our trade mission to Chicago was to get a look into current trends and developments in the US green building industry. Furthermore, our participants were interested in finding suitable and mutually beneficial partnerships with US companies. Most of these companies are just about to start their US activities, so they had basic questions about doing business in the U.S. and potential areas of cooperation between Austrian and U.S. companies and governmental institutions. 

The highlight of the fact-finding mission was a one-day conference that our office put together for all of our participants. Our panel of distinguished speakers not only provided details on the current situation and trends in the U.S. green building market, but also talked about the energy star program, current environmental policy and legislation as well as renewable energy in the U.S. construction industry. Last but not least, our participants also had the chance to hear first-hand about Guardian’s success story. The program ended with the opportunity to talk with the experts.

Left to right: Michael Muth (Global American Technology Alliances), Christian Steiner & Elke Steiner (So(u)l network ökosolares planen & bauen GmbH), Professor Dr. Georg Reichard (Virginia Tech, Dept. of Building Construction)

This year’s conference drew a record number of attendees. According to USGBC, approximately 21,000 people attended the event – a 58 percent increase from the 13,000 who attended Greenbuild 2006 in Denver. More than 8,000 people listened to former President Bill Clinton as he delivered a motivational keynote address at the opening plenary session after introductory remarks by USGBC founder and Chairman Rick Fedrizzi.

Designing, building, living, and working in green building is important to businesses as well as individuals, and Greenbuild Chicago was the place to be between November 6 and 9, 2007. 

With more than 850 companies reportedly exhibiting at the show this year, show organizers will most likely have to increase next year’s floor plan, according to show management personnel. Apart from all the exhibitors and their products and services, educational sessions with exciting speakers as well as special events and seminars, workshops and demonstrations were held at Greenbuild 2007.

Boston will be host to next year’s Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, which will be held from November 19 to 21, 2008. Stay tuned for details regarding our participation and program for Greenbuild 2008 and keep visiting our website www.advantageaustria.org/us.
 

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