Program and Workshops

The Third Annual NHSEA Home Energy Conference was held at Plymouth State University November 21, 2009 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

 

Conference Program

Four distinct tracks of workshops were offered at the conference. There were workshops in each of the three sessions for each of the four tracks. For details about workshops that were offered in each track, click on the track below.

Many of the presentations given at the conference are now available as PDF files in our Workshop Presentations page.

 

Schedule of the Day

8:00–8:30  Check in and morning refreshments

8:30–10:30  Opening Ceremonies

Welcome – Clay Mitchell Esq PhD, President of NHSEA Board of Directors

Keynote Address Living and Building Green: A Users Guide Peter Yost, Building Green, LLC

Location: Hartman Union Building

10:30–12:00  Workshop A

 

12:00–1:15  Lunch Break

 

1:15–2:45  Workshop B

 

2:45–3:00  Afternoon Break

 

3:00–4:30  Workshop C

 

Track 1: Energy Efficiency

Workshop A — 10:30 - 12:00
“Green” Certification Programs – Demystified
Gretchen Tillson of GDS
Lisa Foard of Foard Panels
This presentation will help you better understand how to choose a “green” certification program for your new home by explaining the difference between ENERGY STAR, LEED, the NATIONAL GREEN BUILDING STANDARD, and MODEL GREEN HOME.  Presenters will provide an explanation of costs, incentives and guidelines for each.   Speakers Gretchen Tillson and Lisa Ford have over 5 years of experience in the high performance building industry. Gretchen is a certified energy rater who is qualified to verify ENERGY STAR and Model Green home projects.  Lisa is the marketing director at Foard Panel, (manufacturer of structural insulated panels) and spends much of her time educating customers about incentive programs for energy efficient building.
Workshop B — 1:15-2:45
Got Mold? —Energy Efficiency and Moisture Management
Peter Yost of Building Green, LLC
Are energy efficiency and moisture management really related? They could not be more so. This session uses some basic science and practical examples to drive home this mantra for builders and homeowners: Manage energy and moisture with equal intensity.
Workshop C — 3:00-4:30
Building or Remodeling Your Home with Sustainability in Mind
Robert Tortorice of Building Alternatives
1. Technologies & Common sense for new Construction
2. Energy Audits for existing Homes, Why & How can you save 40-50% off your heating bill.
a. Federal Tax credits
b. Utility company's REBATES up to $4,000

Track 2: Renewable Energy

Workshop A — 10:30 - 12:00
On and Off Grid Photovoltaic Systems: What you Need to Know
Mark Weissflog of KW Management
This workshop will cover the sizing and pricing of photovoltaic systems based on your annual energy usage (bring in a calculator and your annual electrical energy usage.) Learn about current PV module and mounting options and the difference between roof and ground-mounted systems. Monitoring, maintenance, and energy budgets will be reviewed as well as the pros and cons of an off grid system. Learn about local and state permitting, regulations and RSAs and what it takes to connect to the grid.
Workshop B — 1:15-2:45
Hybrid Power Solutions and Residential Wind Power
David Horton of DNL Energy
and Philip Morano of Adros Energy
Combining multiple renewable resources to meet rising energy costs has become increasing important for energy consumers.
Philip Morano of Adros Energy will explain how solar, geothermal and wind systems compliment each other to replace a greater portion of conventional energy sources to reduce costs, risk and dependence on oil/gas and electric utilities.
Dave Horton from DNL Energy will talk about the basic components in a wind RE system including:
  • Wind Generator viability, site location and required wind speeds. Resources for finding wind speeds
  • Wind Generator choices
  • Utility (Grid) Connected systems
  • Tower sizing and styles
  • Local Zoning requirements and State requirements
Workshop C — 3:00-4:30
Renewable Heating Solutions for NH Homes
Roger Skillings of Skillings & Sons
William Strauss of Maine Energy System
William Strauss will talk about what is going on in Europe and in the US related to biomass. He will highlight the economic and environmental benefits and showcase the latest technology with video of the systems in operation.

Roger Skillings will cover various topics on Geothermal Energy and its applications in New England including:
  • What is geothermal exchange
  • How it works
  • Equipment used
  • Most common systems installed in New England
  • Pros and Cons of each type of system
  • Cost comparison

Track 3: Affordable and Effective Ways to Save Energy

Workshop A — 10:30 - 12:00
Zero Energy Homes, Passive Houses, and Deep Energy Retrofits: A View from the Bleeding Edge
Marc Rosenbaum of Energysmiths
As Peak Oil creeps up on us and the urgency of halting climate change sinks in, we'll need to fix the buildings we have and make new ones that don't need much energy. Join us for a view from the trenches at what the state-of-the-art of low energy houses is, and how existing homes can get extreme energy makeovers.
Workshop B — 1:15-2:45
Financing Solutions for Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Projects
Clayton R Mitchell, Esq. PhD of SDES Group
Clay will attempt to bring participants up to speed on the dramatic changes in energy system financing and the long-term policies and participants that need to play a part in actually getting sustainable energy a part of our lives for everyone.
Workshop C — 3:00-4:30
Energy Efficiency and Renewables in a Lower Energy World
Peter Adams of PAREI
“I believe that everyone wants to know where they fit in the new energy paradigm, what we need to do is give everyone the tools to figure it out for themselves”. Adams will take a sideways look at the energy we use and discuss ways to come to terms with personal energy use and options for living in a lower energy world.  Come with your energy use in mind and leave with tools to take action.

Track 4: Tools for Citizen Action

Workshop A — 10:30 - 12:00
Federal and State Incentive Programs for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Mary Downes of NH Office of Energy and Planning
This workshop will review the local, state and federal incentives to help your home become more energy efficient, reduce your carbon footprint, and save money in the process. With an emphasis on new and emerging funding sources, you'll walk away armed with information on how to plan for your energy future, and options for finding funding to help get you going. We'll help you get a handle on available stimulus and federal Energy Act funding, wrap your head around RGGI and RPS, and familiarize yourself with energy audits, retrofitting, retro commissioning, LEAN and green, the State's updated building code, efficiency standards, benchmarking, Energy Star, and more.
Workshop B — 1:15-2:45
Energy Policy Round-Up
Eric Steltzer of NH Office of Energy and Planning
Ever wondered what the difference is between a carbon cap/trade program and Renewable Energy Credits? What about renewable energy purchase options and net metering regulations? In this workshop session, Eric will focus on past policies the state legislature has adopted and provide a glimpse into potential legislation for this upcoming legislative session.
Workshop C — 3:00-4:30
Local Energy Committees
Christa Koehler, AICP of Clean Air-Cool Planet
Steve Whitman, AICP of JHT Planning Associates
Come hear about how your municipality can implement projects to reduce energy and greenhouse gas emissions. In this session you will hear about small town success stories and how you as a resident can help your town through the inventorying process and the implementation of actions to reduce energy and save tax payer's dollars.