Metro Vancouver’s 2016 Zero Waste Conference will begin the day with the big ideas of Neri Oxman. The event wraps up with Owen Zachariasse’s successes putting cradle-to-cradle principles into practice. These two speakers are emblematic of the conference itself. Inspiring ideas and real world solutions meet at ZWC 2016, where long-term visions of a zero waste future share the spotlight with ways of starting that process in the present.
Oxman is a ground-breaking designer and architect at M.I.T.’s Media Lab, where her work in ‘material ecology’ merges the latest technology with the timeless design efficiencies found in Nature.
The results are objects that very nearly defy description, such as ‘Carpal Skin’, a prototype for a protective glove to protect against Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The resulting synthesis of natural designs and modern materials is a look ahead to one of the fundamental questions posed by adherents to the zero waste approach: what can we learn from nature when designing products for a circular economy?
Neri Oxman will be the opening keynote speaker at ZWC 2016, with her presentation ‘Design by nature, revolutionary innovation at the edge’
Owen Zachariasse began his career in real estate development within the construction industry at age 19, managing the production crews of single-family homes before moving into the financial department at age 21. Today he is one of the principals at Zachariasse Consulting, bringing Cradle-to-Cradle® principles into play in the area of real estate development for projects such as Park 20|20 – the first full service Cradle to Cradle® inspired working environment in the Netherlands.
Park 20|20’s human-centred design features monumental buildings of glass and steel combined with ergonomics, state of the art installation techniques and integrated landscaping to create a working environment which is both inspiring and user friendly. The design strategy has attracted high-profile tenants such as the FIFA Professional Football Players Association, who have made Park 20|20 the home of their international headquarters.
Owen Zachariasse will be the closing keynote speaker at ZWC 2016 with his presentation ‘Circular Innovation and Business Leadership in the Netherlands’
Thought-provoking experiments. Real world examples. The Metro Vancouver 2016 Zero Waste Conference offers both. Whether you’re looking for practical ways to enhance sustainability in your organization today, or creative visions for the future opportunities of the circular economy, mark Nov. 3 on your calendar and register for an inspiring day exploring the shift to a zero waste world.