In April 2025, Bluegrass Greensource hosted its 5th annual Bluegrass Sustainability Summit—the only event of its kind in Central Kentucky focused on advancing sustainability through collaboration, innovation, and education. With 188 registered attendees, the Summit brought together community leaders, students, advocates, and professionals from across the region to explore real solutions to environmental challenges.
This year’s theme centered on actionable change, highlighted by dynamic panels such as Recycling for the Future: Innovative Ways to Expand Community Recycling and Complete Streets: Designing Safer, More Inclusive Pedestrian and Cycling Networks. The keynote session, Cultivating Hope and Strength in the Face of Change, featured grassroots leaders from Martin County, Kentucky, who shared how community partnerships have driven meaningful progress in one of the state’s most underserved areas.
One of the most anticipated elements of the day—Speed Networking—returned in 2025, featuring 10 local experts discussing timely topics including ecofascism, civic engagement, and green building. This fast-paced, round-robin format helped attendees make new connections and gather ideas to take back into their communities.
Kentucky youth were a powerful presence at this year’s Summit. High school students and University of Kentucky participants shared their passion and commitment to creating a more sustainable future—reminding everyone in the room why this work matters. In addition to youth speakers, Summit organizers partnered with a University of Kentucky Capstone class to improve the event’s own sustainability practices and encourage student engagement.
A final highlight of the day was the celebration of Lexington’s achievement in earning LEED Silver Certification. David Abell of the U.S. Green Building Council recognized the city’s accomplishment and encouraged other community leaders in attendance to pursue LEED certification as a benchmark for sustainable progress. Mayor Linda Gorton accepted the Silver-level certification on behalf of the city, acknowledging both the collaborative effort behind the application and the vital role sustainability plays in Lexington’s future.
Year after year, the Bluegrass Sustainability Summit serves as a catalyst for regional collaboration and forward-thinking solutions. It’s where big ideas take root, partnerships are born, and Kentuckians unite to push the sustainability conversation forward—creating lasting impact across our state.