2nd Annual Delaware County Sustainability Conference

The Delaware County Office of Sustainability hosted its 2nd Annual Delaware County Sustainability Conference.

Delaware County hosted its 2nd Annual Sustainability Conference on Thursday, June 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.at Widener University in Chester City, PA. More than 260 attendees were inspired and informed by speakers and panelists centered around the County’s six sustainability focus areas of natural resources, energy and efficiencies, transportation, zero waste, climate resiliency and health and wellness. Participants also had the opportunity to network and share ideas with 30 exhibitors from organizations like Peco, the PA Department of Environmental Protection, Boeing, the Darby Creek Valley Association, and more.

The Conference was a vegan, zero waste event, accessible by public transit, and free-of-charge. Opening remarks and introductions were provided by Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer, Senator Tim Kearney, Widener University Provost Andrew Workman, and Delaware County Chief Administrative Officer Marc Woolley. Participants then enjoyed Keynote Speaker Justin J. Harris, the principal advisor to the Climate Equity Collaborative (CEC), who shared his experiences in addressing disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities and youth.

Additional presentations touched on important topics such as the importance of building partnerships to mitigate gun violence and illegal dumping in Chester City, air monitoring research, how green chemistry can lead to a green future, and more. To see the full conference agenda and recording, please use the links below:

Conference Recording

Conference Agenda

Speaker Bios

Speaker Presentations

• Justin J. Harris | Presentation [PowerPoint]

• Dr. Loyd Bastin | Presentation [PowerPoint]

• Dr. Adelina Voutchkova-Kostal | Presentation [PowerPoint]

• Melissa Muroff | Presentation [PowerPoint]

• Dr. Peter DeCarlo | Presentation [PowerPoint]

• Gwenn Nolan | Presentation [PowerPoint]

• Francine Locke and Rebecca Yurkovich | Presentation [PowerPoint]

Conference Exhibitors

Conference Sponsors

2023 Sustainability Awards

• Sustainable Organization Award: Swarthmore College, for Outstanding Leadership, Innovation, and Achievement in Sustainability

• Sustainability Hero Award: M. Weatherly, G. Gamonski, and the 5th Graders of Chester Elementary School for Outstanding Efforts and Community Leadership in Promoting Sustainability

• Sustainability Connector Award: Brittani Hales, Delaware County Planning Department, for Outstanding Efforts in Connecting the Community in the True Spirit of Collaboration and Sustainability