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Iraq is obviously mired in concerns beyond sustainable design, but to help with rebuilding efforts, Iraqi academics met this week for seminars in Oregon to learn about green building techniques. The project sounds like a brilliant way to revitalize the ecomony and infrastructure of the battered country, while preserving resources. It will also help show the benefits of fossil-free technology amidst the oil fields of the past. 

The group of 19 professors, deans and lecturers explored a variety of green developments, including Portland’s cool “solar highway“, climate-friendly buildings and plans to reduce the problem of urban heat islands.  I might suggest that they also consider painting the roofs of buildings white to help combat climate change and reduce energy demands, as recommended by U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu.  I look forward to hearing more about sustainable efforts in Iraqi, just as I hope to see progress made towards peace and stability.