1st ANNUAL HOUSTON GREEN EXPO ATTRACTS 10,000 WITH GREEN GUIDELINES, MAYORAL ADDRESS, INTERACTIVE YOUTH ZONE

April 18, 2008 -- Exhibitors, attendees, and the press agree that the first annual Houston Green Expo, jointly hosted by the Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment and the City of Houston, set a new standard for consumer expos. As the first expo of its kind to feature exclusively certified green and energy efficient products, materials, and services, the quality of exhibits attracted its target audience -- educated consumers committed to action. "The best trade show I have ever worked" and "This show proves green products and services are in high demand in Houston, particularly among young couples" were common Exhibitor comments.

Attendees were equally impressed. "We have been waiting for this kind of Expo for years." "It is refreshing to come to an Expo where you can trust that the products and services are truly ecologically friendly." "This isn't a concept show. All of the products and services at this Expo are available today. I made an appointment for next week with a local vendor and installer."

By interspersing non-profit and City of Houston booths with the commercial exhibitors, the Expo encouraged attendees to learn about current public services such as municipal recycling, products and services offered by the private sector, and incentive programs to fill financial gaps such as making solar energy affordable.

The Expo opened with two world-renown keynote speakers. David Freeman spoke on energy independence, and Joe Romm presented the current science on climate change.

Leading companies and organizations such as: BP Solar, Green Mountain Energy, Kohler, Kyocera Solar, Lees Carpets, Sherwin-Williams, Texas Solar Energy Society, TOTO, Toyota, U.S. Green Building Council, and the American Institute of Architects exhibited their wares in 120 booths.

The Mayor's Youth Council hosted an interactive zone to educate youth on the importance of environmental issues and how they can make a difference.

"The Houston Green Expo was an unqualified success," announced Adele Houghton, AIA, Chair of Gulf Coast Green and the Houston Green Expo. "The partnership between the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Houston and the City of Houston was key to the event's success. We look forward to many successful collaborations in the future."

"It was great to see Houstonians at the Expo making choices to save money and better our environment," said Mayor Bill White. "It shows a real interest and commitment by Houstonians for more energy efficient, green products."

The second Houston Green Expo, planned for spring 2009, is already almost at capacity. For information about pricing and to register a booth for Houston Green Expo 2009, contact expo@gulfcoastgreen.org.