NEWTON, Mass. -- A special day devoted to sustainable design and construction is a new feature at the METALCON International Conference and Exhibition, which runs Oct. 28-30 at the Tampa Convention Center in Florida.

Known as Green Day, the program combines educational sessions and hands-on demonstrations that illustrate how ideally suited metal is for high performance structures and green building initiatives. The opening session, Sustainable Design and Construction, offers an overview of the latest green building products, and comprehensive information on LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.) A line up of experts will address topics such as cool roofing, energy savings, recycled steel, roofing and framing. The session runs from 8:30 to 11:00 am on Oct. 30.

The session's keynote address, Selling Green Beyond Marketing, will be delivered by Richard Fedrizzi. He is a principal with the Global Environment and Technology Foundation, the Center for Energy and Climate Solutions and president of Green-Think, an environmentally focused marketing and communications consulting firm.

Fedrizzi was also founding chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). He is currently president of the World Green Building Council and sits on the board of directors of the New York Indoor Environmental Quality (NYIEQ) Center. Fedrizzi will address key issues facing manufacturers and consumers as the green movement continues to expand. New language, ideas, rating systems, cost structures and communications are but a few of the hurdles facing those who want to be a part of this movement. Fedrizzi will highlight the opportunities that exist in this new era, and the pitfalls that await those that take the opportunity lightly.

The program will be moderated by Don Alien, currently executive director for the LGSEA (Light Gauge Steel Engineers Association), and a LEED 2.0 accredited professional, a designation from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) that allows him to be part of the application and verification process for projects seeking LEED certification.

Project case studies showing the use of metal as a green material will also be offered. Brad Guy, associate director of the University of Florida's Powell Center for Construction and Environment, will discuss The Summer House Environmental Education and Visitors Center at the University of Florida's Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville. The non-profit project was developed over a six-year period through a series of community and industry partnerships and is a showcase of green design and materials. The building is steel-framed, and features a metal roof, extensive daylighting, high-performance glazing, and passive ventilation.

Joe Sandley, housing development supervisor/project manager for the City of Orlando Housing Department, will share details of the Orlando House, a residence that is a progressive green building in an older, urban neighborhood. It features sustainable, energy efficient products and methods and received an Energy Star rating and Florida Green Building Certification.

Greg Crawford, vice president of operations for the Steel Recycling Institute, will define sustainability and how steel contributes to the long-term vision of the environment by way of its recycled content, recyclability, durability, and other properties.

Scott Kriner, MCA technical director, will discuss the latest in cool roofing and energy savings, and why metal roofing is an energy efficient, sustainable answer to the urban heat island effect.

The session will be followed by a live-action demonstration in the afternoon that shows how sustainable metal can be made into wonderful designs. It features interactive demos by craftsman specializing in zinc and copper and offers attendees the opportunity to participate in the program. It is the second part of "Traditional, Exotic, Timeless...Designing with Specialty Metals," a special program offering insight into the creativity offered by these timeless materials.

The first part, a classroom session, is held Wednesday morning, Oct. 29.

A third component of METALCON's green program is a Green Room inside the steel structure constructed in the exhibit hall. The room features environmentally focused products and information related to daylighting, flooring, low-v paints, insulation, ventilation, wallboard, energy efficient glass windows, and roofing.

Keynote speaker Rick Fedrizzi, as well as green product manufacturers, will be available to answer questions in the afternoon. The green room is sponsored by eco-structure, a publication dedicated to improving the environmental performance of the building envelope through education and design.

METALCON is the largest annual international event for those who design and build with metal. It includes new product exhibits, a comprehensive educational program and live-action demonstrations of the latest field techniques. More than 8,000 designers, builders, developers, and suppliers are expected to attend. More than 325 companies showcase the latest products and technology.