The Sustainable Furnishings Council and Elon University will present a one-day program that features the latest thinking in sustainability and charts the future of responsible design.
The program, "Innovations in Sustainable Furnishings: The Road Ahead," will take place Friday, Sept. 20, at Elon University in Elon, N.C., and will feature speakers from the home furnishings industry as well as members of the academic community.
Jonathan Chapman, a professor of sustainable design at University of Brighton's School of Art, Design & Media, will speak on "Emotionally Durable Design."
Other highlights include "Life at the Core of Furnishings," a session led by Mitchell Gold of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Robin Wilson, of Robin Wilson Home, will discuss marketing strategies in a 0.1 CEU-accredited talk titled "Marketing Sustainability: The Research and the Story." Mike Italiano, president and CEO of The Institute for Market Transformation to Sustainability, will offer a tactical short-course on assessing environmental impact in "Forest to Foyer: An Overview of Life-Cycle Analysis."
"The planning committee has put special focus on ensuring that the day is practical and useful for all segments of the industry, with 'news you can use' for manufacturers, retailers, designers, students and members of the general public," said Susan Inglis, executive director of the SFC.
Additional speakers will include Jason Phillips, vice president and creative director, The Phillips Collection; Hilary Pope, marketing coordinator, Carolina Mattress Guild; and Mark Hord, vice president of manufacturing at EJ Victor. The International Interior Design Assn. will be on site to offer information about its programs to support best practices for sustainability in design businesses.
A pre-conference Life Cycle Assessment workshop led by Italiano will be held Thursday, Sept. 19. Attendees can enjoy a post-conference tour of eco-friendly homes in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Saturday, Sept. 21. The showcase will present innovative homes and building projects that embrace the principles of minimizing environmental footprints.
