Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline are pleased to announce Chester County’s first-ever Sustainability Summit, taking place on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at Penn State Great Valley. 

The Summit will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., providing attendees with information and resources on sustainability initiatives for their organization, business, or in their personal lives.  

Kicking off the Summit will be Ariella Maron of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, followed by a “Sustainability Speed Share” presentation highlighting quick and inspiring presentations from local organizations that are making a difference across the county. Attendees will also have ample opportunities to network with exhibitors and sustainability professionals, and to explore different topics during breakout sessions including sustainability planning, electric vehicles, and converting lawn to meadows. 

The Summit supports the implementation of the Chester County’s Climate Action Plan, which was approved by the Commissioners in 2021 to provide a blueprint for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing energy efficiency.

In addition to the main event on Sept. 26, the County is offering a series of Sustainability Tours to showcase sustainability in action. The tours are all free of charge, but space is limited so registration is encouraged. They include: 

• Sept. 27: Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Longwood Gardens’ Sustainable Operations
• Sept. 28: Wagon Ride of Lundale Farm – A Sustainable Farming Community
• Sept. 29: Tour Penn Vet’s New Center for Stewardship Agriculture & Food Security
• Sept. 30: Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Lanchester Landfill
• Sept. 30: Tour of Camphill Village Kimberton Hills

To learn more and register for any of these events, visit https://www.chescoplanning.org/AboutUs/SustainabilitySummit.cfm.