A keynote by Matt Petersen, president and CEO of Global Green USA, set the tone for the extent of NeoCon® 2011, held last week from June 13 to 15 in Chicago. Petersen, known as a social entrepreneur who works to promote sustainable design, solar power, and green communities across the globe, outlined the numerous challenges facing the environment today and the obstacles to come due to global warming. He emphasized a continued need to raise awareness and take action within our communities and industries.

The interior design and architect community can play an integral role in creating green jobs, Petersen explains, urging designers to answer his call to action and become “citizen entrepreneurs,” defined by Petersen as a person who loves their family - i.e., humanity - and their home and takes responsibility for a corner of the world. “I believe we can become a nation of citizen entrepreneurs,” he says, emphasizing the need for green leadership both in the corporate world and at home. “Don’t just be consumers.”

Citing various examples of how his organization has made inroads in green building through celebrity partnerships and disaster relief efforts, Petersen discussed the need for focusing on energy-efficiency and promoting clean renewable resources.

Lastly, Petersen asked the audience to stand and raise their right hands. He prompted attendees to repeat the phrase, “I love my home,” and then asked everyone to hug the person next to them. This connection we all have to each other, Petersen says, is the “secret to saving the world.”