The Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council announced that Charles Eisenstein will be the keynote for the Green School Conference on Feb. 27- March 1 in New Orleans. Eisenstein is an author and speaker who examines the unspoken narratives that direct our society and our lives, and whose work covers a wide range of topics, including the history of human civilization, economics, spirituality, and the ecology movement.

Eisenstein’s keynote, “Ecology in Design, Practice, and Consciousness,” will kick off the final day of the conference and cover how schools embody the values and beliefs of the society that maintains them, illuminate the changes in those values and beliefs, and how to utilize them moving forward in building design and educational instruction.

“After a challenging couple of years, our work to build healthier, higher-performing schools has never been more important,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, U.S. Green Building Council. We are looking forward to gathering in person with inspirational thought leaders and passionate green school advocates to share ideas and practices on how to best tackle the challenges ahead.”

The Green Schools Conference is a three-day event that will include peer-to-peer learning experiences, interdisciplinary education, networking activities, awards, luncheons, receptions, a Peer Cohort Dine-Around, and inspirational main stage moments. The 2023 program will address environmental impact, health and well-being, sustainability literacy, equity and whole school sustainability.

The Green Schools Conference will also include the presentation of the Best of Green Schools awards, which are co-presented with the Green Schools National Network. The awards celebrate the leaders—individuals, schools, campuses, and organizations—that are working to advance our shared vision of green schools.

The event is designed to educate, connect and inspire key players involved in making green schools, including teachers, school or district staff, educational leaders, parents, students, building industry professionals and nonprofit partners. The conference will explore interdisciplinary content during general sessions while also having dedicated time with peers to work through specific challenges, share best practices, and generate momentum to further green school actions across the country.

Registration for the Green Schools Conference is now open with early bird rates available through Jan. 13, 2023. The call for nominations for the Best of Green Schools is open until Oct. 28 at 1:59 p.m. EST. For more information on available tracks, sessions and speakers, visit the Green Schools Conference site.