Speakers Series presents "Off Oil: Pioneering a Sustainable Business Model"

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speakers Series presents “Off Oil: Pioneering a Sustainable Business Model”. John Bradford, innovations director for Interface America, will speak as part of Earth Week. The company is on a mission to become a sustainable enterprise that is “off oil” by the year 2020.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library

DETAILS: Bradford will explore some of the assumptions that have played a role in creating our current economic system and culture and will examine ideas on how to transform our economic system into one that is more sustainable by sharing examples of “big picture” thought in action. He will tell the story of specific resource recovery, energy and water saving measures and other actions that have had meaning in the transformation of Interface, a very successful global carpet company leading the way in Zero Waste actions.

The seven stages of sustainability will be highlighted as described by the founder of Interface the late Ray Anderson, in his book, “Confessions of a Radical Industrialist - Profits, People, Purpose: Doing Business by Respecting the Earth.” By discussing Interface’s journey toward sustainability, Bradford will teach how other individuals and businesses can emulate their success.

Bradford earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1990 from Auburn University. He joined Interface Americas, Inc. in 1997, has held many positions, but today serves as the Chief Innovations Officer. His mission is to develop new technologies and concepts into valid business opportunities.

The appearance is co-sponsored by the UIS Senate Committee on Sustainability, UIS Students Allied for a Greener Earth, UIS Department of Environmental Studies, Springfield City Water Light & Power, and the Julia Henderson Award Fund.