Last Thursday the Bently Reserve, in tandem with Orchard Hotels, rolled out the green carpet for the highly anticipated eco-affair A Common Green. This significant occasion was a call to action for all Bay Area Eco-enthusiasts to make the big blue marble greener via sustainable commerce, progressive technology, and good old fashioned human effort.
Visitors mingled amidst an upscale casual setting MCd by Ecofabulous founder Zem Joaquin, who kept things as flavorful as the elegant edibles served by Paula LeDuc Fine Catering – one of many eco-aware vendors stationed throughout the conference center. Body Mechanics from Pit Stop Massage took the term rubbing shoulders to another level by providing therapeutic tune ups to the delight of all in attendance. For eco-warriors wanting a different type of refreshment, organic libation flowed freely courtesy of Hallcrest Vineyards. A special tour of The Energy Foundation’s beautiful new LEED-certified offices at the Bently Reserve inspired our guests; this is the first commercial space in San Francisco, and one of only thirteen worldwide, to receive LEED-CI Platinum Certification from the US Green Building Council.
Hosts Chris and Amber Marie Bently took a moment to thank the crowd for their continued diligence in remaining eco-friendly, as did Orchard Hotel general manager Stefan Mhle. This amazing evening of optimism culminated with a green spirited keynote address by environmental leader Wade Crowfoot, Political Director of the West Coast at the Environmental Defense Fund. Wade also worked with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom as Director of Climate Protection. Wade urged everyone to remain steadfast in furthering the environmental movement which ultimately binds us all together.
A Common Green was born out of a joint effort between LEED certified Orchard Hotels and the Bently Reserve, two of San Franciscos epicenters of ecological concern. The paramount motivation behind this historic event was to gather like minded individuals under one roof with the hope of taking productive steps to establish an intelligent, eco-friendly blueprint for current and future generations to follow. This is the first reduced carbon footprint of many in an effort to save our planet from ourselves.
The Bently Reserve looks forward to seeing new faces and ideas next year at the only eco-summit where strangers can come together as allies with a common goal at A Common Green.