Bill Penny
Bill Penny

Bill Penny is a Member in the Nashville office of Stites & Harbison. He is a member of the firm's Environmental, Natural Resources and Energy Service Group as well as the Green Industry Practice Group. Bill has more than 25 years experience in environmental law. You can contact him at william.penny@stites.com or by phone at 615-782-2308.

Martin Corinne
Corinne Martin

Corinne Martin is an Associate in the Nashville office of Stites & Harbison. She is a member of the Environmental, Natural Resources & Energy Service Group, the Green Industry Practice Group, and the Business Litigation Service Group. cmartin@stites.com or by phone at 615-782-2218.

sustainability

Nissan Announces Founding Partnership with Urban Green Lab, Nashville’s First Community Center for Sustainability

09.27.11 4:11 PM
posted by

At a press conference held today, Nissan Americas announced a founding partnership with Urban Green Lab, Nashville’s first community center for sustainability and sustainable living, at the center’s future site. Bill Krueger, vice chairman of Nissan Americas, presented a $100,000 check to Urban Green Lab to support construction of the non-profit group’s state-of-the art green building and learning complex. Nissan also committed to match gifts from local residents and businesses up to an additional $100,000, plus another $175,000 over the next three years. 

“This is an historic day in Nashville,” said Dan Heller, co-founder and president of Urban Green Lab. “As Nissan joins us as our founding partner, we are sending a message that different parts of our community can come together to support an innovative project that will help our city, protect the environment and change lives for generations to come.”
 
Urban Green Lab will break ground in 2012 at the intersection of McGavock Pike and Maxey Lane in the Inglewood neighborhood of East Nashville. As one of the first platinum-certified LEED buildings built in Tennessee, Urban Green Lab will showcase green design, interactive displays, and a working community garden. Experts will lead hands-on workshops on a range of topics, from home weatherization to urban agriculture. The nonprofit will also offer a cutting-edge learning environment for Nashville public schools while serving as a sustainable meeting place for area universities, non-profit organizations, business owners, and government agencies.
 
“When Nissan learned about Urban Green Lab’s innovative approach to creating a more sustainable community here in Middle Tennessee, we knew it was a great fit for us,” said Vice Chairman Krueger.  “Today, we’re encouraging others throughout the community join in supporting Urban Green Lab’s unique commitment to the environment, education, and humanitarian aid.”
 
“Urban Green Lab will serve as a model for cities across the country,” said Mayor Karl Dean. “We all have a role to play when it comes to sustainability, and this project, which partners a grassroots nonprofit with one of our area’s biggest companies, is real proof that people throughout our community are serious about making Nashville the greenest city in the Southeast.”
 
To continue the momentum of Nissan’s $100,000 matching challenge, Urban Green Lab is kicking off a series of fundraisers, concerts and other events. To get involved or to make a direct contribution, visit www.urbangreenlab.org or contact Corinne Martin, Secretary of Urban Green Lab’s Board of Directors.
 
Many thanks to Nissan and all who made today's press conference a success. Stay tuned for more announcements!
Leave a Comment

Comments!

  1. Applause.  Stay involved with those projects that will make Nashville more wonderful than it is already.

    Let me know how I can help.   Linda

    – Linda Jackson · September 28, 2011, 3:49PM

  2. Nice to see corporations supporting not only communities but green initiatives as well!

    Dani @ ONNO <a href="https://www.onnotextiles.com/hemp-clothing">Hemp Clothing</a>

    – Dani · October 6, 2011, 2:52PM

Leave a Comment!