USGBC-LI to host second annual Building Green Long Island gala March 18

The second annual Building Green Long Island gala, to be hosted by USGBC-LI on March 18, will be a carbon-neutral event. "We're trying to make it as environmentally sensitive and sustainable as possible," said KC Eisenberg, co-chair of the gala committee. "From the local, organic menu to the transportation options for the guests, we're doing everything we can to ensure that our event mirrors the values and goals of USGBC." A special menu for the cocktail hour and reception is being created that relies heavily on local producers as a way of cutting down the carbon emissions associated with transporting the ingredients to the venue. Wherever local items aren't available, the chef will be supplying organic alternatives. In addition, the gala committee has established an online car pool system, so that guests can organize their rides to the event ahead of time and share their vehicles with other guests. This will help to reduce carbon emissions as well as parking congestion at the event. The committee will also be working with Special E, and event management company that will collect leftover food items and recyclable materials and dispose of them in a responsible manner. Finally, all carbon emissions associated with the event will be calculated, and USGBC-LI will work with a carbon offset company to mitigate the environmental impact of those emissions. To learn more about the Building Green gala's green initiatives, ticket sales, and sponsorship opportunities, go to www.USGBC-LI.org.