As the Director for Middle East & North Africa Programs for ICMA’s International Team, I was excited to be awarded our new program in Jordan, Jordan Green Generation.  I lived in Jordan from 2008 – 2009 so it is great to be back working in my second home.

International staff, along with ICMA member Emily Sadigh, Sustainability Director for Alameda County, CA, will be working with our local partner, Sustainable Environmental and Energy Solutions (SEES), to raise awareness with engineering students at three Jordanian Universities about Jordan’s Green Building Manual and in particular, the building codes for solar energy and plumbing. Earlier this year, Jordan passed a new law requiring all new construction to install solar water heaters.  We want to raise awareness when these engineers enter the work force about how they can make a difference in Jordan’s energy and water crisis.  By conserving water and using renewable energy, Jordan can help protect their environment and provide important public services for their citizens.

In November, Emily and I will be traveling to Jordan to meet with students and with the Jordan National Building Council to help them develop comprehensive outreach and awareness campaigns on these issues.  We are also helping theme harness the power of social media to convey their message. Look for a post and more photos then!

In the meantime, I invite you to follow the latest developments by "Liking" the official project Facebook page, following our Twitter, and learning more about the project below. Help us get the word out about the this cool project by sending this to others that may be interested in getting involved!

Facebook: Jordan Green Generation

https://www.facebook.com/Jordangreengen

Twitter: @JordanGreenGen

ICMA Article: Educating Young Minds with the Green Generation Program

http://icma.org/en/international/news/Article/103776/Educating_Young_Minds_with_the_Green_Generation_Program