With the Greenbuild Conference heading west to Phoenix this year, its focus on the residential sector is stronger than ever. As the green residential movement continues to grow west of the Rockies, it is essential that local planning and zoning committees are armed with the knowledge and tools they need to preserve the environment and culture of the area for future generations.In recent years, many small Western towns have become hot spots for vacation homes, with the part-time population boom rapidly transforming communities that are hamstrung by outdated planning, zoning, and building codes. Dominated by massive luxury homes–some topping 20,000 square feet–these sprawling developments have resulted in deforestation and erosion of topsoil, as well as degradation of streams and waterways.

A group discussion at the Greenbuild Residential Summit Nov. 12 and 13 will explore how green home-building programs, like the USGBC’s LEED for Homes, identify and quantify environmental issues, and how officials are using these programs to enable code modification. The panel also will explore whether contextually smaller, technically advanced green homes can succeed as the future of this market.

The annual Greenbuild Residential Summit is a unique event that brings together leaders in the residential green building industry for two days of information sessions, networking, and the sharing of best practices. Whether you’re a home builder, architect, developer, energy rater, state legislator, or LEED AP Homes, the Residential Summit at the Greenbuild Conference & Expo in Phoenix is a must-see event.

To register for Greenbuild and the Residential Summit, visit www.greenbuildexpo.org/residential-summit.