What does sustainability really mean? Recently, it’s become synonymous with “green”. But it goes far beyond that. Sustainability refers to the ability to maintain something at a certain rate or level, or to find an ecological balance without depleting (natural) resources. Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword. It’s a necessity that makes sense for our urban futures, and increasingly, it makes good business and economic sense as well. Have a look at few of the speakers and sessions at PICNIC Festival 2011 that put sustainability in the spotlight.

Speakers looking at sustainable solutions for our future:

• Benoit Jacob of BWM i looks at mobility concepts for the future
• Creative entrepreneur Joost Bakker talks about self-sustaining buildings (and restaurants) that grow food
• William McDonough of "Cradle to Cradle" fame kicks off the Green Challenge award ceremony
• Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) Director Maarten Hajer makes suggestions for governing a clean economy
• Matthias Hollwich of Hollwich Kushner (HWKN) shares his vision of a sustainable society for our aging population
•  Buzzcar founder & CEO Robin Chase gives us options for more sustainable transportation

Workshops & labs featuring sustainable ideas:

• Re/designing the Biology of Cities: with Aaron Wolf Baum, Eva Gladek, Rob Carlson & Kelly Ogilvie
• Food Rituals Workshop: with Alexandre Bau, Jan Brauer, Birgitta Ralston, & Åshild Stav
• Urban Mobility – Challenges, Ideas, Startups: with Emer Beamer, Mitchell Joachim, & Renato Valdés Olmos
• Mycoform to Mycotecture: with Mitchell Joachim & Oliver Medvedik
• Slacktivism: how to get media attention for your cause: with David Langley, Ottilie Nieuwenhuis, & Mark Woerde
• COMM: Digital Media for a Better Future
• I am Urban: The Green Pillars of Urbanization

Green Challenge

The National Postcode Lottery Green Challenge is the most anticipated sustainable competition at PICNIC Festival! Each year, they award € 500,000 to the person with the best green business idea. Don't miss these Green Challenge sessions:

• Green Challenge Nominee Presentations on Wednesday 14 September
• Green Challenge Lecture with William McDonough on Thursday 15 September
• Green Challenge Award Ceremony on Thursday 15 September