The Holiday Neighborhood in north Boulder already has certain elements of intentional sustainability, but a new nonprofit is betting that Holiday and friends can push the sustainability envelope.

The Institute for Intentionally Sustainable Neighborhoods (IISN) will host the Futures Festival for Neighborhood Sustainability on Saturday in the Holiday Park, 15th Street and Yaupon Avenue. The Holiday Neighborhood Homeowners Association (HOA) is co-hosting the event, which will run from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

John Engel, IISN Executive Director, said Holiday residents and those living nearby will be able to use the Futures event to participate in creating a "collective vision" for the future sustainability of their neighborhood.

"The residents are in a wonderful place to say, 'We live in a great neighborhood, in a great city, now let's further connect our energies and passions to make it an even better place for both people and the planet,'" wrote Engel in an e-mail message.

Reps from a number of organizations with interests in sustainability will be guests at the Fest.

Attendees could receive a "solar tour" of the solar-friendly neighborhood from Independent Power Systems. The City of Boulder's ClimateSmart team will be there to talk about neighborhood action to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Fest fanatics can take part in the Zero Waste Potluck Picnic, and talk to representatives from EcoCycle about other ways to limit waste.

Also, there will be fun events for children and free music.

Engel said residents of other neighborhoods are encouraged to attend to learn more about how to make their neighborhood more sustainable, but also said Holiday is an ideal location for the Festival because it was planned with intentional sustainability in mind.

Holiday already features two co-housing communities; access to transit; mixed-use development that includes small retail and restaurants within walking distance of Holiday homes; community garden opportunities; Habitat for Humanity and other affordable housing; and a substantial number of solar panels.

"The neighborhood residents were attracted to this form of intentional sustainability. This makes Holiday an ideal neighborhood for IISN to pilot its programs in preparation for partnering with other neighborhoods," wrote Engel.

FYI

For more about the Institute for Intentionally Sustainable Neighborhoods or the Futures Festival, visit the Web site www.iisn.org.

Contact Richard Valenty about this story at (303) 443-6272 ext. 126, or at valenty@coloradodaily.com.