2023
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Chester County is holding its first-ever Sustainability Summit in support of implementation of the county's Climate Action Plan. Come get inspired by the innovative sustainability efforts of organizations in our area, network with other sustainability professionals, and get the information you need to take on sustainability initiatives for your organization, business, or in your own personal life.
When: Tuesday, September 26 from 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Where: Penn State Great Valley Conference Center
Cost: Free! Lunch will be provided for all registrants
Who should attend:
View program descriptions and speaker bios.
Demonstrate your business or organization's support for sustainability by sponsoring the Chester County Sustainability Summit! Learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
TerraSol Energies, Inc. Residential and commercial photovoltaic solar power systems
Natural Lands Conservation of open space and publicly accessible preserves in Chester County
The Sustainable Energy Fund Learn about Chester County's C-PACE program and other financing options for energy efficiency and renewable energy
The Chester County Water Resources Authority (CCWRA) provides water resource management, science, and planning services to support thriving communities and healthy watersheds in Chester County. CCWRA was established in 1961 by the Chester County Board of Commissioners and led the local efforts to implement the Brandywine Watershed Workplan through the planning and construction of five regional flood control facilities and two regional water supply reservoirs. CCWRA is also leading the development of Chester County's integrated water resources plan, Watersheds 2045, which is expected to be released by December 2023. Watersheds 2045 provides a planning framework to empower communities and stakeholders across Chester County to protect, sustain, enhance, and enjoy our shared water resources, both today and in the future.
Chester County Planning Commission Learn about Chester County's Climate Action Plan, and how land use planning directly impacts sustainability
Chester County Conservation District Resources for free trees and lawn-to-meadow conversion projects
PECO's Ways to Save program will have information for homeowners and businesses on available rebates and incentives for electrification and energy efficiency improvements.
Penn State Extension provides science-based education and outreach in our communities. The Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards in Chester & Delaware Counties volunteer across the counties, providing environmental education and boots-on-the-ground restoration support because everywhere you go, you're in a watershed! Our table will have information about some program offerings from Penn State Extension teams including the Master Watershed Stewards, information on select best management practices, and highlight some of our educational materials.
Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies extends the resources and reputation of one of the nation's leading research universities to the greater Philadelphia area. We offer master's degrees and graduate certificates in business, big data, engineering, finance, leadership, and technology, as well as a variety of non-credit professional development programs. Penn State Great Valley also offers exceptional conference planning services — enhanced by faculty support and state-of-the-art technology and facilities — to help businesses and organizations create and plan meetings, events, and customized training sessions.
Practical Energy Solutions assists clients of all markets in reaching energy, carbon, and cost savings while prioritizing occupant comfort and safety. We have extensive experience in the clean energy sector coupled with a multi-disciplinary engineering firm at our foundation. Whether you're experiencing equipment issues, have an interest in renewable opportunities, or are initiating strategic planning, we provide support all the way from idea to implementation.
The Smart Energy Initiative of Southeast PA
As part of the Sustainability Summit suite of events, Chester County is excited to offer several Mobile Workshops which will showcase sustainability in action throughout the county. These tours are all free of charge, but space is limited! Sign up today to reserve your spot (and please let us know if your plans change so we can open the spot up to someone else).
Wednesday 9/27, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. — Enjoy a 30-minute presentation about Longwood's sustainability initiatives. After the presentation, you will enter the gardens and walk to the perimeter fence for the new conservatory. At the fence you will see some of the key features that were discussed in the auditorium. You are welcome to stay and enjoy the gardens after the tour. Register
Thursday 9/28, 10:00 a.m. — Climb aboard our open-air wagon to see the rolling hills at Lundale Farm. This 550 acre property is a prime example of using preserved land to benefit our community by growing vegetables and raising livestock in the most responsible way for our soil health. We'll be visiting Horseshoe Ranch chickens, Pasture Song Farm pigs, Kneehigh Farm gardens and more! Register
Friday 9/29, 10:00 a.m. — Agriculture is strained by the dynamic tension between the responsible use of the natural resources entrusted to farmers and ensuring a plentiful, affordable, safe, and nutritious food supply. Feeding the world in a sustainable manner remains one of the next great generational challenges. Come visit our farms located on the New Bolton Center campus in bucolic southern Chester County and learn more about new roles for animal agriculture in the solution to a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system. Bring your walking shoes! This tour is limited to 25 participants. If the tour is full you have the option to join a waitlist.Register
Saturday 9/30, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. — Ever wondered where your trash ends up after the truck takes it away? This is a unique opportunity to learn about the operations of the Lanchester Landfill in Honey Brook and take a bus tour through the landfill. The Lanchester Landfill is full of sustainability surprises — this tour will not disappoint! Register
Saturday 9/30, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — Step inside the idyllic world of Camphill Kimberton Hills- an intentional and integrated community where people with developmental differences are living a life of dignity, equality, and purpose amidst 432 acres of biodynamically managed Chester County farmland. The tour will include the dairy, Sankanac CSA, craft workshops, solar installations, and more. Register