Virtual and In-Person Events Highlight Delaware County’s Sustainability Efforts
Week-long virtual series and in-person expo to inspire climate action, clean energy, and community resilience
The Delaware County Office of Sustainability is setting the stage for its 4th Annual Delaware County Sustainability Conference, scheduled from Monday, June 9 through Saturday, June 14, 2025. This event, first launched in 2021, serves as a pivotal platform for fostering dialogue and action on climate change, clean energy, and numerous other sustainability issues within the community.
This year’s conference embraces a new format by offering a combination of virtual sessions throughout the weekdays and an in-person Keynote Celebration on Saturday, June 14, at Tinicum Township’s Lazaretto Ballroom and Historic Lazaretto Quarantine Station. This hybrid approach aims to enhance accessibility and reinforce Delaware County’s dedication to sustainability and equity.
Under the guidance of Rebecca Yurkovich, the Delaware County Office of Sustainability has curated a diverse agenda that includes:
- 15 Virtual Sessions focusing on energy efficiency, zero waste, and other key topics;
- Guided Hike at Ridley Creek State Park on Friday, June 13;
- In-Person Closing Keynote Celebration on Saturday, June 14, featuring:
- Keynote Presentation by local Meteorologist Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz;
- EV Exposition;
- Sustainability Exposition with over 30 local environmental organizations;
- Museum and Cultural Tours of the Italian Cultural Center and Swedish Heritage Museum.
“The Sustainability Conference is one of our most important public forums for collaboration and innovation,” said Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer. “It brings together local leaders, residents, and change-makers who are all working toward a shared goal: building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Delco for generations to come.”
All events are free and open to the public, though registration is necessary.
This year’s conference is proudly completely sponsor funded, with contributions from organizations such as the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority, HRG, Natural Lands, and others.
For more details and registration, visit DelcoPA.Gov/Sustainability. Below is a glimpse into the virtual sessions offered:
Funding Trails: Getting $120 Million on Our MPO’s TIP
Monday, June 9 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Discover how local trail advocates secured significant funding for trail corridors with insights from experts including Emily Goldstein and Elaine Paul Schaefer. *Sponsored by HRG*
Powering Our Future: Understanding Energy and Its Impact (Energy 101)
Monday, June 9 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Learn about energy sources and their environmental impacts in a straightforward session designed to educate and inform.
Lessening the Burden: How PA House Bill 109 Seeks to Tackle Cumulative Impacts of Pollution
Monday, June 9 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Join Dr. Loyd D. Bastin for a discussion on legislative efforts to address pollution impacts in vulnerable communities.
Nature Over Noise: How Maplewood, NJ Successfully Banned Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
Monday, June 9 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Mayor Nancy Adams shares Maplewood’s experience with improving air quality through local legislation.
Delaware County Office of Sustainability Update
Tuesday, June 10 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Rebecca Yurkovich provides updates on Delaware County’s sustainability initiatives.
Sustainable Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs)
Tuesday, June 10 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Rachael Griffith discusses how HOAs can promote rather than hinder sustainable living.
Communication Strategies for Stewardship
Wednesday, June 11 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Monika Collins shares strategies for effective communication and fundraising.
Reviving the Past for Sustainable Futures: A Case Study of the Lazaretto Quarantine Station
Wednesday, June 11 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Explore the adaptive reuse of the Lazaretto with insights from local planners and officials.
Our Homes, Our Health: Understanding & Acting on Environmental Exposures in Delaware County
Wednesday, June 11 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Experts discuss the public health impacts of environmental exposures in Delaware County.
Green Spaces as a Cornerstone of Sustainability
Wednesday, June 11 | 4:30 – 5:30 PM
The Green Space Task Force highlights the importance of parks and trails for community resilience.
Zero Waste 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Sustainable Living
Wednesday, June 11 | 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Learn the basics of zero waste living and how it ties into the circular economy from David Director.
From Storms to Strategy: Coordinated Watershed Planning across Delaware County
Thursday, June 12 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Explore local efforts to manage flooding and watershed issues with experts from various departments. *Sponsored by Natural Lands*
Become Watershed-Friendly from Home!
Thursday, June 12 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Meagan Hopkins Doerr offers practical tips for protecting watersheds starting at home.
Southeastern PA’s Energy Transition: A Regional Perspective
Thursday, June 12 | 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Join DVRPC for an overview of regional energy transition projects and initiatives.
Global Goals, Local Leadership: Sustainability Success Stories and Innovations from Pingtung County, Taiwan
Thursday, June 12 | 7:30 – 8:30 PM
Discover innovative sustainability projects from Pingtung County with Directors Yen and Lu.
Read More Here
Be First to Comment