University to host annual social sustainability conference

Monday, May 22, 2017

Social sustainability has been defined as creating places that promote well-being by understanding what people need from the places they live and work.

UNC Charlotte continues to support this effort through its annual Integrated Network for Social Sustainability (INSS) conference, scheduled for Monday, June 5, through Wednesday, June 7.

The 2017 conference theme is “Smart, Connected Communities,” and the keynote speaker will be David Ludlow, associate professor of European smart cities at the University of West England. He will discuss “Defining Smart City Governance – Architectures of Co-creation and Integration” at 11 a.m., June 6.

Other topics to be addressed during this year’s conference include:

  • Community leadership and civic problem solving in Charlotte and beyond
  • Educating for engaged sustainability
  • Technology for smart and connected communities: The bridge and the wall

Several panel discussions will be offered throughout this conference, allowing for in-depth exploration of various topics. One panel, Charlotte Smart Connected Community, will be June 6; participants will include Rob Phocas, energy and sustainability manager for the city of Charlotte; Emily Yates, deputy director for Envision Charlotte; and Robert Wilhite, managing director, energy practice, Navigant. That evening, bicycle equity in Charlotte will be the topic with panelists Debra Franklin, Charlotte Bicycle Advisory Committee and Biking with Purpose; Bethanie Johnson, Park Road Montessori and Women-on-Wheels; Dick Winters, Mecklenburg County Public Health and Trips for Kids; and Caitlin Doolin, former bicycle and pedestrian lanner, City of Baltimore.

INSS was created through a National Science Foundation grant awarded to UNC Charlotte in 2012, with University faculty members Nicole Peterson, Brett Tempest, Robert Boyer and Jen Munroe as co-principal investigators. INSS is a global network of researchers, with its home at UNC Charlotte.  In addition to events in Charlotte, this year’s conference will include offerings at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, University of Baltimore and

Social sustainability has been defined as creating places that promote well-being by understanding what people need from the places they live and work.

Conference attendance is free; however, prior registration is requested for logistical purposes.