Green is good

Photo of Daraius Irani by Kanji Takeno

RESI conference to promote alternative energy, green development in Maryland

by Stuart Zang

Daraius Irani, director of applied economics for TU’s Regional Economic Studies Institute (RESI), believes environmentally sensitive economic development can generate jobs for Maryland while protecting the planet.

“Alternative Energy and Green Development: Economic Realities for Maryland” will serve as the theme for RESI’s 12th annual Economic Outlook Conference, scheduled for February 27, 2008.

In April, Maryland joined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, aimed at reducing carbon dioxide pollution from power plants by 10 percent in nine mid-Atlantic and New England states by 2019. Irani says new opportunities are opening up for Maryland businesses to capitalize on that initiative and to realize cost savings through green practices.

“Maryland is not the largest state in this partnership,” says Irani, “but our high tech industries, coupled with our think tanks and universities, have the brain-power to stimulate economic growth while simultaneously contributing to the region’s environmental health.”

RESI’s Economic Outlook Conference will bring together hundreds of the region’s business executives, economic development professionals and government leaders for insightful and informative exchanges. Through a series of panel discussions and presentations, attendees will learn how green construction and alternative energy sources can affect local economic development.

Irani says the conference’s emphasis on green development resonates with TU’s Master Plan, which specifies preserving and enhancing campus green space to contribute to the overall health of the local environment. Over the past decade, TU has implemented green initiatives wherever practical and whenever possible. Recently renovated and expanded buildings, such as the Center for the Arts, use high-performance, energy-efficient heating and cooling units. The Child Care Center, for example, uses recycled and refurbished materials in its playground, and has one wall constructed almost entirely of glass to allow natural light into the classrooms.

“TU is clearly heading in the right direction by going green,” says Irani. “However, on the whole, Maryland’s institutions, government agencies and businesses could focus even more on green building and energy renewal.”

As crude oil prices approach $100 a barrel, Irani says Maryland needs to look more closely at renewable and alternative forms of energy, such as wind and biodiesel fuels.

“We cannot afford to consider Maryland’s economic outlook without taking a serious look at green development and alternative energy sources.”

Visit RESI's 2008 Economic Outlook Conference Web page for agenda and registration information.

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