September 8, 2005.  Jeff Ross-Bain described the LEED Green Building Rating System - the technical and economic issues surrounding this burgeoning program. Much of Jeff's talk revealed how sustainable building practices are realistically achievable. He discussed how the question is not whether can we afford it but can we really afford not to do it. Formerly with the Southface Energy Institute in Atlanta, Jeff is presently with Smith Dalia Architects, where he specializes in environmentally-sustainable design of churches and schools. He is also a green building consultant for several projects of the United States Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED program. Active in the Episcopal Church, Jeff is the Diocese of Atlanta Environmental Ministry leader.

October 13, 2005. Marvin Pate, Director of Physical Plant Administration at The University of the South, discussed the University's building and construction programs. The Core Group examined how the University's program meets the environmental guidelines of the Episcopal Church and the Taillores Declaration which the University has signed.

November 3, 2005. Panel discussion of a paper by the DuBose lecturer Dr. Ellen Davis, a professor of bible and practical theology at Duke University Divinity School. Because of her tight schedule Dr. Davis could not be at our dinner, but she gave permission for us to circulate her paper for discussion. The theme of the DuBose lectures this year was "Creating and Transforming Sacred Spaces: Theological Opportunities and Issues in Building and Renovating Churches.

February 9, 2006. Dr. Ron Carroll, a Professor in the Institute of Ecology at The University of Georgia and Co-Director of the River Basin Science Center, continued a discussion of the talk, "Communities With Long-Lasting Environmental Stewardship", which he presented that afternoon. He is a coauthor of the popular textbook "Principles of Conservation Biology", which is used at Sewanee. His research interests include the relationships between managed and natural ecosystems, plant-animal interactions as they influence forest regeneration, and invasive species.

March 2, 2006. Featured presenter: David Bowman, author of "Sewanee in Stone". Dr. Bowman discussed the environmental issues associated with Sewanee’s choice of stone as a primary structural material. Dr.Bran Potter of the Geology Department provided additional comments and also reported on the current state of plans for the development of some of the University’s land.