Working in the construction trades can also offer many people from in and around Newark, a critical economical opportunity. "It's a chance to create good local jobs, to develop a skilled and educated workforce – that will, hopefully, also stay in Newark, to improve the comfort, affordability, and resale value of Newark's buildings. And, let me add, help save the planet."

The two-day summit which is free and open to the public will highlight existing Newark sustainability initiatives and programs, present best practices from across the country and offer an opportunity for participatory dialogue to chart priorities and next steps. Registration is desirable.

Beginning with a commitment made at the Clinton Global Initiative in 2007, the City of Newark has partnered with the Apollo Alliance, and other national organizations to bring together local community, business and government leaders to create a sustainability roadmap. The roadmap will be the subject of discussion at the upcoming Newark's Green Future Summit at NJIT.

For more information about the conference, please visit http://www.appolloalliance.org/newarksummit.php

NJIT, New Jersey's science and technology university, at the edge in knowledge, enrolls more than 8,000 students in bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in 92 degree programs offered by six colleges: Newark College of Engineering, New Jersey School of Architecture, College of Science and Liberal Arts, School of Management, Albert Dorman Honors College and College of Computing Sciences. NJIT is renowned for expertise in architecture, applied mathematics, wireless communications and networking, solar physics, advanced engineered particulate materials, nanotechnology, neural engineering and e-learning. In 2009, Princeton Review named NJIT among the nation's top 25 campuses for technology and among the top 150 for best value. U.S. News & World Report's 2008 Annual Guide to America's Best Colleges ranked NJIT in the top tier of national research universities.