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2008
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Displaying 66 entries: 1:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - Green Arena Renewables for Low-Income Homeowners: The Rays of Hope ProjectEffie Brunson Rays of Hope Austin The Rays of Hope project is dedicated to financial empowerment for low-income families, community building, and renewable energy education and advocacy. We create pathways to self-sufficiency for struggling homeowners, and inform the public about the benefits, both financial and environmental, of renewable energy. Rays of Hope offers volunteers an opportunity to retrofit existing low-income homes with energy efficient fixtures and provides hands-on renewable energy installation workshops. Effie Brunson has worked in the architecture & design field for 8 years, obtaining LEED accreditation in 2003. Her current position as the Sustainable Development coordinator for a small local real estate development firm affords the flexibility to pursue her passion for sustainable living education. 1:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - Red Arena Doing It Yourself: The Down-and-Dirty of Building a Better Tomorrow In Your Garage TodayLuke Iseman independent inventor Luke will discuss the day-to-day of taking ideas from "someday, maybe" to having real tools hanging on your workshop wall. Specific examples discussed in this talk will include a chicken tractor, a solar ice maker, a bicycle alarm that includes tracking and a stun gun, and at least 4 other actual projects that audience members can build for under $200 each. With experience in ecommerce, property rehabilitation/management, sustainable transportation, and entrepreneurship, Luke uses his assorted abilities to make better versions of everyday things. From removing paint without chemicals to shocking bike alarms, his and others' open-source hardware projects help anyone build anything. 1:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - White Arena (mini workshops) My Ego @ 3Heather M. Williamson Texas Solar Energy Society Member Introducing the Ego Electric Bike; models, specs, prices, joys of ownership, travel and riding considerations, problems noted and overcome, where to purchase followed by a Q&A session. Heather M. Williamson is a librarian who looked for alternative transport when the gas prices hit $2.50 a gallon. 1:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - Blue Arena Growing Gourmet Garlic in Texas for Fun and ProfitBob Anderson Gourmet Garlic Gardens The presentation for home gardeners will cover what kinds of garlic to grow, how to fertilize, plant and weed garlic, and how to know exactly when it is time to harvest. For some sustainable gardeners interested in commercial possibilities, there will be an opportunity to learn how to grow and sell garlic for profit through both local and national channels, and how to take advantage of the huge interest in garlic nationally. Bob Anderson has been growing gourmet garlics in Texas for 15 years, selling on the Internet, and sending garlic all over the country for 11 years. His gourmetgarlicgardens.com website has been recommended by N&Y Times, Forbes magazine, Organic Gardening and Mother Earth News. 1:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - Pavilion A - Kids' activities Healthy Aspects of Grass Fed BeefGerry Shudde Shudde Ranch Families will appreciate seeing how Gerry can put a quality meal on the table in 35 minutes starting with frozen stir-fry, adding ground beef and using only salt and pepper for seasoning. Gerre, Owner of Shudde Ranch, has returned his ranch operation back to the heritage of our forefathers. By raising high quality beef and in growing the grass that provides the strong nutrition for the Texas Longhorns. Devon cross calves producing a flavor long forgotten. The ranch operates without adding any pesticides, hormones or antibiotics to its natural state. 2:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - Green Arena Animal Farm: 15 Years Off The GridCas Vanwoerden Animal Farm This talk provides a case history of how Animal Farm started in 1991 with a 3 GPM water well powered by 2 solar panels and 2 golf cart batteries and grew to become the minigrid it is today. It is now supplying power to multiple residences, a pool, a water well that pumps 8000 GPD for drip irrigation, animal feeders and 8-10 human beings. Cas Vanwoerden is the Owner/Operator of Animal Farm, a 70-acre permaculture center, off the grid since its inception in 1991. An Electrical Engineer, Cas was born and educated in Holland and now teaches Sustainable Building/Renewable Energy Classes in Houston and Austin. 2:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - Red Arena Solar Water Heating - The Most Cost Effective Renewable EnergyJohn Mann TREIA NTAEE Sunrise Solar of Dallas Ft. Worth; INC Solar Water Heating is the most cost efficient renewable energy product on the market. John Mann got into the renewable energy business in 2000 when he wanted solar heating for his pool. He incorporated Sunrise Solar of Dallas Ft. Worth, became a dealer and installed his own solar pool heating system. Since then he has installed more than 850 solar pool heating systems and hundreds of domestic hot water systems, both residential and commercial. 2:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - White Arena (mini workshops) Making Community Wind Happen with the Northwind100Jim Brannen Northern Power This presentation will talk about the Community Wind market; the types of customers that exist (i.e. schools, farms, hospitals, water treatment plants, small business, industry, etc.), what project drivers make these projects happen, what state and federal incentives help drive the economics, and lastly specific Northwind 100 project case studies. Community wind is generally regarded as locally owned projects, often net-metered and usually between 50kW and 2 MW. Jim Brannen is Vice-President of Commercial Functions at Northern Power and is responsible for the Business Development activities of the Northwind 100 wind turbine. Before joining Northern Power he was the Director of Sales and Marketing for Severn Trent Services. 2:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - Blue Arena Sustainable Building Using Giant CEB Blocks -- The EarthCo Megablock ProcessLarry Williamson EarthCo Building Systems, Inc Mr. Williamson will be detailing his new sustainable building process that uses local subsoils to create giant blocks of CEB called EarthCo Megablocks. His process uses mechanical equipment to eliminate most of the manual labor normally associated with a natural building material. His mechanical process features the lowest embodied energy costs of any construction delivery system worldwide, has the Best Life Cycle Assessment Costs of any building process and features a closed loop materials cycle. Larry Williamson is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a BS in Range and Wildlife Management. He holds numerous patents from around the world for a new sustainable and energy efficent building process called the EarthCo Megablock process. He has over 35 years of professional construction experience including working as an Environmental Engineer managing jobs for EPA, TxDot, TNRCC, FAA and numerous private companies. 3:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - Green Arena LEED Green Building with Combined Heat and Power: It's TimeRich Herweck Executive Director, Texas CHP Initiative This talk will cover the benefits of using Combined Heat & Power (CHP) in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building design. CHP can provide clean power from a single reliable source of both power and heat. This talk will cover the benefits of using Combined Heat & Power (CHP) in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building design. CHP can provide clean power from a single reliable source of both power and heat. Using CHP can provide efficient heating and cooling while reducing overall electrical consumption, reducing NOx emissions, and using no fluorocarbons. CHP is efficient and will reduce the costs of operations because it reduces the amount of source energy used. A founding board member and Executive Director of Texas Combined Heat & Power Initiative (TXCHPI), Rich Herweck has provided leadership to the Initiative in passing combined heat and power legislation in the 80th Texas Legislature as well as inclusion of CHP in the Energy Efficiency rulemaking at the Public Utility Commission of Texas. 3:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - Red Arena Rainwater Harvesting Options in TexasBilly Kniffen Texas AgriLife Extension Service In this talk, we will discuss water capture for conservation and land management/stewardship. Rainfall can be diverted to rain gardens, bog gardens, wildlife guzzlers, catchment containers for landscape and vegetable irrigation, birdbaths, water features and in-home potable and non-potable uses. Billy Kniffen's home is soley on rainwater for all uses. Billy is a Texas AgriLife Extension Service Water Resource Specialist and is president of Texas Rainwater Catchment Association. He teaches Master Gardener "Rainwater Specialist" workshops and conducts trainings for all uses statewide and nationally. 3:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - White Arena (mini workshops) Is Organics Over?Melanie McAfee Barr Mansion This talk is designed to encourage local producers to go beyond local and examine why there is a reason to be certified. Melanie will present studies of nutrition with organic produce and demonstrate that health is just as important as petroleum miles. If we lose the credibility of organics, what will be the consequences? Melanie McAfee is the Owner of the only certified organic special events facility in the nation. She has done 10 years of research looking at how we manage our waste stream. 3:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - Blue Arena Biodiesel and Vegetable Oil as Diesel FuelJason Burroughs DieselGreen Fuels This presentation and discussion will explore the history of biodiesel and vegetable oils as alternatives to diesel fuels, including basic chemistry, why it's good for the earth and your car, how to make it, and where to buy it. We will also talk about vegetable oil as a fuel, how to convert a diesel engine, where to get or buy vegetable oil, and risks associated with using it. This will be an interactive session with questions and discussion encouraged. After helping form the Austin Biodiesel Cooperative in 2005, Jason Burroughs has been the Managing Partner at DieselGreen fuels, Austin's source for biodiesel and vegetable oil fuels. A nationally recognized speaker, Jason has experience navigating the regulatory and legal hurdles facing the alternative fuels industry, and has a keen interest in promoting community-scale solutions to critical infrastructure issues. 3:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - Pavilion A - Kids' activities August E'sExecutive Chef Leu Savanh August E's Nouveau Texas Cuisine August E's is located in the heart of the abundant organic produce and wine region of the Texas Hill Country and is fortunate to have access to superb local suppliers. Chef Leu's presentation will stimulate your appetite while satisfying your taste sensations true gourmet delight. August E's defines Nouveau Texas Cuisine as the uncommon pairing of traditional Texas fare with the innovative creativity of Executive Chef Leu Savanh resulting in extraordinary gourmet cuisine. Chef Leu's ingenuity is inspired by his Thai roots and twenty years of experience in various culinary pursuits throughout the world. 4:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - Green Arena Sorting Through Green Building ProgramsDon Ferrier Ferrier Custom Homes As green building continues to gain momentum, programs are sprouting up on both national and local levels. It can be daunting to know which ones are the best fit for your project. Come hear Don Ferrier, a member of the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Subcommittee, shed light on the strengths and differences between various programs such as NAHB’s Green Building Guidelines, LEED-H, Energy Star, American Lung Association, and more. Case studies will be provided. Don Ferrier, president of Ferrier Builders, Inc. and Ferrier Custom Homes, has built all types of buildings, but his focus has been energy efficient construction with SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels). Don was presented the 2007 Builder Advocate of the Year award by the National Association of Home Builders at the 9th Annual Green Building Conference, and serves on the NAHB's Green Building Subcommittee Board. 4:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - Red Arena Pedernales Electric - Green Works InitiativeDiana Gonzales Programs Representative for PEC PEC's "Green Works" program is an on-going initiave. The program highlights all the ways Pedernales Electric helps better our environment... the purchase of 90 megawatts of wind power,using earth-friendly herbicides, recycling paper, tree-for-tree replacement on new construction, purchase of hybrid vehicles for our fleet,etc. Diana Gonzales has been with Pedernales Electric Cooperative for 19 years and has a wealth of speaking experience. 4:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - White Arena (mini workshops) What is Zero Waste?Melanie McAfee Barr Mansion Is zero waste attainable? Barr Mansion has done it and so can you! I can share how we went from a dumpster a week to a trash can every other week. We reduced our waste stream by 90%. Our waste is our future resources. Melanie McAfee is the Owner of the only certified organic special events facility in the nation. She has done 10 years of research looking at how we manage our waste stream. 4:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - Blue Arena Site Evaluation & Septic 101George Witta TX Onsite Watewater Assn., SWSLOD, Inc. George will present basic information on how to plan your rural property to maximize resources and still meet state & local regulations. Septic 101 will give basic info on septic requirements in Texas and choices for different soil types. George has been a licensed septic installer and site evaluator since 1985. He served on the TX Onsite Wastwater Assn. Board of Directors for 9 years and is an instructor on septic manintenance to TEEX. 5:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2008 - Green Arena Keynote: Organic and Local Food for SustainabilityMason Arnold 10:00 am Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Green Arena Putting the Lessons of the Roundup to Work! A Case History of Solar/Rainwater/Green Building & GardGlen Trahan Roundup attendee Rainwater/solar/green building and how we've done it. Glen will present how the lessons from previous Renewable Energy Roundups have been incorporated into his family's home design, their use of renewable power sources, and how it has changed their way of life. See for yourself how the Roundup is educational and applicable. Glen has attended all but the inaugural Roundup and incorporated the information into their family's home with whole house rain water use, solar power for electricity and hot water, and green building/zero energy design strategies. His wife has spearheaded the organic gardening and food production. 10:00 am Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Red Arena Distributed Generation - Interconnection IssuesMarble, Sanford C. Lecturer, University of Texas at Austin This talk addresses the interconnection issues that arise in the distributed generation model of electricity production. The focus is on the implications of grid-connectivity for small producers who are using renewable generation technologies. Topics will include the economic gains that are available to distributed generation, the distribution of those gains to the interconnecting parties through pricing and net metering rules, and the technical issues involving equipment, installation, and operation that are associated with bi-directional connectivity between small electrical networks and the grid. Sanford Marble is currently a lecturer at UT-Austin, teaching topics such as Managerial Economics and Natural Resource Economics, along with courses in economic theory. This fall (2008) he will be teaching an interdisciplinary course at UT-Austin entitled "Environmental Resources and Economic Growth". He has experience in applied economic research and consulting in several industries, including communications and natural resources. He has also worked as a field engineer and managed civil engineering projects abroad. 10:00 am Saturday, September 27, 2008 - White Arena (mini workshops) All Natural Solutions For a Safer YardTropical John Thomas "Living Natural First" Radio WBAP 820 Dallas, Tx A common sense approach using natural and organic methods to create a safer yard environment for yourself, your children and your pets! Tropical John owns a 100% organic landscape company and has owned a retail organic store since 1988. Tropical John also co-hosts the "Living Natural First" radio show on WBAP 820 in Dallas Ft. Worth on Sunday mornings from 10 am to 11 am and also works for NaturalFirst Distribution. 10:00 am Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Blue Arena Emissions Reduction Goal Easily Within Our ReachSusan Meredith Human Excel Improvements of 20% in four key areas will achieve a 41% reduction in emissions. There is no scarcity or overabundance of energy. It is a matter of matching the supply with the demand in an affordable, timely, and ecologically sustainable way. In this session, Susan covers six key components required for a global solution, three crucial areas of support for the solution and how working together, we can turn from survivability to thrive-ability for all on planet Earth. Susan Meredith set out to understand the energy situation and her role in the solution, resulting in her upcoming book “Beyond Lightbulbs: Lighting the Way to Smarter Energy Management.” She speaks and writes on global, personal and organizational energy management. She is founder of HumanExcel, a corporate educational firm based in Austin, Texas. As an engineer and MBA graduate with expertise in business process improvement, Susan helps organizations improve efficiencies, reduce wastes, and save energy. 11:00 am Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Green Arena Small Wind 102: The Basics of WindKen Starcher Alternative Energy Institute Wind is working in Texas, commercial plants are everywhere, but home size systems are still struggling to compete. Learn about the basics of wind energy for the home and ranch and see what has worked in Far West Texas at the AEI Wind Test Center from the past 30 years of research As Director of AEI, Ken Starcher continues the focus of data collection, turbine testing, information dissemination, consulting and teaching/training that AEI has done in the past 30 years. Ken's areas of focus include: maintenance and operation of wind turbines at the AEI/Wind Test Center, operation of the Renewable Energy Demonstration Project (Solar Building), and coordination of all AEI wind/solar data sites scattered throughout Texas and New Mexico. 11:00 am Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Red Arena A Fresh Approach to Growing Your Own FoodDavid Lewis & Catherine Robert Foodie Farm Our "Fresh Approach" addresses eating locally by growing your own food and eating seasonally. We will explain our growing methods, garden successes, and common new gardener mistakes. David Lewis and his wife, Catherine Robert, are both educators and organic gardeners in Fredericksburg. Together they run Foodie Farm, a small operation which produces eggs and vegetables for themselves and for the Fredericksburg Farmer's Market. 11:00 am Saturday, September 27, 2008 - White Arena (mini workshops) The Last Home You Will Ever BuildDon Ferrier, CGB Ferrier Custom Homes Based on Don Ferrier’s experience with homebuyers who are preparing to build their dream/retirement home, he shares core considerations that are included in planning such a project. Elements include concern with fixed income amidst ever-increasing utility prices, durable materials that require less maintenance, sufficient water supply among depleting resources, and an overall approach that values long-term payback. Since 1984 Don Ferrier, of Ferrier Custom Homes, has built all types of buildings, but his focus has been energy efficient construction with SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels). Don was presented the 2007 Builder Advocate of the Year award by the National Association of Home Builders at the 9th Annual Green Building Conference, and serves on the NAHB's Green Building Subcommittee Board. Don’s knowledge and experience in constructing High Performance homes (extremely energy efficient, comfortable, healthy and durable) makes him a leader in his field. 11:00 am Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Blue Arena The German Model For Rainwater CollectionJoseph Wheeler Rainfilters of Texas, LLC With over 100,000 installations world wide, the Germans have formalized the basic requirements for low maintenance, high quality, non-potable rainwater systems. This is the highest quality cistern water that may be filtered for drinking or simply used for dishwashers, washing machines, toilets and in the garden.The process is a simple four step procedure that has been perfected over the last twenty years. After completing his home utilizing rainwater collection in 2007, Joseph discovered the serious maintenance issues with the conventional technology of Central Texas. Converting his system to utilize the German process has increased his water quality and greatly diminished the required maintenance. 11:00 am Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Pavilion A - Kids' activities Cooking With CheeseRobyn Just & Chrissy Omo Fromage du Monde & CKC Farms Robyn will speak on cooking with gourmet cheeses, Chrissy will speak about being one of the areas youngest most successful goat cheese makers. Robyn Just, owner of Fromage du Monde, Fredericksburg's first gourmet cheese shop. Chrissy Omo, Owner of CKC Farms, a local goat cheese maker. Noon Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Green Arena Smart Building in a Hot ClimateMary McLeod Austin Energy Green Building Whether you're building new, remodeling, or buying an existing home, find out what to do or consider having a home that's energy- and water-efficient, low-maintenance, comfortable and healthy. This talk will cover basic principles, specific design and construction features and provide lots of opportunity for questions. Mary McLeod is the Single-Family Program Coordinator for Austin Energy Green Building. She administers the green home rating and provides consulting and education for building professionals and the public. Prior to this, she was a home designer and builder in Austin from the mid-1970’s. Noon Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Red Arena Texas Energy Efficiency Legislation for Political SubdivisionsStephen A. Ross State Energy Conservation Office This will be a brief discussion of the State's energy efficiency legislation (Senate Bill 12 - 80th Regular Legislative Session) as it pertains to political subdivisions (primarily in the 41 Texas non-attainment counties). It will cover the legislative mandates as well as some examples of how some Texas cities and counties are utilizing energy efficiency to meet the goals of the mandates. The discussion will also include a summary of SECO's program areas. Stephen worked for the City of Carrollton in the Urban Development and Economic Development Departments, where he helped facilitate the creation of the city's Neighborhood Partnership Program and assisted with Carrollton's intial Urban Design initiatives. Stephen joined SECO in the Fall of 2007 as a Program Specialist and currently manages the Texas Energy Partnership and Texas Housing Partnership Programs. Noon Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Blue Arena Solar Thermal Using Evacuated TubesHollis Fitch III Cinco Solar Inc. Explaining the function and applications of Solar Thermal Using Evacuated Tubes. In 2007, Hollis Fitch founded Cinco Solar Inc. in response to the increasing concerns over energy independence and environmental impact that our current energy policy has raised. His more recent experience includes the design, specification and installation of renewable energy projects including large and small scale solar thermal and solar PV systems. Mr. Fitch has over 20 years experience in the energy field. 1:00 pm Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Green Arena Keynote: Self Reliance and Building a Sustainable FutureMatthew Stein 2:00 pm Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Green Arena Building a Green Home: This Way or That Way?Robert Zirkel Shelter Design & Construction, Inc. There are many green alternatives to conventional construction, and deciding which method to utilize can be confusing and even overwhelming. Robert will discuss and compare several houses he has built with various systems, including ICF's (Insulated Concrete Forms), particularly rastra; thermal steel panel walls set in stuctural steel with SIPS panel roof; stick framing with foam insulation; and exterior insulation with waterproof exterior vapor barrier. More "natural" methods such as Cob, adobe, compressed soil blocks, and straw bale will also be presented. Other topics will include interior finishes such as flooring, cabinets, and countertops. Robert Zirkel, president of Shelter Design & Construction, Inc., has over twenty-five years of construction experience. He has been a proponent of green building since the early 1990's and has built energy efficient homes using several different construction methods. His experience working with chemically sensitive individuals enhanced his interest in the use of non-toxic building materials. 2:00 pm Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Red Arena Biodiesel BasicsJess Hewitt HYPERFUELS.COM A basic primer on biodiesel, a renewable fuel that works in diesel engines without any retrofit. Learn about current production levels, specifications, different feedstocks and product quality. Learn where to buy the product on the internet. Jess Hewitt is president of Gulf Hydrocarbon, a biodiesel marketing company. Jess started HYPERFUELS.COM, an internet-based fuel store and is also president of the Biodiesel Coalition of Texas and chairman of the National Biodiesel Board marketing committee. 2:00 pm Saturday, September 27, 2008 - White Arena (mini workshops) Solar Electric Design and Installation for the HomeHunter Berry Meridian Energy Systems, Inc. This presentation is an introduction to designing a grid-tie solar electric system for the home. We will focus on the primary issues concerning the homeowner, and we will cover design concepts, available products and types of applications. After earning a BA in International Business from Abilene Christian University, Hunter Berry began his quest for a career which would impact society and provide for his growing family. He raised organic chickens on the first organically certified ranch in Texas, then spent a year building and living off-grid in the Greater World Earthship Community (http://www.earthship.net/) with architect Michael Reynolds. Upon returning to Texas, he pursued a position with Meridian and spent a year learning, installing, and selling solar electric systems, and now is in residential sales. 2:00 pm Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Blue Arena Solar Swimming Pool & Residential HeatingDavid Bebeau, Owner Sunrise Solar Benefits and descriptions of solar pool heating. Addressing design performance, and feasibility issues. David Bebeau, owner of Sunrise Solar, has designed and installed more solar pool heating systems than anyone in Texas. Exclusive FAFCO Distributor (oldest & largest U.S. Solar only company). 26 years in the solar field with 17 years in South Central Texas. 2:00 pm Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Pavilion A - Kids' activities Cooking With Edible Herbs & FlowersWilliam Varney Admiral Nimitz Event Center Learn how to cook using fresh organic herbs and edible flowers! From Lemon Verbena Margaritas, Herb-Skewered Kabobs to Rose Geranium Pound Cake and Lavender Honey Ice Cream... Ooh La La... William Varney is the founder of Fredericksburg Herb Farm, and co-author of Herbs, Growing and Using the Plants of Romance, and Along the Garden Path. He became interested in plants and gardening at the young age of eight, and later graduated with a BS in Business and a Minor in Horticulture from Oklahoma Panhandle State University. After a one-year agriculture stint in Tasmania, Australia, Bill joined a large nursery in Houston, TX as a buyer for their landscape division. Then quite by accident he came upon Fredericksburg, TX and it there he fell in love with the quaint little German town and started an herb shop on Main Street in 1985. A self taught chef, he has cooked in NYC at The James Beard House and on The Food Network. He sold Fredericksburg Herb Farm in September 2007. He is proud to be part of The Admiral Nimitz Museum and Event Center. Having taught classes throughout the U.S. and in Japan, Bill is ever mindful that individual’s lives can be enriched through the experience of herbs. 3:00 pm Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Green Arena Rainwater Harvesting BasicsDick Peterson Austin Energy Green Building Bells and whistles are expensive! Simple rainwater harvesting systems for landscape irrigation can be constructed from recycled barrels or economical poly tanks. Gravity is the only pump needed and the collection downspouts are also the distribution system. The tank can be almost anywhere on the property. For you rocket scientists, a few examples of drinking water systems will also be shown. Dick Peterson's interest in water conservation and rainwater harvesting goes back over 20 years. As the City of Austin Xeriscape Program Coordinator, he developed their rebate program for rainbarrels and cisterns. Now with Austin Energy Green Building, he regularly consults with customers about home construction, landscaping, irrigation, and rainwater harvesting. 3:00 pm Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Red Arena Using Geothermal Energy in TexasTom Hawk Texas AirSystems & Hill College Instructor Texas has more geothermal energy available to its citizens than they realize. They can cool and heat homes using geothermal heat pumps. Currently, in the US there is over 7000 MW of electricity offset by geothermal heat pumps. That is 2.5 times more electricity saved than the US geothermal power plants currently produce. Areas with water 75 – 140°F can use it for agriculture, aquaculture, direct hot water, spas, and industrial drying. Texas can generate electricity from the fluids 200°F - 400°F that exist as shallow as 9000 ft in SE Texas. The state of Texas will be generating renewable electricity from geothermal energy in the near future. Tom has taught at Hill College in North Texas and now is a technician for Texas AirSystems, INC. doing service on geothermal heat pumps and HVAC systems. 3:00 pm Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Blue Arena Building A Safe, Affordable, Enviormentally Friendly HomeRalph Smoot As the cost of living increases, people everywhere are rethinking their needs for affordable ways to live. Many homes become huge financial burdens. A beautiful Earth Sheltered Home can be affordable to build and to maintain, working in sync with the environment. That’s “green" - building in support of the natural environment. That’s sustainable living. We can build a turn-key or a "shell" for those who desire to finish their home and save more money. The building time is shorter, insurance is less, and you design what you want. Ralph Smoot is a working builder of 45 years. He became interested in the cliff dwellings and adobe homes in New Mexico and as his interest in sustainable living grew, Ralph expanded his expertise to green building and Earth Shelter housing. In 1982, after obtaining national approval from the VA and FHA government agencies, Earth Shelter Living was born, and now there are Earth Sheltered green homes in five states. 4:00 pm Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Green Arena Texas: Epicenter of the Clean Energy Universe?Mike Sloan Virtus Energy Our planet is crying out to clean energy technologies: Help Me ! The good news is a vast array of new ideas and new technologies are ready to come sweeping in to save the day; the bad news is that business as usual is very, very, very hard to beat. Shockingly, oil-infested Texas has been home to some of the most creative and successful ideas for rapidly adopting clean energy, especially wind power. Come hear what individual Texans might do to help realize a future for our planet where Green comes to describe "action" more than "talk". Mike Sloan is a long-time, Austin-based renewable energy guy who will talk renewables until you cry.... for more that is. He has actively helped Texas craft several successful renewable energy policies and has assisted developers of wind, solar & biomass projects in Texas and elsewhere. Now Mike is devoting focus to internet & video-based energy education to help spark greater green actions in Texas and across the globe. 4:00 pm Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Red Arena Evaluating the Performance of Photovoltaic InstallationsProf. Mack Grady U.T. Austin, Dept. of Electrical & Computer Engineering This presentation shows how to estimate the daily kilowatt-hours you can expect from a PV installation, taking into account actual weather, panel orientation (tilt and azimuth), and shading. The predictions can be used, along with your actual kWh output, to determine if your installation is performing as well as it should. Dr. Grady is a Professor of Electrical & Computer Enginnering at U.T. Austin, specializing in electric power systems and renewable energy. 4:00 pm Saturday, September 27, 2008 - White Arena (mini workshops) Selecting the Proper Sized Wind Turbine for Your ApplicationTony Jimenez National Renewable Energy Laboratory This presentation will look at wind physics, resource assessment and information options, estimating wind turbine production, and assessing the economics of a particular project. Tony Jimenez is a Staff Mechanical Engineer with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) Wind Powering America (WPA) program. The purpose of WPA is to overcome the barriers that inhibit the use of wind energy within the U.S. Tony’s activities include administering an anemometer loan program and the development of wind energy project economic analysis tools. 4:00 pm Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Blue Arena Sustainable Landscape ArchitectureMichael Morrow Speaker at recent Green Living Expo Austin This presentation delineates various projects and sustainable design processes for large parks, to green streets, to large estates, to simple backyards - the latest processes for attaining a sustainable environment. Michael Morrow is a Registered Landscape Architect who taught at University of Massachusetts, Californina Polytechnic University and Texas State University. As one of the original pioneers of sustainable land design in landscape architecture, Michael has spoken at the world conference on Sustainability. His company is Ecological Design and Planning, Inc. located in Dripping Springs, TX. 4:00 pm Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Pavilion A - Kids' activities Cast Iron Cooking and Exotic FoodBruce Deuley Bruce will teach about the benefits of eating wild game and why it's healthy, while cooking preparing some exotic dishes. Bruce is a TV and Radio personality and host of Organic Matters. 5:00 pm Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Green Arena The Texas Hill Country’s First Official Certified LEED® HomeLaVerne Williams, AIA, LEED® AP Environment Associates, Architects & Consultants with the home owner Environment Associates, Architects & Consultants What is involved with creating a LEED Certified home? The architect for the 1st Certified LEED Home in the Texas Hill Country (Hunt TX, Silver rated) along with the owners and the builder and the independent LEED rater will share the design and construction and their experiences and viewpoints about this home designed for Passive Sustainability. This SIP home with its unvented attic is designed to have spectacular 180o shaded interior views from atop a cliff facing southwest (the worst exposure to summertime heat) and be 100% supported by harvested rain water. Participants, in addition to the architect, include the owners, Bernadell Larson & Stu Thompson; the builder, David & Teresa Fransik of Sierra Homes of Fredericksburg; and Miki Cooke, the LEED rater. (LEED means Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, the premier national green building rating program by the U.S. Green Building Council) Architect, bioneer and building ecologist, LaVerne Williams, is the Founder and CEO of Environment Associates, Architects & Consultants of Houston, Texas, an award winning architectural firm nationally noted for its fostering of sustainable living concepts and practices since 1975. Awards earned by the firm include the official First LEED® Certified Home in the Central Texas Hill Country in Hunt, Texas (Silver certification); and the official First LEED® Certified Platinum Project (and Home) in the Birth Place of U.S. Green Building programs, Austin Texas (being awarded the highest ratings of Platinum and Five Star respectively by both green programs). Additionally, the Austin project is the very First Certified LEED® Platinum project completed anywhere in the United States by a Houston-based architectural firm. 5:00 pm Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Red Arena Plugging Children into NatureSherra N Theisen, PhD Texas Nature Project Dr. Theisen's College for Kids is an interactive, hands-on experience for younger Texans designed to engage heart and mind in the quest for understanding the relationships between people and the natural world. Sherra Theisen is CEO of Texas Nature Project, a non-profit providing education for sustainable leadership in Texas. She holds a doctorate in Philosophy with specialization in Ethics and concentration in Environmental Ethics. 5:00 pm Saturday, September 27, 2008 - Blue Arena Healthy Land. Sustainable Future.Merridee McClatchy Holistic Management International-Texas Plan for the triple bottom line of ecological health, social well being and financial well being. All are interconnected for long term sustainability. Make your own plan to improve your life and save the planet. Everyone is connected to the land whether they farm, have a lawn, or simply breathe and drink water! Merridee McClatchy is Executive Director of Holistic Management International-Texas. She lives on her family's ranch in central Texas where they raise sustainable, grassfed Hereford cattle. She and her husband Bob Anderson own and operate Gourmet Garlic Gardens. 10:00 am Sunday, September 28, 2008 - Green Arena Big Problems, Localized SolutionsJake Stewart Program Manager, Climate Protection, Austin Energy Climate Change, Economy and Energy Security are big problems converging to generate broad-based demand for a 'new energy economy.' From the city that makes its own fuel to renewable energy technology development, there has never been a greater opportunity to address multiple big-picture problems with distributed sustainable solutions. This session will explore the big picture with real-world case-studies of how the local model is well-suited to address these complex issues with sustainable development and integrated renewable energy models. It will also highlight the City of Austin's efforts towards carbon neutrality and renewable energy implementation. Jake Stewart is a renewable energy consultant and currently Program Manager of the Austin Climate Protection Program at Austin Energy. Stewart is widely known for his work on the world's first renewably powered biofuel production facility, located in Denton, Texas. Jake has an advanced background in renewable energy technologies and is very active in the international development of clean technology, as well as participating in federal policy development for renewable energy and climate change. 10:00 am Sunday, September 28, 2008 - Red Arena Help Your Parents Put $500 in Their Pockets!Matthew Evans, Hallie Casey and Joanna Casey Central Texas 4H Robotics Club So you aren't sure if you are an energy hog or if you really want to go on a low carbon diet, but you are sure that you are ready to save some money. These students will share with you what they did, how they did it, and what happened as a result. If you are serious about saving money and don't have any extra to put into green projects or alternative energy, come and learn about the cheap and easy way to be green. Matthew Evans, Hallie Casey, and Joanna Casey have done more than just read books about energy conservation, these students have completed residential and commercial energy audits. They made small changes in their family's lifestyle and have saved their parents more than $8,000 in 18 months. 10:00 am Sunday, September 28, 2008 - White Arena (mini workshops) Community Supported AgricultureBrad Stufflebeam HOMEsweetFARM Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a direct connection to your farmer. In support of clean locally produced food, a relationship is formed between the community and a local farmer creating a unique opportunity for families to receive a weekly share of seasonal produce harvested fresh from the farm. CSAs can be an important tool in the renewal of healthy local food communities across Texas. This talk includes a presentation displaying the establishment of the largest CSA in Southeast Texas. "A pioneer of the local food movement in the Lone Star State", Brad Stufflebeam, has been a professional organic horticulturist in Texas for over eighteen years. As the former President of the Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (TOFGA) and a full-time farmer in Washington County Texas, Brad has served his local community and the Houston area through a unique Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Featured in numerous national articles and books, his enthusiasm and passion as a local food evangelist has inspired others in their quest for good food and small family farming in Texas. 10:00 am Sunday, September 28, 2008 - Blue Arena Pure Drinking Water Anywhere/AnytimeRobert L. Macosko JOLEE Enterprises,LLC Water Purification and the differences between Purification,Filtration, Reverse Osmosis, Distillation and addressing the contaminants in today's water sources. Robert Macosko is an activist in protecting the local environment from polluting developers. He was an engineer and consultant to the Aerospace and Defense Industry for 34 years. As an inventor and publisher, holding numerous patents (including a water conservation device),trademarks,and publications, he is currently involved in the dissemination of information and sale of products relating to the environmental issues of water contamination and offering a viable, cost effective solution. 10:00 am Sunday, September 28, 2008 - Pavilion A - Kids' activities Benefits of Eating Plant Based, Raw, Local, & Organic FoodsChrisa M. Emrick Talking about the benefits of eating a plant based, raw, locally grown and organic foods. Demonstration on how to make "Pasta" with either Pomodoro or Marinara sauce, and/or an "alfredo" sauce, maybe a pate - which can be used for lettuce wraps and/or nori rolls. Chrisa's interest in whole and natural foods started casually. She delved into a naturalistic diet with the intent to address certain lingering health concerns related to middle age. Within weeks, several significant complaints were no longer an issue. Chrisa’s informal interest developed into a passion and she now proudly proclaims enthusiasm for raw food and the movement towards a more healthful lifestyle. She became certified by Alissa Cohen as a Raw Food Chef, Trainer and Instructor in May 2008. Currently she teaches classes on raw food preparations along with private one-on-one coaching sessions. Clients learn how to prepare nutritious, delicious meals in a quick and efficient manner. 10:00 am Sunday, September 28, 2008 - Tours Turtle Rock Ranch TourChip Wolfe Turtle Rock Ranch is an evolving laboratory exploring the use of renewable energy and sustainable technologies. During this two-hour workshop, Chip Wolfe will discuss the ranch and its many projects including two solar electric systems, a grid-tied wind turbine, a large capacity rainwater collection system, a solar-powered pumping system, a drip irrigation system serving an organic garden, a greenhouse and a system of swales built using permaculture techniques for optimal insoak. Depending on participant interest, Chip can also discuss his perspective on electric and hybrid vehicles and wildlife management plans. Carpools will caravan from the front gate,leaving Grounds in Fredericksburg at 9:00 am Sunday, September 28th. Along the way, pass near Enchanted Rock, cross Sandy Creek and likely see Texas wildlife such as deer and turkey. Chip is a co-founder of Solar Austin and the Austin Clean Energy Initiative. He has worked in radio astronomy, software consulting, solar electric design and installation and renewable energy advocacy. In addition to his current work in clean energy, Chip is developing a rural demonstration site for renewable energy and sustainability and occasionally finds time to design and build custom furniture. Chip is an honors graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in mathematics. As a grandfather and sixth-generation resident of Austin, he takes the concept of community trusteeship very seriously. 11:00 am Sunday, September 28, 2008 - Green Arena Austin's First Official LEED Platinum HomeLaVerne Williams, AIA, LEED AP Environment Associates, Architects & Consultants with the home owners Environment Associates, Architects & Consultants What does it take to create a LEED Certified PLATINUM home, the highest green building rating available nationally? The architect for Austin's 1st LEED® home (which also achieved the exalted LEED® Platinum rating plus the Five Star rating from Austin’s Green Building Program), along with the owners and the builder and the independent rater for the project will share the design and construction and their experiences and viewpoints about this home designed for Passive Sustainability. This home is built using AAC and foamed framed home, has unvented attics, 40% of its energy supplied by solar, 100% harvested rainwater (no municipal water connection or water well), has a 100% passive solar heated and cooled greenhouse & workshop, mud plastered and clay painted interiors, extensive recycled and local wood finishes and structural supports, and lots more. Participants, in addition to the architect, include the owners, Carlos Torres-Verdin & Laurel Trevino; the builder, Taylor King & Bill Kelley of Custom Building, Inc. of Austin; and Miki Cooke, the LEED rater. (LEED means for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, the premier national green building rating program by the U.S. Green Building Council) Architect, bioneer and building ecologist, LaVerne Williams, is the Founder and CEO of Environment Associates, Architects & Consultants of Houston, Texas, an award winning architectural firm nationally noted for its fostering of sustainable living concepts and practices since 1975. Awards earned by the firm include the official First LEED® Certified Home in the Central Texas Hill Country in Hunt, Texas (Silver certification); and the official First LEED® Certified Platinum Project (and Home) in the Birth Place of U.S. Green Building programs, Austin Texas (being awarded the highest ratings of Platinum and Five Star respectively by both green programs). Additionally, the Austin project is the very First Certified LEED® Platinum project completed anywhere in the United States by a Houston-based architectural firm. 11:00 am Sunday, September 28, 2008 - Red Arena Solar or Wind Powered Water PumpingBrian Vick USDA-ARS This talk will begin with a discussion of the wind and solar resource which exists in Texas. Next the various pumps (piston, centrifugal, diaphragm, and helical) that have been used in solar and wind powered water pumping systems will be discussed and the advantages and disadvantages of each. If the attendee is needing a solar or wind powered water pumping system, they should have a good idea which is the best choice for them by the end of the talk. Handouts showing information on the manufacturers of these water pumping systems (including price estimates) will also be available. Brian has been conducting research on the use of solar and wind energy for water pumping for 14 years at the USDA - Agricultural Research Service Laboratory near Bushland, TX. He has published over 30 papers on this subject. He has degrees in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. Brian installed a wind powered drip irrigation system for his orchard in 1998 and it continues to supply water to his trees today. 11:00 am Sunday, September 28, 2008 - Blue Arena EVERY DROP COUNTS...Having the Freedom to Sustain Your Home or Business with RainwaterBarry and Tamarah Wall Texas Rainwater Systems EVERY DROP COUNTS...........How much rain can you collect? How to sustain your family and or your business with rainwater. Having the freedom of having your own water supply. Barry Wall has educated people on rainwater collection and water conservation all over the globe. Barry and his wife Tamarah have Texas Rainwater Systems based in Kerrville, Texas. The Walls have dedicated their lives to rainwater collection and conservation and have volunteered many hours to community education. Noon Sunday, September 28, 2008 - Green Arena Keynote: Green Building by Design, Not By DevicePeter Pfeiffer Barley & Pfeiffer Architects 1:00 pm Sunday, September 28, 2008 - Green Arena Solar Water Heating for the Home or BusinessThomas Isaac Techsun Solar Inc. This presentation will primarily cover the various solar water heating system types and their unique advantages and disadvantages. In addition a detailed discussion regarding the financial return of solar waters heaters will be discussed. Thomas has over a decade of experience with solar water heating systems and is the founder/CEO of Techsun Solar Inc. 1:00 pm Sunday, September 28, 2008 - Red Arena Cooking Smart: Solar Cookers and Greening the Traditional KitchenMonica Salyer Founder, Texas Solar Cookers Solar cooking is a method which utilizes the energy found in sunlight as the fuel for cooking food. The discussion will take a realistic look at how to incorporate this technique into your daily life. Learn a few money saving techniques to use in your home kitchen as well as how to reduce your energy bills and the carbon footprint associated with meal preparation. Monica Salyer has been exploring solar cooking since 2003. A self-taught solar cook, she founded and bankrolls Texas Solar Cookers, a loosely-knit group of individuals who practice, demonstrate, and teach solar cooking across Texas. 1:00 pm Sunday, September 28, 2008 - White Arena (mini workshops) Greenbuilding in the Real WorldWayne Jeansonne Solluna Builders Now what? You've gathered information, read the books, learned about the materials and techniques. You're a believer, and you want a green, healthy, energy-efficient home. So how do you put the pieces together?. What are the steps you need to take? How do you get the most from your building dollars? In this practical workshop, learn how to set realistic goals, make decisions, and choose the green features that best fit your needs. Learn from an experienced green builder about the different levels of green, how to pick a designer, how to set and stick to a budget, what to expect, and what not to do. There will be time for Q&A, so bring your questions. Wayne Jeansonne loves being the guy who gets to put all the pieces together. A passionate green builder since 1999, he’s an Austin-based entrepreneur, teacher, speaker and owner of Solluna Builders, a custom residential green building company. You can see a 5-star green home he built in east Austin on an episode of the TV show Greenovate on the Discovery Planet Green network. Wayne is a member of the Austin Energy Green Building Program, Austin Sustainable Building Council, Home Builder’s Association of Greater Austin, Texas Home Builders Association, and National Association of Home Builders. 1:00 pm Sunday, September 28, 2008 - Blue Arena Small Wind up to the Big StuffMike Correale Solar Wind Technologies LLC The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate the various models for and against small wind, as well as comparison of effectiveness of the various sizes of wind power turbines and comparison to Photovoltaic. Mike Correale, President of Solar Wind Technologies, LLC, has traveled all over Texas teaching and demonstrating Renewable Energy. As an advocate, trained and experienced in small wind and solar systems, Mike firmly believes renewable energy needs to be brought to the awareness of the general public right now and for our future economic security and is passionate about wind and solar power generation education, bringing a vast knowledge and experience base to the public. 1:00 pm Sunday, September 28, 2008 - Pavilion A - Kids' activities All About Texas OlivesSaundra Winokur Sandy Oaks Olive Farm Saundra will be speaking on growing olives in Texas while preparing a mixed green salad, dressed with her special olive oil dressing. Growing up on Texas area ranches, Sandy experienced the type of childhood that sets the horizon as the only limit for one's dreams. Thus, after graduating from Weatherford High School, she went on to obtain her B.A. at Austin College in Sherman, Texas, her M.A. at Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth, and her Ph.D. at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. In between her various academic achievements, Sandy followed other dreams. She lived in Germany, teaching school and traveling widely around Europe every time the opportunity arose. On her return to this country, she moved to the Bay Area of California to teach, and then went on to Ft. Worth to attend graduate school at TCU. It was there that she met her future husband, Dr. Stephen Winokur. After marrying and obtaining her Ph.D., fate allowed Sandy the pursuit of yet another dream: her lifelong love of art. When Stephen's career took them to Chicago, she enrolled at the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago. Later, when she and Stephen moved to New York City, Sandy honed her artistic talent at the New York Academy of Design, The Arts Students League, and the School of Visual Design. After Stephen's untimely passing in 1988, painting proved Sandy's most abiding comfort. But after studying art in Tuscany and traveling around the Mediterranean, as well as other distant parts of the world, she found herself thinking back to the picturesque old olive trees she'd seen in Italy, Greece, and Spain. Back in her Manhattan apartment, she would set aside the illustrations she worked on for children's books to draw thumbnail sketches of trees, imagining herself in a lovely Mediterranean olive grove. Not one to live merely in the shadow of dreams, after remarrying, Sandy decided the time had come to return to her native Texas. Not only would that allow her to live closer to her family, but also in Texas, she could establish her own olive orchard. Sadly, her second marriage was short-lived, but today the dream of her own orchard is a thriving reality. Through hard work and sheer grit, those old thumbnail sketches came to life in the rows of lovely olive trees that grace Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard. 2:00 pm Sunday, September 28, 2008 - Green Arena The Latest on Plug-In CarsMark Kapner and Dan Petit Mark - Austin Energy Dan -Dan's Mobile Engine Service Mark and Dan will tell you about plug in hybrids being developed by the major auto companies, battery EVs that will come to the US market in 2010. They will also cover the reason why these plug in vehicles are so important to the US, how they will effect the electric grid, and many other interesting facts about cars. Mark Kapner is the Senior Strategy Engineer at Austin Energy. He has worked on Austin's Plug In partner Team since its inception in 2005. He developed Austin Energy's GreenChoice program also helped develop Austin's solar rebate system. Dan Petit is an expert automobile servicer and teaches auto technicians to use the Genesis computer diagnostic tool. He is also an independent inventor. 2:00 pm Sunday, September 28, 2008 - Red Arena Protecting the Right to FarmJudith McGeary Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance Local and sustainable farming is a key part of the green movement for both farmers and consumers. Unfortunately, government regulations are often based on the interests and needs of industrial-style agriculture. Come learn about some of the regulatory issues facing sustainable farmers, in particular, the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), and what each person can do to protect their access to healthy foods. Judith McGeary is an attorney and small farmer. She has a B.S. in Biology from Stanford University and her J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. She and her husband live on a small farm outside of Austin. She quit her legal practice to form FARFA in April 2006 after the Texas Animal Health Commission proposed regulations to make premises registration mandatory in Texas. 2:00 pm Sunday, September 28, 2008 - Blue Arena Cleaning Green: Creating Healthy Spaces at Home and at the WorkplaceAmanda May The Purple Fig Cleaning Co. Did you know that some conventional air fresheners actually coat your nasal passages with an oily, nerve-deadening agent so you are no longer able to smell the offensive odor? (it's still there, only you can't smell it) The good news: You don't need them! There are many healthy and (much) cheaper ways of freshening your living space. Some essential oils diffused can actually kill the bacteria in the air. We will be making one of these alternatives in class. Did you just put down new carpet or buy an IKEA bedroom set and then someone at work told you about volatile organic compounds out gassing into your home? The good news: Spider plants and Palm plants, among others, are particularly good at filtering out formaldehyde out-gassed into the air. Think of them as natural air purifiers. There will be many more easy-to-incorporate green cleaning and healthy home facts, as well as the answers to life's persistent questions, like: Where does baking soda come from? What is vinegar? Do they actually work? How do they compare to conventional products? See you there! Amanda grew up overseas, moving back to the US for the last few years of high school and to get her accounting degree at Trinity University. During college she also obtained a patent-- ask her about it! After a year of cubicle life as an auditor, she decided to do what she was really interested and passionate about: creating healthy spaces. |