Scientists, Vendors Show Off Green Tech

Vendors and scientists from around Southern California gathered Thursday at the Spring Green Expo to show off the latest in earth-friendly technology. From working to survive the drought to making public spaces cooler, today’s Green Expo highlighted the future of sustainable technology.

“We’re trying to build a sustainable Southern California, both in energy and water and all our demands on our environment,” said Metropolitan Water District General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger. “California is in the middle of an extreme drought, we have all sorts of challenging environmental issues in front of us.”

Using thermal mapping, USC sophomore Jeremy Smith is helping to make the University Park campus more environmentally friendly. 

“I identified some areas where large asphalt roads have the highest impact on being the hottest areas on campus where as areas such as Alumni Park and Founders Park are going to be the coolest areas,” said Smith. 

He also plans to use thermal mapping to help USC develop the new University Village in an environmentally friendly way. 

“If temperatures were to rise more, we would see more temperature differences between areas that are more sheltered by trees and areas that are concrete plazas,” Smith said. 

Inland Empire resident Terry Fitzsimmons and his wife came to the expo in search of a replacement for their grass. 

“We’re thinking about converting our landscape, tearing up our lawn so that we can save some money,” said Fitzsimmons. 

In past years, the Metropolitan Water District has paid out between four and five million dollars in rebates for people who replace grass with drought-friendly landscaping. This year, Kightlinger says he expects that number to be a lot higher. 

“This year, we’re going to spend 100 million dollars for people to take out lawns because everyone’s getting it,” said Kightlinger.

As Southern California adapts to survive the drought, the Green Expo hopes to play a role in the future of conservation.