Global event in Pittsburgh brings together thought leaders dedicated to creating a healthy future including Phipps’ Executive Director Richard V. Piacentini, igniting a revolution in the way materials are designed, manufactured and delivered.

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — In its continued commitment to sustainability, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens proudly supports the International Living Future Institute’s groundbreaking Living Product Expo held in Pittsburgh Tues., Sept. 12 – Thurs., Sept. 14 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

The Living Product Expo brings together product manufacturers, designers, scientists and subject matter experts with a shared vision for regenerative, healthy future.  Now in its third year, the Expo sparks new ideas and technologies that will reshape the materials landscape, accelerate the pace of innovation and bring more living products to market.

This year’s event features notable speakers, including Paul Hawken, author of New York Times bestseller Drawdown, Environmental Working Group Co-Founder and President Ken Cook, and Biofabricate Founder Suzanne Lee, in addition to interactive workshops and sessions.

Phipps’ Executive Director Richard V. Piacentini will discuss “Leveraging the Living Building Challenge to Achieve Healthy, High Performing Spaces” on the Expo’s Regenerative Design track panel held Wed., Sept. 13 from 12:30 – 2 p.m. at the Convention Center, room 323.  Piacentini, alongside other environmental leaders, will share his insights on how Living Building Challenge projects meet the highest standard for environmental performance while ensuring healthy, high performance spaces.

“Phipps Conservatory and International Living Future Institute are united in achieving a common goal to create a healthy future through smarter workspaces, buildings, products and communities,” stated Piacentini.  “By challenging the status quo, Phipps has become a global model of sustainability that is inspiring the world — a catalyst for positive change.”

A leader in sustainability, Phipps is home to one of the greenest building in the world:  The Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL).  The CSL is a net-zero energy and water building and the only building to meet the Living Building Challenge®, in addition to achieving LEED® Platinum, 4 Stars Sustainable SITES™, and Platinum WELL® Building certifications.  The CSL provides significant environmental, health and wellness benefits, addressing environmental issues while providing access to fresh air, daylight, and connections with nature, showcasing the healthiest, high performance space of its kind.

Phipps will also host a reception for Expo attendees on Wed., Sept. 13 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., including tours of the CSL at Phipps Conservatory, 1 Schenley Park in Pittsburgh.

Purchase 2017 Living Product Expo tickets here.

About Phipps: Founded in 1893, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pa. is a green leader among public gardens with a mission to inspire and educate all with the beauty and importance of plants; to advance sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research; and to celebrate its historic glasshouse. Learn more: phipps.conservatory.org.