Lariat
12th Annual
Renewable Energy Roundup
The largest all-sustainable event in the South!
& Green Living Fair
www.theroundup.org • 830.997.2350 • email: info@theroundup.org
Renewable Energy • Green Building • Water Use & Reuse • Energy Efficiency • Organic Growing • Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Official Roundup 2012 Program Guide
FREDERICKSBURG, TX | SEPTEMBER 29 & 30, 2012
the
2012 Roundup | 1
Weekend at a Glance Things to See & Do
10,000 Homes Rated Still Leading Strong
Information Tent
Make your first stop the information tent. Be sure to purchase your official Roundup 2012 Souvenirs! Items for sale include: • T-shirts (with artwork designed by local artist Tim Harvey) • Stainless Steel Mugs • Chico Bags, to carry all the valuable information you’ll be collecting
ONGOING THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND
Exhibitors
Food and Drink
Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Please help us in our goal to reduce waste. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle everything. Reuse your cups for drinking. Stainless steel mugs are available in the information tent.
Family Activities Area
Please sort & recycle your items for disposal at our recycling centers.
Stop by and see all the exhibitors! Many have ongoing demonstrations and free information. See map at back of program.
There are solar, electric, biodiesel, hybrid and likely a few human powered to see.
Ongoing fun activities in the Family Area where you and your children can learn together. Hands-on activities include: Constructing mini solar ovens to bake s’mores, putting together solar powered cars, turning on a light with a wind powered pinwheel, coloring with soy-based crayons, having fun with face paintings. Most projects result in something to take home, the solar race kits can be purchased for $40 or used and returned for free. NOTICE: The Family Activity area has fun things to do for children of all ages and all of our activities are designed for families to enjoy together. Volunteers do not provide childcare for unattended children. Please do not leave children unattended anywhere on the grounds.
RC Solar Car Race
Original 2012 artwork by Tim Harvey
Silent Auction
Austin Energy Green Building proudly celebrates the milestone of rating 10,000 homes in Austin and the surrounding area. From our start in 1991 to present, we continue to offer the expertise you need to buy or build sustainably—from single or multifamily units, to commercial buildings. Architects, designers and building professionals can also take advantage of continuing education opportunities with Austin Energy Green Building.
Learn more about our educational services: » » » » »
Green By Design Workshops Free Professional Seminars Green Boots Education Series Annual Cool House Tour Continuing education credits
www.greenbuilding.austinenergy.com
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A City of Austin Program
Take home the original 2012 artwork by Austin Energy employee, Tim Harvey! Silent auction will be open for bids until 4 pm on Sunday at the Souvenir Tent. The rainwater collection system built by our Friday workshop participants, under the direction of Dick Peterson is up for bid until 4 pm Sunday. (Photo page 20.)
Door Prizes
Everyone over 18 is invited to enter 1 registration for a chance to wine one of many door prizes donate by our exhibitors and sponsors. Registration cards are available at the front gate. Complete the card and return to the registration box in open mic tent. Draws will be held every 2 hours at the open mic tent. Stop by and check to board to see if you’re a winner. Final drawing and silent auction winners 4:30 pm Sunday. You don’t have to be present to win shippable items. All large & heavy items will be posted on the announcement board at the open mic tent. Any large item not claimed by 4:00 on Sunday will be redrawn.
Remote Controlled Solar Car Challenge. The Race will be held Saturday, September 29 at 3 pm. The grounds will be ‘buzzing’ with excitement as teams gather to compete for our 2nd annual competition. Individuals or teams consisting of Students, Adults and Businesses will compete for a cash purse. Racing is at will. All cars must be powered by solar energy alone, the remote control can be battery powered. Car dimensions must be a minimum of 8 x 15 and maximum 15 x 24.
Food and Drinks are available on the grounds. Visit our food court when you need a recharge.
Thank You
!
Kowert Real Estate, for all your help! If you are buying or selling property, they are a great team. Call 803-997-3311. Also, Highland Graphics, Marble Falls, for their many years of partnership with the Roundup. Reach them at 830-693-7564.
Open Mic
Be sure to stop by our Open Mic. The Open Mic will be manned by a Master of Ceremonies (MC), and is located just inside the front gate to let fair goers know when important events are taking place during the day. The MC will announce tent talks, alert visitors when panels are beginning and do some spot interviews. The Open Mic tent is a great place to get your bearings during the day, find out when and where a specific event will be taking place, hear about the results of auctions, special offerings, the winner of the RC Solar Car Race and re-connect with friends and family!
Program Index
Weekend at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Saturday Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Sunday Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Food & Family Demos . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Saturday Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Sunday Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Exhibitors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Notes pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Sponsors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
PHOTO DISCLAIMER: Professional photographers and videographers will be present
during this public event. All film and photographs taken by event staff and contracted photographers will remain the sole property of the Renewable Energy Roundup & Green Living Fair and will be used at our discretion in print, internet, u-tube and other 2012 mediums. Roundup | 3
Weekend at a Glance
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
Weekend at a Glance
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
10 am
10 am
11 am
11 am
Noon
Noon
1 pm
1 pm
2 pm
2 pm
3 pm
3 pm
4 pm
4 pm
5 pm
Schedules are subject to change. Please check at information and respective tents for updates.
December 10 - 13
Hyatt Lost Pines Resort & Spa • Bastrop, Texas This year – exciting new conference experience!
Organized by the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association Visit TexasRenewables.org for periodic updates, speaker listings and online sponsor, exhibitor and conference registrations.
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H-E-B READY, FRESH, GO®! At H-E-B, we take pride in having the freshest produce at the lowest prices. At H-E-B, we believe that our work to care for the environment not only makes us better neighbors – it helps us serve you better. By being energy efficient and conserving natural resources, we’re not only helping our communities, we’re also creating savings we can pass on to you in the form of everyday low prices. “H-E-B takes great pride in making it convenient for our shoppers to make environmentally sustainable choices in their daily lives,” said Leticia Mendoza, Public Affairs Specialist, H-E-B Central Texas Region.
Food Demonstrations SATURDAY 10:00 am
Monica Slayer, Texas Solar Cookers – Solar Cooking Fits Your Lifestyle. Monica is one of the founders of San Antonio’s first Solar Cooking Groups. She enjoys cooking and educating people on the ease of cooking with solar. How this renewable energy technology save lives in 3rd world countries.
11:00 am
William Varney, Urban Herbal. A Texas Hill Country Herb Shop and greenhouse that manufactures personal care products, dried herbs, and gardening items. Bill will be demonstrating the technique of making herb vinegars. Participants can watch or make a bottle to take with for a nominal fee. Bill is ever mindful that individual’s lives can be enriched through the experience of herbs: in their gardens, kitchens, baths, medicine chests, homes, and places of worship. He has always been inspired by Faith, Hope and Love through his family, friends and church.
12:00 pm
The largest all-sustainable event in the South! • SEPTEMBER 29 – 30 • Market Square on Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX
12th Annual
Renewable Energy Roundup
FRIDAY – FREE SCHOOL DAY!*
& Green Living Fair
Solar Car Race – Saturday 3:00
Tim Harvey, 2012
Activity stations provided by Texas Parks and Wildlife Exhibit, ACC, St. Phillips College, Renewable Energy Students Association *Schools must notify us in advance of intention to attend.
Solar S’Mores!
Saturday and Sunday: Solar Car Building, Solar Oven Making & S’mores Cooking, Solar Beads. Be Groovy Be Green Team on site with Story Telling & Singing. Recycled Art Projects, Recycled Trash Race, Solar Car Race! » Kent Cummins of Magic Hotline’s “Sometimes It Takes A Magician” Show!
Green Wheels!
Racing is at will. All cars must be powered by solar energy alone, the remote control can be battery powered. Car dimensions must be min. 8” x 15” and max. 15” x 24”. For more information or to register, email the show office at info@theroundup.org. Free admission will be granted to each person entering with a car!
Weekend Admission: Kids under 12 are FREE, Adults $15 one day or $25 weekend pass Check out the latest details in the Lariat program online at www.theroundup.org
Cool Demos!
Lots to Learn!
Fun for the Whole Family! www.theroundup.org
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Magic With a Message, Kent Cummings will present 6 Tricks for Improving the Environment. Kent provides real world solutions for air quality, water quality, and waste management, illustrated with an entertaining program that received recognized status by the Environmental Protection Agency. Kent Cummins is an award-winning speaker, teacher, writer, and entertainer who uses his lifelong interest in MAGIC to inspire, educate, and entertain. During the past half a century, Kent has spoken and performed all over the world. He is perhaps best known in Austin as the founder of “The Fantastic Magic Camp,” now celebrating its 20th successful year in Austin. “Sometimes, it takes a Magician!”
1:00 pm
Green Smoothies, Sarah Fluckiger, Green Smoothie Girl. Sarah will sample green smoothies and enlighten you on how you can achieve the lifestyle of author, Robyn Openshaw, Green Smoothie Girl. Her rather significant research shows you will have radically better digestion/elimination, achieve your perfect weight, and have more energy coming your way. You can also look forward to decreasing your cravings for bad food, increasing your desire to exercise, and achieving emotional stability, pretty skin and hair, and even better sex, among other things. Sarah is a Certified Health Coach and a graduate from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition with distinction from the AADP (American Association of Drugless Practitioners).
2:00 pm
Solar Cooking Demo, James Robbinson will highlight three types of cookers including variances in cooking methods and the conditions required and the advantages of this entry level method of solar energy utilization. James has a decade of cooking with the sun and has designed over a dozen simple cookers of surprising efficiency.
3:00 pm
Heritage Lean Beef, Cooking with Grass Fed Beef. Learn about raising cattle on natural pastures of native grass. Taste the difference of happy, healthy chemical free beef. Marcy Epperson comes from a long line of family ranching and that started and remain as free-range ranching in Edwards County since the 1800’s. The current Epperson ranch includes the headquarters, which Marcy’s husband William inherited from his father’s side of the family and some that has been purchased. William and Marcy operate a 13,000 plus acre ranch.
4:00 pm
PAVILION “A”
SUNDAY
10:00 am
M & J Lavender Farms, Mitchell and Jane Stephens will be conducting a working demonstration of lavender distillation. Showing how lavender water and oil are separated and then available for use in a variety of applications. M & J Lavender Farm is one of several farms located in the scenic Texas hill country, home to about 3,000 lavender plants and several honey bee hives.
12:00 pm
Sometimes It Takes A Magician, Kent Cummins makes another presentation for the young and young at heart. A light hearted performance with a message. Cummins will share tips and tricks for improving the environment.
2:00 pm
Solar Cooking Demo, James Robbinson will highlight three types of cookers including variances in cooking methods and the conditions required and the advantages of this entry level method of solar energy utilization. James has a decade of cooking with the sun and has designed over a dozen simple cookers of surprising efficiency.
3:30 pm
Heritage Lean Beef, Marcy Epperson cooks up a batch of beef from her working ranch in Stockdale, Texas. Sharing recipes and stories of life on the ranch and their connection with Corriente cattle, and healthier meat options. Corriente, a type of Criollo cattle, were originally brought to the Americas by the Spaniards in the late 1400’s. These hardy cattle are smaller, making them well suited for rough, semi-arid Texas Climate. They are naturally insect and disease resistant and select a wider variety of forages when grazing. With less exterior fat, the meat is leaner and healthier.
M & J Lavender Farms, Mitchell and Jane Stephens will be conducting a working demonstration of lavender distillation. Showing how lavender water and oil are separated and then available for use in a variety of applications. M & J Lavender Farm is one of several farms located in the scenic Texas hill country, home to about 3,000 lavender plants and several honey bee hives.
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Speakers & Panels Connect with our mobile site while you’re here.
SATURDAY 10 - 11 am • Blue Tent
Green Jobs in Texas: CPS & OCI Solar Power Invest in Tomorrow’s Energy Future David Rogers, VP Power Marketing, OCI Solar Power
Since Spindletop over 100 years ago our state is synonymous with Energy. Energy has fueled amazing growth in jobs and industry within Texas, primarily through the exploration, production and refining of hydrocarbons. Since the turn of the most recent millennium energy jobs have diversified. Starting with beginning of the 10,000 MWs of wind generation now in Texas and continuing with the recently announced collaboration between CPS and OCI Solar Power bringing 400 MWs of solar PV generation and over 800 new jobs to the greater San Antonio area. Rogers will discuss his conventional and renewable experiences in the Energy Sector, and how renewable energy can help build a better tomorrow for Texas. David Rogers has actively participated in the development, construction and oper-
Willkommen to Fredericksburg. Now get lost.
ONGOING THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND
ation of over 4,000 megawatts of power generation projects, including over 1,000 megawatts of renewable generation facilities. David has witnessed the evolution of power markets, structuring and negotiating power sales agreements that continue to deliver both renewable and commercial value to utility customers. He has helped develop and commercially manage power generation projects at Dynegy, InterGen, Third Planet Windpower and Noble Environmental Power (developer of the largest portfolio of wind generation in New York). David was also active in the natural gas and gas processing sectors having worked at Conoco and El Paso Corporation. He holds both a BS and MBA from Louisiana State University.
10 - 11 am • Red Tent
What the Roundup Has Taught Us Glen Trahan, Rainwater, Solar and Green Building Applied to a Real Family
What have we learned from a decade of The Roundup presentations and exhibitors? How has the “how we did it” format reached people? Sharing lessons learned helps others see what could be within their reach if they
want to go from “that sounds nice” to “this is nice”. Learning from the mistakes of others who have tried it on their own will provide you with the benefit of powerful experience. You can start small, you can start big, but if not at all, then you can’t win… at gaining the perks of what we learn at The Roundup! Glen Trahan is a husband, father, DIY’er who works at the fire department when he is not building a house, chicken coop, horse corral, or homestead or helping a neighbor do any of these things
10 - 11 am • Green Tent
Does Green Building Deliver on Efficiency? John Umphress, Green Building and Sustainability Consultant Sr. Austin Energy Green Building
Most people assume that green built homes are more energy efficient. But are they always? This presentation takes a closer look at recently constructed Austin Energy Green Building rated homes to see if they are living up to that promise, and how their performance could be improved. (Cont.)
For a relatively small town, it’s easy for you and your family to get lost in Fredericksburg. In the serene beauty of the Hill Country. In the hundreds of acres of spectacular wildflowers. The view from Enchanted Rock. Bird and butterfly watching. Volkssporting along our many hiking trails. And biking down our picturesque country roads. So come. Get lost together. And find yourselves again. In the Hill Country magic of Fredericksburg.H V i s i t F re d e r i c k s b u r g T X . c o m | 8 6 6 9 9 7 3 6 0 0
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SATURDAY, cont. John Umphress and Bryan Bomer are Green Building and Sustainability Consultants with Austin Energy Green Building, one of the first green building programs in the country. John oversees development and implementation of the residential energy code for the City of Austin.
10 - 11 am • White Tent
PANEL SESSION: Renewable Fuels: Update for 2012 Jess Hewitt, Jeremy Sanders, Brian Weeks
Join this panel discussion on renewable fuels. Get the latest updates and information about supply prospects for currently available fuels and fuels that will be available soon. PANELISTS: Jess Hewitt is Chairman of Gulf Hydrocarbon, Inc., the premier provider of biodiesel to the petroleum industry. From 2008 until 2010 he served as Chairman of the National Biodiesel Board Marketing Committee, the board’s largest committee. At the same time, he also led the Biodiesel Coalition of Texas. Jeremy Sanders is an attorney with BoyarMiller, PC based in Houston, Texas. In his practice, he has represented several Texas biodiesel companies and other renewable energy companies. New guidelines were introduced this year by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) that could be the catalysts to significant biodiesel production in the near future. Brian Weeks is the Regional Manager for Gas Technology Institute (GTI). GTI is a notfor-profit research and development organization with a national presence. GTI focuses on environmentally responsive solutions for the energy industry. Mr. Weeks leads GTI’s Houston office and manages several emerging technology demonstration projects across the country.
11 - 12 pm • Blue Tent The Tiny House Brad Kittel
Anything we use has value as recycled materials in manufacturing. Through embedded energy in materials, and the reuse of those materials, we recapture that energy providing numerous benefits to us, our planet, and fellow species. Brad will help you to learn and understand the easy steps you can take to begin living a more sustainable life! Brad Kittel is the founder and owner of Tiny Texas Houses, learn what 99% Pure Salvage Living looks like — Once you do, you’ll know why it just makes perfect sense to Build the Future from the Past.
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11 - 12 pm • Red Tent
Solar Water Heating for Home & Business Thomas Isaac, CEO Techsun Solar
Why has solar water heating not been more readily adopted in Texas? Discover the unique advantages and disadvantages of various residential and commercial solar thermal system designs. This presentation will cover common installation or design errors, the effects of hard water, as well as other water heating technologies such as on-demand and heat pumps, the financial return of solar water heating systems, and the significant environmental impact. Thomas Isaac is the CEO of Techsun Solar a solar water heater manufacturer, distributor and installation company located in Martindale, Texas. He is a NABCEP certified installer with over a decade of solar thermal experience. His systems and solar thermal articles have been featured in periodicals such as Solar Pro, HomePower and Ecohome magazines. He recently helped to develop the solar thermal course curriculum for many Texas colleges. Techsun Solar has installed systems for government agencies such as NASA, U.S. Military, HUD and commercial entities such as Holiday Inn and Habitat Suites.
11 - 12 pm • Green Tent
Drought as the New Reality: What this Means for our Homes and Landscaping Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Owner Innovative Water Solutions LLC
Drought in Texas seems more present than ever. Whether you blame it on climate change or just the ecological time cycle, we all need to make serious decisions about water. Cities run out of water and wells and reservoirs go dry - what is a person to do to maintain their lifestyle? This talk will focus on how to adapt your home to survive a water-restrictive future. You will learn demand-side and supply-side management techniques to prosper in the new reality, including: rainwater, AC condensate, greywater, efficient irrigation, and adaptive landscaping. Chris Maxwell-Gaines is a professional engineer and owner of Innovative Water Solutions LLC. IWS is a design/build water conservation firm that focuses on rainwater collection, greywater reuse, and efficient irrigation systems, as well as water conservative landscaping for residential and commercial projects. IWS has installed nearly 3,000,000 gallons of rainwater storage capacity across Texas. IWS has grown from a bootstrapped backyard company to over $1 million in annual revenue.
11:15 - 12:45 pm • White Tent
Panel Session: Leveraging a Utility Generation Plan to Create Jobs in Your Community Wesley Brinkmeyer, Doris Cooksey, Chris Perry, Michael Osborne, Karl Rabago
This session will present four distinct, but related, case studies of electric utilities — two municipal utilities and two more rural electric cooperative — which have set longterm energy efficiency and clean energy goals to encourage new industries and jobs to locate in Central Texas. Wesley Brinkmeyer is the Manager of Energy Programs for Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative serving all the members of the 14 county Bluebonnet electric service territory and its 60,000 plus members between Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Doris Cooksey, Water Quality Manager in the Environmental & Sustainability Services Department at CPS Energy has 20 years experience with the utility in the environmental field doing water planning, air permitting, and a handling variety of compliance and regulatory matters over the years. CPS Energy has one of the strongest renewable programs in the state and has recently brokered a groundbreaking solar deal that will bring 400 megawatts of solar to San Antonio as well as a solar manufacturing company, OCI Solar Power. Chris Perry, Board Vice President, Energy Committee Chairman, Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Inc has more than 30 years experience in the energy industry, including electric utilities and natural gas. Perry has served on and advised other Boards in the industry and developed long-term strategic and detailed business plans for major energy companies. Michael Osborne is the Special Assistant to the General Manager for Energy Development at Austin Energy, where he serves on the Executive Committee. He is one of three founding members of the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association. Karl Rabago recently formed his own consulting company, Rabago Energy LLC. Prior experience includes service with Austin Energy, AES Corporation, HARC, NatureWorks LLC, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Texas Public Utility Commission, law teaching, and service in the U.S. Army.
WHY WE WENT SOLAR “With no down payment financing, solar was affordable and reduced our energy bills.” - Sophie and John
REDUCE YOUR BILLS Call us for a free assessment CIRCULAR E N E R G Y
866-274-5578 circularenergy.com
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SATURDAY, cont.
I N D U S T R I A L C O U N T RY
MARKET A-N ON -G ENERAL -G ENERAL -S TORE T HE TEXAS OFF - GRID PLACE TO BE
HOW-TO-CLASSES Solar Gardening H y d ro p o n i c s Art Wat e r H a r v e s t i n g Bee Keeping
icm71.com 1 7 9 9 H i g h way 7 1
Columbus Texas 78934
979-732-6565 12 | 2012 Roundup
12 - 1 pm • Blue Tent
The Newest Oldest Utility
C A Martin, Principal of Martin and Erickson: A Rainwater Contractor Martin and Erickson
Water is a precious natural resource that we can all use more efficiently and effectively. This discussion will focus on scarce water concerns and the integration of potable and non-potable rainwater systems into the building process. Learn how you too can take advantage of rainwater from a highly trained and experienced contractor. C A Martin has undertaken and completed the highest training available from the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association. C A has 4 years of experience in designing and building catchment systems for off-well and hybrid systems. With over 30 systems in operation, Martin and Erickson operates as both contractor and sub-contractor.
12 - 1 pm • Red Tent
Zero Waste… Or Petty Darn Close! Scott Crow, Ecology Action
What is ‘zero waste’ and what actions can we take as individuals and communities to deal with our current waste? Beginning with the 3R’s (reducing, reusing, recycling) and composting we will look at the bigger picture of what ‘waste’ is where it comes from in rethinking our worlds. Scott Crow has spent over twenty years as a community organizer, coop business owner, writer and speaker. Since 2006 he has been a co-director at Ecology Action of Texas a worker-run, non-profit environmental organization founded in 1970 that focuses on recycling, compost, education and cooperation towards zero waste goals.
12 - 1 pm • Green Tent
Texas State Students Change Campus and Community: Green Impact Campaign Janet Riola Hale, Professor Southwest Texas Sate University
Students from Texas State University Net Impact, a service group committed to making a positive difference in the world with sustainable projects relating to economic, environmental and social issues are offering free energy audits to local businesses and non-profits. Come learn how they are making a difference. Janet Riola Hale teaches Business Law and International Business & International Law at Texas State. Dr. Hale sponsors the award-winning #1 international chapter of Net Impact; this semester the student’s focus
To learn more about Texas State University Net Impact Program’s 2012 Green Impact Campaign, visit www.greenimpactcampaign.com.
is on conducting energy auditing on campus and in the community, including businesses and residences, in a bold San Marcos citywide initiative.
1 - 2 pm • Red Tent
1 - 2 pm • Blue Tent
The water-energy nexus is the relationship between how much water is evaporated to generate and transmit energy, and how much energy it takes to collect, clean, move, store, and dispose of water. This seminar will give an overview of the water-energy nexus and why and how to conserve water including a special focus on outdoor landscaping. David Foster is a Dallas native who now resides in Austin. He received a Master’s Degree in Modern European History from UT Austin in 1989. He has worked for Clean Water Fund and Clean Water Action since 1995 and now serves as State Director for both organizations. He served on the boards of many non-profits, including: the Alliance for Public Transportation, Liveable City and Solar Austin. He and his wife Virginia have two grown children and three grandchildren.
Winery and Vineyard Sustainability Gary McKibben, Making Texas Wineries Sustainable Red Caboose Winery and Vineyards
Texas wines, smart designs. This session will focus on ideas and concepts for sustainable winery design and use of renewable energy systems. Some of the concepts will include site orientation, gravity design, shading, geothermal cooling and chilling, and rainwater collection for irrigation. Vineyard sustainability topics will include composting winery waste, orientation of vineyard rows, and applications for insect control. Don’t miss the presentation of a low voltage concept for your winery or home. Gary McKibben is a practicing Architect designing wineries here in Texas. He is also owner of Red Caboose Winery in Meridian and Clifton, Texas. His winery designs incorporate basic sustainability and use of simple proven systems, like gravity, thermal mass, shading, and geothermal. At Red Caboose they practice the same old world basics in producing wines. They are about as sustainable as a winery can be.
Winery and Deli Clifton. Texas
Why & How to Conserve Water David Foster, State Director Clean Water Fund
1 - 2 pm • Green Tent
How To Grow Your Own Groceries Marjory Wildcraft
Marjory Wildcraft went into shock when she realized there wasn’t enough locally grown food in her area to provide veggies for a single small elementary school. Marjory felt her life radically change once she realized that the entire US is no longer food self-reliant, but is dependent on foreign imports to feed the American people. The results are impressive. Her video tutorial is used by over 250,000 people in over 30 countries around the world. She is a highly regarded guest on radio and television shows as her passion is contagious.
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DON’T SWEAT IT!
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® is offering this great deal:
PLUS
REBATES OF
UP TO
$1,898
*
OR
for energy-efficiency improvements to your home
$
LOWINTEREST LOANS*
200
Rebate Bonusept. 30, 2012 Until
S
from Velocity Credit Union.
Summer is here, your a/c is running full force and you’re still hot! No sweat! Austin Energy’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program helps you afford the air conditioning and weatherization upgrades you need to get comfortable and save money. Use rebates or a low-interest loan for:
• A new high-efficiency cooling system, • Duct repairs, • Sealing & duct testing, • Additional attic insulation, • Solar screens, window film and Low-E glass, • Caulking and weatherstripping, And more.
1 – 2:30 pm • White Tent
Affordable Green Building and Remodeling Panel Discussion Miki Cook, Marjory Gentsch, Wayne Jeansonne, Lloyd Lee, Adam Stepan
Can you really build a green home without breaking the bank? Home builders, remodeling contractors, auditors, and consultants on green home building and remodeling strategies will help you find affordable solutions. Panelist will provide guidance on calculating total cost of ownership, total value to homeowners, and paybacks on various upgrade investments. The panel will address what features define a green home and answer specific questions about choices to green your project that give the biggest bang for the buck, as well as how some cost-saving methods can provide funding for more expensive high performance upgrades, including solar and wind power, geothermal, solar water heating, and rainwater systems. Miki Cook is the Green Building and Sustainability Consultant, Sr. for the Austin Energy Green Building’s (AEGB) Single Family program, LEED for Homes and Energy Star programs. Marjory Gentsch is the real estate broker for Hill Country Green Team LLC, and was one of the first certified EcoBrokers in Austin. In addition to specializing in green homes, she is an instructor for the Austin Board of Realtors. Wayne Jeansonne, founder and President of Solluna Builders, holds Graduate Master Builder and Certified Green Professional designations from the National Association of Home Builders. Lloyd Lee is President and CEO of Native, the Central Texas leader in green construction and zero energy homes, and a provider of geothermal, solar thermal, wind and solar power systems that provide viable paybacks to their customers. Adam Stepan, Sunergy Texas, is a licensed Texas General Contractor, home builder and remodeler, specializing in deep energy retrofits on existing homes, as well as a BPI (Building Performance Institute) Certified Building Analyst and City of Austin ECAD Auditor.
2 - 3 pm • Blue Tent
Choose from a list of participating companies at www.austinenergy.com or call 512-974-7827. *Some restrictions apply.
HOME PERFORMANCE WITH
A City of Austin Program.
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SATURDAY, cont.
ENERGY STAR
The People’s Car of the 21st Century Gary Krysztopik, Owner at ZWheelz, LLC ZWheelz Electric Kit Cars
ZWheelz is designing a simple open source electric kit car that can be manufactured or anyone can build in one week. It is a very modular and upgradeable vehicle that can start at a very economical level and be constantly improved to become a sophisticated high-performance car.
Gary Krysztopik is an electrical engineer that has been building electric cars for six years in San Antonio. The first vehicle was a ground-up highway-capable design with two-seats and three-wheels that was driven on the streets of San Antonio for years. Other projects have included Porches and a dune buggy for the American Cancer Society.
2 - 3 pm • Red Tent
Slow Money: How to Invest in Local, Sustainable Food Systems Jarred Maxwell, Member Slow Money Austin
What if we invested 50% of our assets within 50 miles of where we live? What if we invested as if food, farms and fertility mattered? Slow Money Austin is a non-profit organization working to bring money back down to earth. We work with local farmers, ranchers, restaurants, food producers and other sustainable local business owners to help them get the financing they need to grow their businesses. We try to inform everyday people how they can get involved with and invest in their local communities. Jarred Maxwell is a member of the Slow Money Alliance and Slow Money Austin. He has been instrumental in the growth and awareness of the local Slow Money chapter. Jarred is a member of the Sustainable Texas Investment Club in Austin, which makes micro loans to local food system entrepreneurs. He hosted the second Slow Money Austin Funding Forum in June 2012 where nine presenters pitched their business opportunities to a panel of investors. The forum has translated into several hundred thousand dollars flowing into these businesses.
(Max Award), Texas Association of Builders (Star Award), Austin Energy Green Building Program, the U.S. Department of Energy, as well as multiple local, regional and national trade and lifestyle publications.
2:45 – 4:15 pm • White Tent
The Future of Energy in Texas, What is likely in the next Legislative Session and Beyond Panelists: Steven Polunsky, Director Senate Committee on Business and Commerce Senator John Carona, Chair Stay current with the Texas Senate Committee on Business & Commerce Mark Bruce, Principal, Stratus Energy Group, LLC Tom Smitty Smith, Director, Public Citizen Greg Thurner, Electric Reliability Council of Texas
Greg Thurner from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas will lay out the long-term study that ERCOT is conducting that shows a Business As Usual Case -- largely more gas -- and a few other scenarios which involve much greater use of renewables, EE, energy storage and demand response, and then each of the panelist talk about what would might occur in Texas to make such a scenario likely, either through legislation, or other action.
2 - 3 pm • Green Tent
Living Large on a Small Footprint Eric Brown, Studio Director Hamilton & Associates
Designing and living in smaller dwellings offers benefits and hardships. Eric S. Brown will share examples of his, and others’, work in Central Texas highlighting basic design concepts, resource effectiveness and fiscal sustainability. Eric S. Brown, Associate AIA, LEED AP and a native Texan, studied Environmental Design at Texas A&M University and continued his education on construction sites and in architecture studios from Harvard Square to South Austin. He is the Studio Director at Hamilton & Associates, an emerging architecture and engineering firm in Central Texas. Clarity of plan, simplicity of structure, and explicit response to climate are characteristics of his designs. His work has been recognized by the Home Builders Association of Austin
3 - 4 pm • Blue Tent
Building Sustainable, Energy Efficient Structures That Are Fire, Tornado and Bullet Proof Larry Williamson, CEO EarthCo Building Systems
EarthCo Building Systems offers structures that are fire, tornado, and bulletproof for 1/2 the cost of similar performing conventional construction techniques. Learn how to build sustainable super energy efficient structures by utilizing the EarthCo Megablock process! This process turns local earthen materials into giant compressed earth building blocks that can weigh over 1 ton each. The benefits include: speeding up the construction process and eliminating the majority of manual labor. (Cont.)
2012 Roundup | 15
SATURDAY, cont.
live your
green dream -We are building today to save tomorrow
Award Winning Net-Zero Custom Homes PV Solar System design and installation Rainwater Collection Systems visit our booth for Energy Efficient Remodeling a FREE packet of bluebonnet DIY Home Consulting seeds and a Spray Foam chance to WIN a
rain barrel this weekend!
We invite you to tour San Antonio’s First Net-Zero Home. The BuiltSmart Resource Center is open daily for tours 10AM-6PM Call 210.764.4411 or visit us online
www.BuiltSmartResources.com TECL# 27875
16 | 2012 Roundup
Larry Williamson invented and holds over 20 international patents for the EarthCo Megablock process; which is being recognized as one of the top innovations in construction technologies worldwide. In 2011, Mr. Williamson advanced to the Semifinals in the world’s largest clean technology business competition, before withdrawing due to a prior commitment. His technology was named the “Hottest Green Innovation” by Austin Monthly Magazine. His goal is to change how we build by providing the technology to build sustainable, super strong, zero or positive energy structures that hold their economic value and protect families from severe weather events and natural disasters without compromising the future health of our planet.
3 - 4 pm • Red Tent
Natural Building: Old Fashioned Technology in Contemporary Cottages Kindra Welch Clay Sand Straw
Time for some refreshingly low-tech old-fashioned solutions! Mud, straw, stone and timber provide strong, beautiful, efficient homes. These methods are experiencing a rebirth in contemporary sustainable building. Our presentation looks at modern interpretations of these ancient building materials. Photographs from builders across the county will show low-tech sustainability, wellness and the incredible beauty provided by natural materials. Trained as an architect, Kindra packed all possessions in the truck and left the corporate world in search of a building system that supports social, ecological and aesthetic sustainability. Within the year she found herself solidly infatuated with a growing national movement known as Natural Building. Today she can spot a good pile of clay at 70mph, turn almost any tree into a viable piece of structural art, and make a good smoothie to keep the crew going. She leads a small design-build company based in central Texas that provides design, general contracting; sub contracting, education and consultation in natural building.
3 - 4 pm • Green Tent
From Parched to Perky: Restorative Solutions for Drought Stricken Land Michele Hallahan, EcoLogic
Drought is fast becoming a reality in many parts of the world as well as the USA. Climate change is reducing the Earth’s ability to buffer weather patterns, resulting in extremes of drought and rainfall. However,
many parts of the planet have dealt with drought for centuries. This talk explores the use of traditional methods and new permaculture techniques in restoring parched land, including remarkable examples of largescale land restoration from around the world. Michele Hallahan, LEED AP, began her career at Trinity College Dublin and has worked in the environmental and sustainability sector for over fifteen years both in the United States and in Europe. She is the president of Eco-Logic, an environmental and sustainability consultancy based in Austin, TX.
4 - 5 pm • Blue Tent
Double Your Swimming Season with Free Solar Energy David Bebeau, Owner Sunrise Solar
In this session, David Bebeau will cover all aspects of solar pool heating including design, performance, benefits and products. He has been successful in the solar pool heating community because he believes in the concept of acquiring energy for the home and commercial properties from a sustainable and renewable resource – the Sun. David has owned Sunrise Solar, which specializes in pool heating, since 1991. David has a B.A from the University of Colorado ‘73 and has been with FAFCO, one of the nation’s largest pool panel manufacturers since 1982. He has installed thousands of pool heating systems and services throughout South Central Texas and is a member of BBB A+ rated, Texas Solar Energy Society, Solar San Antonio and Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association.
4 - 5 pm • Red Tent
Making Sense of the Standards: What Small Wind Enthusiasts Can Learn from Small Wind Certificates Ken Starcher, Associate Director Training, Education and Outreach Alternative Energy Institute
The Small Wind Certification Council (SWCC) has published certificates on several units for the USA market, and many more are under test. This presentation will show the information on a typical certificate, how a home owner can easily identify, compare and use the information, and how the turbine expected performance can be compared to a particular home load. A sample of a certified turbine will be compared to values from the audience to see how existing systems fit the need for a Texas home or business. Ken Starcher has been at the Alternative Energy Institute at West Texas A&M since 1976. The Institute tests small renewable systems, teaches courses on all renewable
energies, disseminates information on renewables and is a leader in resource assessment for Texas. Ken has presented more than 40 seminars on all topics of renewable energy and has taught potential wind system owners to see the problems and benefits of selecting and installing the right system to fit their needs.
4 - 5 pm • Green Tent
Provident* New Home and Remodeling Design Strategies LaVerne Williams, EcoArchitect, AIA, LEED AP Environment Associates, Architects & Consultants *Provident [prov-i-duhnt]: foresighted, well prepared, prudent, practical, visionary
As economic, societal, and climatechange challenges become the norm, Texas homes must deliver more than ever. Homes must nurture life and be designed affordably. How do health, aging, durability, low maintenance, comfort and aesthetics factor in? What about functionality over several generations? What about water, energy, food, and even wild-fire security? Be introduced to building technologies that work in Texas climates. Discover what is being done and what is possible. For nearly four decades, renowned visionary “EcoArchitect” LaVerne Williams, founder of Environment Associates (EA), Architects & Consultants of Houston Texas, has been a national leader in sustainable home design stressing health, sustainability, resilience, and security with award-winning “Design for Life” homes. A down-to-earth, passionate, and dynamic speaker with a national following, Williams’ experience is a living encyclopedia for creating authentic and holistically designed homes and communities. In addition to a long list of accomplishments and awards, he helped launch Texas’ green building movement in 1979 with the design of Houston’s Passive Solar Demonstration Home; toured by over 30,000 people.
4:30 -6 pm • White Tent
Garden Panel – The Dirt on Dirt, Soil Mending Patricia Byrne, Mark Chapin, Jay Mertz To forget how to dig the earth and tend the soil is to forget ourselves.
This Panel Session explores the How-To of gardening from site selection, type of soil, mineral content, biological content and the importance of compost. We will share information about container growing as well as raised beds. (Cont.)
2012 Roundup | 17
SATURDAY, cont. PANELISTS: Patricia Byrne is a Texas native who grew up with vegetable gardens in the back yard and has a 25-year background in Respiratory Care as a Clinical Specialist, Researcher, Equipment development and Educator. Patricia has a strong understanding of how important the food source is to our health, and how to use food as alternative medicine, herbal and homeopathic remedies. Mark Chapin raises grass-fed beef and heritage geese, pecans and black walnuts in North Texas. He also raises microbes for the soil, to produce solutions for agriculture. Jay Mertz, founder of Rabbit Hill Farm in 1982 became a vermi-composter, manufacturer of organic fertilizers and soil amendments, grower, consultant, organic fertilizer formulator, lecturer, teacher and freelance writer.
5 - 6 pm • Blue Tent
The Ultimate Building Ralph Smoot, Builder and Consultant Concrete Homes
Imagine a home that is the ultimate desire for any home or building and is also environmentally-friendly. In this talk, Ralph Smoot will discuss the new National Model Home that does just that. The foundation of the new National Model Home is the knowledge that today we have to be sustainable, require less energy, offer protection against all natural disasters, built-in longevity for reduced operating costs, and have a clean room environment with natural health benefits. Ralph Smoot has been a working builder for over 50 years and he has built many types of homes using creative aspects of sustainable, environmentally-friendly, off-grid, quality-air building, and buildings requiring 50% less water and energy.
� YES! I would like to give a Special Day gift membership to
5 - 6 pm • Red Tent
Green Real Estate Marjory Gentsch, Real Estate Broker Hill Country Green Team LLC
1900
18 | 2012 Roundup
The home buying process includes many decisions including location, price, proximity to work and schools are practical considerations that can reduce our carbon footprint commuting. Is the maximum amount we can borrow a sustainable choice for our family & financial goals? Add to this, already complex web of needs to live in an energy efficient, healthy indoor environment with perhaps renewable energy systems and rain water catchment. This presentation will give you information, check lists, websites, books etc. that will help you sift through it all.
Marjory Gentsch is the real estate broker for Hill Country Green Team LLC, and was one of the first certified EcoBrokers in Austin. In addition to specializing in green homes, she is an instructor for the Austin Board of Realtors, The Texas Real Estate Commission, and also teaches the “Green Designation” classes for Realtors®, developed by the National Association of Realtors.
5 - 6 pm • Green Tent
Beat the Peak with What Lies Beneath: Using Geothermal Heating and Cooling to Reduce Peak Energy Demands and Monthly Energy Bills Lloyd Lee, Native
Large scale implementation of Geothermal Heating and Cooling systems could not only reduce homeowner monthly energy bills but also solve the problems associated with utility Peak Energy Demand. This presentation is built upon actual collaboration happening between local energy providers, cooperatives, and green building experts. We will show how geothermal fits into the overall green building picture from a cost and performance perspective. Lloyd was born and raised in Texas and has lived in the Central Texas area since 1992. Lloyd worked in construction during college,
which spurred his interest in building. After graduating, Lloyd worked in the high tech industry and gained an appreciation for using new technologies to solve old problems. His passion for building and interests in technology led him to pursue an active role in sustainable construction and renewable energy system integrations. Lloyd takes great pride in the fact that he contributes to an industry which helps people save money and live healthier while reducing negative environmental impacts. The water-energy nexus is the relationship between how much water is evaporated to generate and transmit energy, and how much energy it takes to collect, clean, move, store, and dispose of water. This seminar will give an overview of the water-energy nexus and why and how to conserve water including a special focus on outdoor landscaping. David Foster is a Dallas native who now resides in Austin. He received a Master’s Degree in Modern European History from UT Austin in 1989. He has worked for Clean Water Fund and Clean Water Action since 1995 and now serves as State Director for both organizations. He served on the boards of many non-profits, including: the Alliance for Public Transportation, Liveable City and Solar Austin. He and his wife Virginia have two grown children and three grandchildren.
OCI Solar Power develops, owns and operates solar power plants in North America. We are currently developing over 40 solar photovoltaic (PV) projects across the United States. Our team has decades of experience developing, owning, and operating power plants, and we apply this knowledge to effectively develop power plants that utilize solar PV technology to create green energy. We are headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, but spend a significant amount of time working with and in the local communities where we are helping to build solar power plants.
• • •
Deep Energy Industry Experience Community Partnership Creative Technology and Financial Solutions
http://ocisolarpower.com/ 2012 Roundup | 19
SUNDAY
Michael Chamberlain, GIS Supervisor at Texas Department of Transportation Andy Nguyen, a career software engineer, is a gear head and a reformed petro-head. His LEAF is among the first LEAFs delivered in Austin, TX.
10 - 11 am • Blue Tent
Building Your Own Home with Faswall Block Paul Wood, Manufacturer of Faswall Wood FiberCement ICF ShelterWorks Ltd.
Come learn about this unique material and alternative way to build a beautiful, healthy, earthen-material home! Faswall block is a wood fiber-cement building block made of 85% recycled wood chips and 15% Portland cement. It is widely considered one of the most builder-friendly, do-it-yourself home building materials on the North American market. The blocks will dry-stack to build highly energy-efficient homes. Walls are 12 inches thick and have the capacity to store thermal mass, thereby greatly reducing cooling and heating needs of a home. Last year’s Fine Homebuilding Magazine Best Home Award went to a Faswall-built home in their Winter 2012 issue. 55% of homes built with Faswall block are by do-ityourselfers. Paul Wood is one of the owners of ShelterWorks Ltd., the sole manufacturer of Faswall block in North America.
10 - 11 am • Red Tent
Convenient Environmentalism Thomas Vinson, Senior Program Manager Zero Waste Network
We always hear we should protect the environment because it is the right thing to do. But let’s face it, if most people have to go five extra steps to the trash bin, much less the recycle bin, will we ever get there? This talk shows you how to address those relatives on Thanksgiving that think environmentalism is killing the country, taking our jobs and a general pain in the ***. Thomas Vinson has worked with some of the largest businesses in the world showing them how to save money, reduce waste and improve their business performance by reducing pollution. He links environment to a person’s goals and desires, and has developed an approach that works for industrial facilities, mom-and-pop shops, and the household.
10 - 11 am • Green Tent
Rainwater Harvesting Basics Dick Peterson, Rainwater Basics DickPeterson.com
Rainwater harvesting is easy and popular. This presentation will follow the cycle from barrels to cisterns to potable water systems. Texas law now allows rainwater harvesting
20 | 2012 Roundup
11 - 12 pm • Blue Tent
21st Century Technology David B. South, Owner Monolithic Constructors, Inc.
Rainwater collection system demonstrated by Dick Peterson
even with centralized water available and includes rain gardens. In the Hill Country, tanks are being added to wells and supplemented with rainwater. Examples of available cisterns will be shown. Dick Peterson served the City of Austin, Texas for 14 years. He was the Coordinator of the Xeriscape, Irrigation and Rainwater Programs with Austin Water Utility. Then he was an Environmental Program Coordinator with Austin Energy Green Building, specializing in residential water conservation and landscaping. Now retired, Dick is a consultant on rainwater harvesting and green building through his website DickPeterson.com.
10 - Noon • White Tent
Owners Perspective of Electric Vehicles Panelists: Tim Ziegner, Kathy Sokolic, Andy Nguyen, and Michael Chamberlain will talk about Electric Vehicles as owners and members of the Austin LEAF owners. A video and other visuals they will be shown. Kari Banta, Sierra Club will moderate and introduce the panel. Ziegner Technologies, Business Partner with Microsoft, Ziegner Technologies
My family and I been driving an Electric Vehicle (Nissan Leaf ) or “EV” for just over a year now. My wife, Alicia, and daughter (Ana age 7) love the car - it’s fast, quiet and doesn’t use a drop of gasoline. Fun to drive, affordable to use—we spent roughly $18.00 for the entire month of August on “fuel” or electricity to power the vehicle. So, the EV is pretty economical to operate compared to our Camry (we spend roughly $45.00 just to fill-up which only lasts about a week or so.) Kathy Sokolic, Geologist/Energy Assessor, Principal Geologists at Parsons
An introduction to monolithic domes and a paradigm shift in construction. David South will be speaking about the sustainability and protection factor of monolithic domes. Built to last for centuries, the monolithic dome can’t burn or be destroyed by a tornado. He will share ideas about “Grow Domes” and “Cabin Domes”. David B. South is President of Monolithic Constructors, Inc. in Italy, Texas. David spearheaded the passing of ACI 334.3R-05: Construction of Concrete Shells Using Inflated Forms. In this document, major facets of the construction process are covered, including foundations, inflation, monitoring, and backup systems. David is a former Member of International Conference of Building Officials, an international code body that tests materials, specifies and administers codes. David was awarded a Top 100 Products Award for 2002 by Construction Equipment Magazine for the Monolithic Portable Concrete Mixer.
11 - 12 pm • Red Tent
Farming the Wind Cliff Etheredge Former Farmer, Sometimes Scribe, Snake Hunter & Pretty Good Windmill Man
How did we build the world’s largest wind farm? The Roscoe Wind Farm’s potential was first recognized by Cliff Etheredge. Cliff then organized the Roscoe area landowners into an association. The next step was finding a developer. The association underwent a negotiation process where Cliff presented a contract to use their land to the landowners. Cliff succeeded in the landowners signing the contracts to create the wind farm. Cliff Etheredge has entertained representatives and delegations from every continent by telling the story of Roscoe. He has been featured in environmental print, documentaries and full length films. In 2009 he received the individual award from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. (Cont.)
From Frustration to Filter Champion It was a frustrating personal experience that led Joe Wheeler to the rain filter and supply business. He knew rainwater was good for drinking and could be relied on as a water supply source. He learned that as a child when spending summers at his grandfather’s cabin in the mountains of New Mexico. That was a time and place where no filtration or treatment was even considered — just catch it and use it. So, eleven years ago when it came time to make decisions about water supply for his personal residence near Austin, poor quality groundwater made it easy for Joe to choose to catch and use rainwater. But the choices for rainwater capture and treatment systems were few, and technical assistance was not nearly as accessible and knowledgeable as now. The maintenance and operations of his newly installed home rainwater harvest system were time consuming, challenging and even messy at times. A rain event was both a blessed and a blasted thing. It meant water, but it also meant work. Joe began to search for a better solution to his personal water supply system. He found it in Germany where rainwater harvest was a common practice. The efficient Germans knew a thing or two about precision engineering for a quality product, and Joe discovered proven rainwater collection technologies and the solution to his personal water system difficulties. His desire to share with others led Joe to a new business venture, Rainfilters of Texas, LLC.
WHY
Now, leaves, seeds, sticks and other debris are no longer a problem for Joe’s home system, and his company, Rainfilters of Texas, LLC, is the factory authorized distributor for German-engineered WISY products in Texas. Joe Wheeler’s personal experiences have made him an avid user and seller of WISY (pronounced ví zee) products, especially as a permanent solution for pre-filtration needs in any rainwater harvest system. WISY filters are made with high-grade stainless steel mesh and use a surface tension (adhesion) process to exclude unwelcome debris so that about 90 percent of the rainwater can be filtered and stored. WISY filters are proven to be low maintenance and only need cleaning once or twice a year. Joe understands that each rainwater harvest situation and system is unique and Rainfilters of Texas, LLC stands ready to offer expertise, knowledge and personal experience so customers can find proven, low maintenance solutions for high quality harvested rainwater.
### More information about the WISY product line can be found at:
rainfilters.com
Or call Joe for a ready-to-help human voice at:
(512) 257-7986
FOR RAINWATER?
It’s simple. German-engineered rainwater filters deliver quality.
• Clean, high quality water
• A permanent solution for pre-filtration • Low maintenance
Harvesting rainwater for consumption? Ask for WISY (ví zee). With confidence. Rainfilters of Texas • Joe Wheeler, ARCSA accredited professional • 512/257-7986 The Factory Authorized Distributor for WISY products in Texas
2012 Roundup | 21
AUSTIN ENERGY SETS MAJOR MILESTONE RATING 10,000TH GREEN BUILDING HOME Austin, TX – Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) reached a major milestone this past year by rating its 10,000th single-family home since the program began in 1991. AEGB was the first green building program in the country and the first to start using a rating system. AEGB awards homes ratings of 1 to 5 stars with 5 stars being the highest for incorporating environmental and energy-saving features into the design and construction of the home. When the program began, green building was often seen as a niche market in the housing industry but it has now become part of the mainstream. Last fiscal year, for example, one-third of the single-family building permits issued in Austin were for green-building rated homes. AEGB rated 585 homes last year and 94 of them achieved a 5-star rating. The first home to achieve a 5-star rating was in 2001 and since then 499 homes have achieved this distinction. The 10,000th home is a 5-star rated energy efficient home that is net-zero energy capable meaning that it is cost effective to install solar photovoltaics on the rooftop to meet its entire energy needs over a typical year of Austin weather. The home has 7 kilowatts of solar photovoltaics and a solar hot water system. Other energy-saving features include a variable-speed and ductless mini-split air conditioning system that is 30 percent more efficient than traditional air conditioning units, spray foam insulation in walls with fiber cement siding, and ceiling fans that run on direct current and are 2.5 times more efficient than typical ceiling fans. The home had an annual energy use of 1300 kwh of electricity from May 2011 to May 2012. This includes just 400 kWh during the hottest summer ever in Austin’s history last year. The homeowners’ goal is to achieve net of zero energy use this year. “This home and others like it are using energy efficiency to reduce our need for fossil fuel based energy and substituting clean renewable energy for the remaining energy needs,” said Richard Morgan, Green Building and Emerging Technologies Manager. “With the leadership of homeowners, designers, builders and Austin Energy Green Building ratings Austin can move to a clean energy future.”
22 | 2012 Roundup
The home also received additional rating points for incorporating local materials such as cedar and clay in the construction of a straw bale building in the back of the home that is used as an office. Points also were awarded for its environmental and sustainable features that include a lush vegetable garden and greenhouse where the homeowners grow their own food. “The conscientious use of building materials, focus on water conservation indoors and out and the health and safety of the residents makes this home a model of sustainability,” said Morgan. “It is an example of what can be achieved with thoughtful design, committed homeowners and contractors who understand the impact their work will have on the community as a whole.” Austin Energy Green Building’s rating system addresses energy, water, and material efficiency, sustainable site practices, indoor environmental quality, education, innovation, and social equity in the construction of buildings. The rating system is tailored to local climate conditions, local industry and economic realities. Since its inception, AEGB has used the rating system to help reduce energy consumption by 2,869,800 megawatt hours and reduced demand on the utility’s generation resources by 148.3 megawatts. These energy savings have resulted in the reduction of power plant CO2 emissions by 1,723,220 metric tons, NOx by 1201 metric tons, and SOx by 1086 metric tons. AEGB initiatives are also responsible for diverting 100, 975 tons of construction waste from the landfill and conserving 303.2 million gallons of irrigation and indoor potable water. Austin Energy Green Building works primarily with professionals in the building industry to raise the standards for sustainable design and construction as measured by the rating system. These objectives are also advanced through education opportunities created for the community and collaboration with other organizations focused on sustainability. Specifically, AEGB provides technical support to owners, architects, engineers, designers, contractors and developers in the design and construction of sustainable homes and buildings. Using sustainability/green building rating tools they developed specifically for Austin, AEGB assists design and construction professionals in establishing goals for the construction of a building, reviewing plans and specifications, making recommendations for improvements, and rating the final product on its impact to the environment and community. In support of these services, monthly seminars on a variety of sustainable topics are presented to professionals for continuing education credits, a Green Boots educational series is available for trade contractors and Green by Design workshops are held for people preparing to build, buy or remodel a home. AEGB also co-produces the annual Cool House Tour featuring many rated projects.
Austin Energy Green Building is responsible for bringing new energy codes forward for adoption by the City of Austin. When new systems and technologies have been proven to be cost effective and sustainable through the rating system, they are incorporated into the City of Austin energy code to raise the bar for all new buildings in the city. This process of working with leaders to prove new systems, technologies, and design strategies and then incorporating them into code creates an ongoing market transformation resulting in green building ratings and energy codes that are recognized as among the strongest in the country. In February 2007 the Austin City Council passed the Austin Climate Protection Plan mandating that all new homes constructed in Austin will be Zero Energy Capable Homes by 2015. Council also appointed a Zero Energy Capable Homes Task Force made up of representatives for the home builders association, energy efficiency advocates, affordable housing providers and city staff. The task force defined Zero Energy Capable Homes as being 65% more efficient than the code in place at that time (2000 IECC). The task force also set goals for improvements in energy efficiency for each code cycle beginning with the 2006 IECC through the 2015 IECC and made recommendations for specific amendments to the 2006 IECC and the 2009 IECC in a final report to Council in 2008. The 2006 and 2009 code improvements have resulted in an improvement of about 31% in the energy efficiency of the typical new home built in Austin to date. This is on track to meet the final goal of a 65% improvement in efficiency with the adoption of the 2015 code in 2016. Over the years, Austin Energy Green Building has received many awards locally as well as globally. In 1992, just months after creating the first residential green building rating tool, AEGB won the Local Government Honours Programme Award for innovative local environmental programs at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro. In 2011, nearly two decades later, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme selected AEGB as the only U.S. initiative to receive the Scroll of Honour, fulfilling and building on the promise of the 1992 award. The Scroll of Honour is considered the most prestigious human settlements award in the world, recognizing outstanding contributions in fields such as shelter provision, leadership in post-conflict reconstruction, developing human settlements and improving the quality of urban life.
###
www.austinenergy.com
The Sierra Club: Exploring, Enjoying, and Protecting Texas From organizing beach clean ups to help ensure a safe return to the ocean for the Kemps Ridley sea turtle, to promoting policy at the State Capitol to bring more renewable energy and jobs to Texas, the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club is working all across the state in the name of our environment.
What is the Sierra Club? Founded nationally in 1892 by John Muir, the Sierra Club is the largest grassroots environmental organization in the United States with hundreds of thousands of members in chapters located throughout the United States. In Texas, the Club is best known as an outdoor recreation and conservation organization representing approximately 24,000 Texans and 10 regional groups from Big Bend to Brownsville to Beaumont. The Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club values diversity and promotes environmental education and environmental justice in our efforts to fulfill our mission to explore, enjoy, and protect our Texas natural heritage and to protect public health. Our State Conservation Office, located just 3 blocks from the State Capitol in Austin, serves as a lobbying office and grassroots communications center supporting advocacy and education about the environmental priorities: Beyond Coal to Clean Energy, Clean Energy Solutions, Green Transportation, Clean Air & Water, A Texas Land & Wildlife Legacy, and Water for People & the Environment.
A workload as big as the state of Texas In pursuit of our priority campaigns and goals the Lone Star Chapter is committed to achieving environmental justice for all Texans, promoting environmental education, and meeting the challenges posed by climate change. Where appropriate, the Chapter will pursue these campaigns and goals in part through the sunset review of relevant state agencies, litigation, grassroots organizing, and state & local legislative lobbying. (Cont.) |
2012 Roundup 23
Clean Air & Water
Sierra Club, continued • The Chapter conservation campaigns reflect those issues that will receive the most significant commitment of both Chapter staff and volunteer time and resources over the next two years. In pursuing these issues the Chapter is working closely with a wide range of organizations and interests committed to environmental and public health protection and sustainable resource management. The six priority conservation campaigns for 2010 and 2011, along with the goals under each priority campaign, are as follows:
•
•
Beyond Coal • •
Prevention of air quality deterioration by new coalfired power plants; Reductions in air pollutant emissions from existing coal-fired power plants.
A Texas Land & Wildlife Legacy • •
Clean Energy Solutions • •
•
• • •
More efficient use of energy by Texas consumers, agricultural producers, businesses, government entities, and institutions; Increased reliance on renewable energy sources to meet power needs, including the responsible promotion of solar, wind, and geothermal energy production; Prevention of the expansion of nuclear power, including addressing threats to the environment and public health from all aspects of the nuclear power cycle from uranium mining to radioactive waste management and disposal.
•
Green Transportation & Beyond Oil
•
Development of a comprehensive and environmentally sound state transportation policy implemented by state, regional, and local transportation agencies; Expansion of funding and other support for mass transit, including rail, and other transportation alternatives to the heavy dependence on vehicles; Appropriate use of federal economic stimulus funds by transportation officials.
Reduction of toxic and other harmful emissions from industrial plants, electric power generating plants, and energy production activities; Strengthening the state’s water quality protections for surface water and groundwater, including adoption of tougher limitations on wastewater discharges, enhancement of water quality standards, and more effective regulation of energy production activities that might pose a threat to water quality; Enhanced enforcement of air and water pollution control laws.
•
•
Establishment of a dependable and ongoing source of funding for acquisition, maintenance, and management of Texas state & local parks; Preservation and restoration of coastal wetlands, riparian corridors, wildlife habitat, and other critical ecosystems, including those along the Texas-Mexico border; Protection of state and federal public lands in Texas, including the designation of wilderness areas in Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks and the expansion of the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River through Big Bend National Park; Sustainable populations of nongame, endangered, and threatened species.
Water for People & the Environment
•
Preservation and provision of instream flows and freshwater inflows to bays and estuaries necessary to maintain healthy fish and wildlife populations; More efficient use of water by Texas consumers, agricultural producers, water suppliers, businesses, government entities, and institutions through conservation and drought management; Management of the state’s groundwater resources on a sustainable basis.
Beyond Natural Gas •
An all-volunteer program focused on reducing the impacts of hydraulic fracturing.
24 | 2012 Roundup
www.sierraclub.org
SUNDAY, cont. 11 - 12 pm • Green Tent
It’s All in the Details: Building Extremely Air Tight & Healthy Homes Don Ferrier, President Ferrier Custom Homes
12 - 1 pm • Red Tent
Food Policy: Texas Laws that Impact Your Access to Local Foods Judith McGeary, Executive Director Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance
Veteran green builder Don Ferrier details real-world case studies on achieving extreme air tightness while maintaining a healthy indoor air environment. He also explores what can undermine your home’s air tightness, items that often go unchecked and therefore unnoticed. Building high-performance green homes requires a holistic, building-science based approach, and indoor air quality is a very important part of that equation. Walk away with specific instructions and items to look out for when it comes to preventing outside air infiltration. Don Ferrier is President of Ferrier Custom Homes, based in Fort Worth, Texas. As a National Association of Home Builders Green Advocate of the Year, Don is noted as an industry leader in high performance, sustainable homes and remodels. As a member of the NAHB Green Building & Green Remodeling Subcommittees, Don is on the forefront of leading a revolution in the way America’s home are being built and remodeled today.
Although local foods travel a very short physical distance from farm to table, there are many barriers along the way. Big Agribusiness has developed laws and government policies to benefit themselves at the expense of local and sustainable food. Come learn about the key issues affecting the ability of farmers to raise and sell healthy foods and what you can do to improve your access to the foods you want. Judith McGeary is an attorney, activist, and sustainable farmer. She has a B.S. in Biology from Stanford University and her J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. After seeing how government regulations benefit industrial agriculture at the expense of family farms, she founded the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance to provide a voice for independent agriculture. Judith also serves as the Vice Chair of the U.S. Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Animal Health and is active with Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, the Weston A. Price Foundation, and the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund. She and her husband have a farm in Central Texas.
12 - 1 pm • Blue Tent
12 - 1 pm • Green Tent
Roof-Ready Solar: Why AC Modules are Revolutionizing the Residential PV Market Terence Parker, Senior Applications Engineer SolarBridge Technologies
Home builders as well as homeowners are looking for simple, cost-efficient green energy solutions. New advancements in solar technology are making rooftop photovoltaic (PV) easier than ever to install with a faster return on investment. “Roof-ready” AC modules powered by SolarBridge enable more affordable and reliable systems that install twice as fast as other solutions. We will present several options for rooftop PV systems including an introduction to AC modules – the next generation of home PV systems. Terence Parker, senior applications engineer at SolarBridge Technologies, has extensive experience in residential, commercial and stand-alone PV system installation, operation and maintenance. Before joining SolarBridge, Terence was an applications group manager and senior technical resource for customers worldwide, an independent solar consultant for installation and training services in 18 developed and developing countries, and helped develop rural energy policy and renewable energy education programs in the Marshall Islands.
You Too Can Build Affordable and Energy Efficient Homes Keith Kaan, Habitat Home Designer and Build Supervisor Mason County Habitat for Humanity
High performance homes can be very affordable and efficient as shown in a case study of Habitat homes built in Mason, Texas. This talk will show how we build homes that have summer electricity bills as low as $20 per month and reduced water usage by about 50%. We justify construction of high performance homes with a payback for the improvements in less than two years. Homeowners then enjoy big savings for the life of the home. Keith Kaan is a retired Mechanical Engineer. Raised on a ranch in Wyoming and worked in the oilfield service industry for most of his career, Keith retired to Mason in 1998. He restored several old homes in Mason, then, by chance, started volunteering for the local Habitat affiliate. Six years ago he became the build supervisor and insisted on a change in building techniques. Since then he has designed and supervised construction of six homes, with the last three being certified and energy rated.
12 - 2 pm • White Tent
Getting to Know Your Hill Country Aquifers John Dupnik, Barbara Mahler, Raymond Slade, Jennifer Walker
The aquifers in the Texas Hill Country are dynamic and have a strong connection to the region’s rivers and streams through an extensive network of springs and seeps. Learn how your aquifers function, what the threats to their future are and what you can do to care for and protect your local aquifers. Learn about the importance of healthy aquifers and discuss how the region can deal with the growth that is happening while ensuring that there is water for both people and the environment. Hear from advocacy and groundwater professionals about the best strategies for managing and protecting your local groundwater resources. PANELISTS: John Dupnik is the Assistant General Manager at the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District and the District’s Regulatory Compliance Team Leader. Before joining the District in 2005, John served 9 years in State government with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Barbara Mahler grew up in northern California, where she learned to appreciate the value of water. She received a B. Mus. in performance at Boston University; in 1986 she moved to Austin, Texas. Combining her interest in water, mathematics, and the outdoors, she enrolled at the University of Texas and received her Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Geology, with an emphasis on karst hydrology. Raymond Slade, Certified Professional Geologist. Raymond served as the Surface Water Specialist for the Texas office from 1996 to 2003 and has authored about over 80 reports concerning floods, flood frequency, drought, the Edwards aquifer, and urban and rural hydrology and surface and groundwater water quality. Jennifer Walker is the Chapter Water Resources Coordinator for the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club. Jennifer works primarily on the Texas Living Waters Project and focuses on water policy issues in Central Texas and across the state with an emphasis on state and regional water planning, water conservation and bay and estuary protection issues.
2012 Roundup | 25
SUNDAY, cont. 1 - 2 pm • Blue Tent
Proud to be an American The U.S. military works toward renewable energy goals through the use of local products and companies. by Yvonne Kendrick Mandated by the Department of Defense to reach 25 percent renewable energy by 2025, leadership at many U.S. military bases are taking a serious look at the benefits of solar energy. The Army recently released a $7 billion draft request for proposal (RFP) dedicated to renewable energy projects, which also encourages bases to partner with local companies that will ultimately sustain or create jobs within their communities. Axium Solar’s recent successful project in Fort Hood, Texas, illustrates that the “go-local” trend can be a triple-crown winner — with local partners using “Buy American”-compliant solar panels and developing both technical and financial innovations to meet military energy needs.
American Pride In March of this year, Fort Hood celebrated the activation of a 684-kW ground-mount PV system at Liberty Village, a privatized military family housing complex. To help it meet renewable energy goals, Fort Hood worked with Axium Solar, a solar EPC firm in Texas and its longtime partner Universal Services Fort Hood (USFH). USFH, which owns and operates Liberty Village, worked closely with Fort Hood officials while Axium managed and performed the installation. In addition, it was important to Fort Hood and the partners that the solar energy system follow the Buy American Act, and thus SCHOTT Solar, which at the time manufactured panels in Albuquerque, N.M., was tapped for the project. Today, SCHOTT manufacturers CSP receivers and remains in the thin-film market.
Money Saved Because military leadership must meet their renewable goals in an environment of tight budgets, the ability to bring external project financing to the table is critical. The military is therefore dedicated to leveraging private-sector financing for large solar systems. The same financing structure can also be successfully utilized with systems less than 10 MW in capacity installed by smaller, local integrators. USFH was able to finance the $3 million project at no cost to the base, in part because all primary partners and the SCHOTT panels were ready and in place at the time of the transaction. The 4-acre, ground-mount solar energy system at Fort Hood will generate an estimated 1 million kWh of clean energy annually, which is roughly 20 percent of the energy consumed in the 300 homes at Liberty Village. USFH, which will see significant savings in energy costs over 25 years, also receives federal solar income tax credits and accelerated depreciation benefits.
Energy Security “Clean solar energy is an important part of our effort to reduce Fort Hood’s dependence on fossil fuels and create greater energy security,” says Brian Dosa, director of public works at Fort Hood.. “If we can generate the electricity ourselves, either through solar or through wind renewable sources, that gives us greater security and less dependence on power that’s coming from outside Fort Hood.” Local solar companies are reducing dependence on foreign energy sources while improving national security. These successes point to the significant benefits that solar and other renewables can bring to the country.
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Yvonne Kendrick is president of Axium Solar, headquartered in Plano, Texas. For more information, visit www.axiumsolar.com.
Hot Attics: Turning a Problem into a Resource Christopher Roseberry, Engineer CMR Engineering & Development, LLC
The seasonally hot attic space is generally an underexploited source of low-grade heat. As compared to conventional solar collectors, using the hot attic space requires a relatively modest investment because the large sunshine absorption surface is provided by the existing roof surface. It has been demonstrated that the installation of a simple heat exchanger and blower, can meet much, if not all, of the heating requirements of a typical backyard swimming pool. Chris Roseberry has a background in wind tunnel research and engineering. He possesses advanced knowledge of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and hypersonic aerodynamics. The lab work provided him with a wide range of down-to-earth engineering experience with high voltage, flammable gases, vacuum systems, high pressure gas injection systems, cooling water systems, controls and safety interlocks. In 2007 Chris invented the WarmSpring unit (patent pending) for homeowners, an inexpensive device that effectively utilizes attic heat for warming swimming pools. His attic heat recovery system reduces the air conditioning load while eliminating tons of CO2 emissions that result from heating a pool using gas heating.
1 - 2 pm • Red Tent
Panel – The Future Of Transportation Panelists: Joseph Kopser, CEO & Founder of GoingMyWay Jerry Roane, CEO Roane Inventions Incorporated (TriTrack) Each will share ideas and thoughts into the evolution of transportation and conservation.
Joseph will present on the next evolution of transportation and how mobility is critical to the success of future renewable and sustainability efforts in both rural and urban locations. Jerry Roane, will present on how to save Texas 482,000 acre feet of fresh surface water with ZoomHydro. ZoomHydro eliminates this waste of water by harvesting waste heat from all versions of steam power generation and selling that product at retail prices also lowering the fossil fuel burned every day in the ERCOT service area. ZoomHydro shares a monorail guideway with TriTrack and can reach economic payback in a very short time.
1 - 2 pm • Green Tent
Returns on Renewable Energy Investments David Ryan, Engineer National Center for Appropriate Technology
Renewable energy technologies and their economics for the real world! This talk is going to focus on realism about risk and paybacks. Lift the lid and look very honestly at some real-world costs and paybacks. Learn about location-specific resources and available incentives for renewable energy. David Ryan has over 20 years of experience in the energy efficiency and renewable energy field. He is a registered professional engineer in Montana. He has incorporated several renewable energy conversion systems into his own house, living with the systems he will be discussing. He is a founder of the Montana Renewable Energy Association, and has been a board member and officer of the Association for more than ten years. He is a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.
2 - 3 pm • Blue Tent
Manmade Underground Aquifers for Water Storage and Structure David Lewis, Owner Aquabank Inc.
Aquabank presents innovative technologies and approaches involving underground storage systems by Aquabank and others. Structural aquifers store 100,000’s of gallons and make up the structure of roads, foundations and parking lots. These are engineered and can replace expensive foundations in many circumstances. A gravity fed underground aquifer system has more collection options, greatly increasing yields and lowering cost. David Lewis is a patent holder for manmade underground aquifers used for rainwater harvesting storage and water battery thermal storage. Mr. Lewis has been a residential builder for 32 years in and around San Antonio with numerous awards. Mr. Lewis is a certified instructor for AIA from San Antonio to Austin for numerous green oriented firms. Mr. Lewis has also designed and installed 30 plus underground Aquabank aquifers with storage capacities over 20,000 gallons used structurally as the subgrade for roads, parking, and foundations.
Dave Pennington of Dallas will describe how he builds dome structures out of EPIC, a cement-paper-recycled Styrofoam composite he developed in 2010. These domes, designed to hold massive quantities of tropical fish in containment, have many other uses including housing people, storing water, and even creating biochar. The development of the super affordable dome structure will be described in full and samples of the EPIC material will be displayed and explained. Dave Pennington is an Aquaponic Systems Designer. After attending the world famous UVI aquaponics program, he launched Synergy Aquaponics LLC. He currently designs revolutionary technology for the efficient production of food and housing. In 2010 Dave developed a cement-composite (EPIC) using recycled EPS (Styrofoam) and paper, this material is very useful for making insulated aquaculture tanks and also housing. He also invented the Green Rocket Oven, a wood fired pizza oven which uses the super-efficient rocket stove principle.
2 - 3 pm • Green Tent
Best Practices to Prevent Home Ache David Fransik, LEED AP Homes®, Graduate Master Builder Sierra Homes
This session highlights high performance basics, advanced framing, moisture management, durability and risk management, and systems approach construction. David Fransik is an award-winning custom home builder focusing on building science and energy efficiency. David was the Gold winner of the 2010 Energy Value Housing Award for Hot Climates and the Texas Star Award recipient for Green Building Project of the Year. David teaches for the Austin HBA Green Boots program regularly and presents for associations. He supports certification programs and has certified homes with Energy Star, LEED for Homes, Environments for Living, and Building America. His recent accomplishment this fall was being the first builder in the US to finish a home qualified for the BASF Beyond home program.
2 - 3 pm • Red Tent
Super-Efficient Construction of Homes and Aquaponic Systems Dave Pennington, Aquaponic Systems Designer Synergy Aquaponics
2012 Roundup | 27
Making it Easier for Texas Homeowners, Builders, Property Managers and Businesses to Go Solar No down payment financing for consumers, SolarReady designs for architects and construction professionals, and turnkey portfolio analyses for enterprise clients, are three tools that solar company Circular Energy is using to bring value to the central Texas solar marketplace. When the company was originally founded, the focus was on solar PV design and consultation services. Today, while the organization still places a heavy emphasis on proper system design, they have taken customer service to a higher level by offering simple, affordable, and high quality start-to-finish solutions. “For years, we’ve been hammering home the importance of thorough design and the impact it has on the business case, the aesthetics, and even the safety and quality of a solar PV system,” says JC Shore, CEO of Circular Energy. “Our goal all along has been to lead our customers through an amazing experience; this happens when we manage expectations and then properly execute, and when we offer innovative solutions not generally available through other providers.” Homeowners who at one point could not afford the upfront cost required to go solar, can now take advantage of Circular Energy’s no down payment financing options. Circular offers unique in-house and third-party financing options available to residential customers that would prefer to spread costs over time with monthly payments. This benefit allows the homeowner to use the 30% Federal tax credit in addition to their energy savings to help pay for the system. To help homeowners who are still relatively unfamiliar with the costs and benefits of solar, Circular Energy regularly offers public presentations in Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and Houston. This past summer, the City of Shavano Park in Northwest San Antonio brought in Circular Energy to host a series of three public workshops at the City Hall. Homeowners associations, country clubs and professional organizations have also invited the company to deliver their accredited presentation, which originated as (and
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remains) a Continuing Education course developed for the American Institute of Architects. As of this spring, the course is also approved for GBCI accreditation, available to LEED professionals. Builders and architects working on new construction projects can take advantage of Circular Energy’s trademarked SolarReady service, which not only provides conservative estimates of the costs and benefits of solar for a building that doesn’t yet exist, but also prepares the building infrastructure for future solar integration. This is advantageous to homeowners who want to go solar but need more time before moving forward, and also helps reduce costs by avoiding expensive retrofits in the future.
“We are excited to add a significant renewable energy solution at these properties, and the overall economics of these systems are very compelling” said Cross Moceri, Founder and Co-CEO of Centaurus. “Due to the stringent deadline requirements for the rebate programs, it was essential to engage a respected solar company with the appropriate bandwidth to tackle the challenges of such a sizeable and complicated project. Circular Energy was definitely the right choice for the up-front analysis and engineering services, as well as the follow-on system construction and deployment. They hit a grand slam for us in both execution and system quality.” While financial motivations are an important consideration, there are other reasons individuals and businesses go solar. When local sub shop, ThunderCloud Subs, hired Circular Energy to install solar on their Four Points Northwest Austin store, co- owner Mike Haggerty was excited to contribute to “an environmentally conscious and healthy community.” ThunderCloud customers can observe the solar energy produced in real-time by watching the energy monitoring screen installed at the store location. For more information contact:
www.circularenergy.com 866.274.5578
Custom home builder Grand Haven Homes has partnered with Circular Energy to make all of their newly-built homes SolarReady. By educating the homeowner and facilitating solar installations, the standard feature aligns well with Grand Haven’s larger sustainability strategy. Other home builders around Texas are also working with Circular Energy to incorporate SolarReady designs into their services. Architects across the United States have used SolarReady designs and solar feasibility studies to better understand the financials and energy production potential of new construction projects. This service has been strengthened by the firm’s talent in design and their strong relationships within the architecture community. Larry Speck—nationally renowned architect, Principal at Page Southerland Page and former Dean of the School of Architecture at University of Texas at Austin—sits on Circular Energy’s board. This year’s AIA Austin Homes Tour on October 6-7 includes two homes that Circular Energy made SolarReady. Similar to these design services, Circular Energy offers commercial clients a range of services to assist in the planning and analysis of potential projects. As a result of these services, Circular most recently completed a 426kW project in the DFW Metroplex for Centaurus Property Management. Centaurus is based in Dallas and owns $1.2 Billion of real estate assets across the United States.
The impact of every individual making sustainable changes is vitally important. To many of us it is not a surprise that it is now widely accepted nationally that climate change and global warming are having an impact and that impact is for the most part recognized as being man made. In recent years we have seen extreme weather conditions including the extreme drought and fires of 2011 in Texas and the marked need to take steps to increase water conservation. There is global concern that steps for change need to increase. The impact of every individual making sustainable changes is vitally important which in part is why Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) and our partner organizations started the Renewable Energy Roundup & Green Living Fair in 1999 which has now grown to be the largest all-sustainable event in the South. Being part of something bigger than yourself by supporting TREIA increases ones individual impact making you part of a group with a daily mission to affect change. •
Look to us for a green future. For over 35 years, Kyocera Solar’s virtually maintenance-free modules, pre-packaged integrated systems, and fully compatible components have provided clean, reliable power for residential, commercial, and massive utility-scale applications. Contact us for more information on how you can reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint. 1-800-223-9580 www.kyocerasolar.com
• • •
Establish an effective relationship with our local, state, and national governments. Increase public awareness of the “here and now” contribution of renewables, as well as of their vast potential. Aggressively promote the use of renewable energy. Encourage high business and professional ethics and standards.
Join TREIA today to help support its mission, to get discounts on regular events and to receive the TREIA newsletter, Renewable Energy Record. • • • • •
Non-voting Individual membership - $100 Non-voting Student membership - $25 Business membership – $250 - $5,000 Government and non-profit organizations - $150 Sustaining members - $7,500 up (Cont.)
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TREIA, continued Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) is a non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association representing some 500 member companies, organizations, agencies and individuals providing products, services and information in the solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydrokinetic energy fields. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, TREIA’s primary purposes are to promote the development of renewable resources and their wise use, and to establish a favorable business climate in Texas that will allow all renewable energy businesses to thrive. Founded in 1984, TREIA is the oldest renewable energy non-profit trade organization in Texas. TREIA has become a respected resource for information and commentary and is recognized by industry leaders, policy makers and members of the media. TREIA has annually submitted policy recommendations with wording that on numerous occasions have been included in policy passed into law. TREIA’s work on behalf of renewables in the Texas energy mix enables new businesses to enter the industry and nurtures growth of established renewable energy industries.
TREIA Works Hard For Membership At TREIA’s 25th anniversary celebration in 2009, Governor Rick Perry said, “We are all in this together. We’re all struggling to find energy independence together. I think it’s a way to make our nation safer.” And furthermore, “We keep sending the message that Texas isn’t going to lose its legendary place as a leader.” Working through its Policy Committee and its nine industry Sector Subcommittees, TREIA develops and regularly refines a policy agenda that guides its regulatory and legislative activities on behalf of its members. Through events such as issue driven forums and networking/ policy luncheons TREIA enables renewable energy industry leaders to interact directly with key national state and local public officials and industry leaders. The Association’s public expos and its annual industry/government/utilities conference and trade show inform, educate, and create business opportunities, and foster business alliances. TREIA uniquely strengthens the voice of renewables in Texas by bringing these industries together working to accomplish goals that benefit the renewable energy industry as a whole rather than setting the sectors against one another as competing entities. Because Texas is the nation’s energy capital, related business activity and governmental approaches have worldwide impact. Renewable energy is increasingly being accepted as an important part of the broader energy industry. TREIA focuses its efforts at the state level, but its efforts likewise can be viewed as having influence well beyond the state’s borders.
TREIA Holds Regular Events TREIA hosts frequent events to promote development of renewable resources and their wise use. TREIA hosts policy luncheons with national, state and local policy makers and organizational leaders. Here are just a few events held in the past year:
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TREIA welcomed Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, (FERC) Chairman Jon Wellinghoff, who spoke on November of last year at one of a long series of informative TREIA Policy Luncheons. In January at TREIA’s first Policy Meeting of the year State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez was the keynote speaker. Close to fifty participants, including representation from every TREIA policy sector subcommittee, joined in the first TREIA Policy Luncheon & Meeting of 2012 at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown. In April Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association released a policy statement on findings regarding renewable electric technology’s ability to generate clean, reliable power while impacting local job growth and economic development. In May TREIA organized and hosted the Electric Generation Adequacy & Reliability Policy Forum at the Texas State Capitol to addresse concerns in Texas that continue to grow over power generation. The keynote presentation by Commissioner Rolando Pablos and was his first presentation in the context of an event focused on renewable energy. Ten days after Texas policy and industry leaders reviewed challenges and solutions for state electric demand at the TREIA Electric Generation Adequacy & Reliability Forum, ERCOT announced 13 percent overall growth in renewable energy resources in 2011. Texas State Senator Jose Rodriguez spoke at TREIA’s June Policy Luncheon on the role renewable energy development can play in the Texas energy mix. He discussed net metering and the importance of delivering reliable clean energy to meet peak demand. Biannually Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) hosts Texas Energy Independence Week. Celebrated only one week prior to Texas Independence Day, Texas Energy Independence Week gives Texans the opportunity to play a role in Texas’ energy future. “Acting now to secure a significant part of our energy mix from non-depletable sources will pay dividends long into the future,” said Russel Smith, Executive Director, TREIA
Join us for Texas Renewables 2012 Conference in Bastrop, TX TREIA annually holds Texas Renewables Conferences, an energy conference unsurpassed in providing the nexus between all energy industry sectors. No other conference of its kind focuses on the renewable energy market, crucial government agencies and public institutions this conference affords. Texas Renewables conference takes place in different cities across Texas and on alternate years in Austin. For over 28 years Texas Renewables Conferences have helped businesses stay informed on prospects for Texas renewable energy industries and provided a venue for forming valuable business-to-business alliance as well as panels that keep industry sectors up to date on the latest business developments, regulations, federal and state grants and other business opportunities. The conference is a must-attend event for renewable energy industry professionals, utility executives, investors, engineers and policymakers. For more information visit www.texasrenewables.org or call 830-997-2350.
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Attention Companies, Individuals, Organizations and Agencies interested or involved in renewable energy. S i x R e a s o n s To J o i n T R E I A To d a y 1)
2)
Strength of a unified voice. As an organization, TREIA has over 20 year’s experience in coordinating efforts at the Texas Legislature and Texas state agencies, such as the Public Utility Commission, Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the State Energy Conservation Office. As a member, your participation in the standing policy sub-committees ensures your individual input into statewide laws and rules that directly affect the industry. Timely,critical information. Knowing what laws, rules and energy activity is critical. The “Members Only” segment existing language. Legislative and Regulatory activity is Requests for Proposals that offer grants, contracts and and organizations.
guidelines currently exist that impact your renewable of the web site catalogs these and provides access to tracked here, as well as national, state and local incentives to renewable energy related businesses
3)
Invaluable partnership prospects. As a member, you are connected to the regularly received inquiries from potential developers, investors, distributors, suppliers and individuals. The searchable Member Directory on the public pages of the website offers a powerful marketing tool for your company profile. The TREIA newsletter keeps you informed of activities in the industry and other member companies’ projects and opportunities. The annual Texas Renewables conference provides a venue for the entire industry to come together for mutual education, inspiration and business prospects.
4)
Strong network of industry leaders. Membership in TREIA connects you with the heart of the renewable industry and opens the doors to invaluable business associations. The annual industry awards presented at the conference are an honored benchmark of industry accomplishments. The newsletter and web site present industry news and member company stories and press releases.
5)
Industry media and public relations. Leveraging the aggregate value of its entire membership opens more media doors to TREIA than individual companies can hope to. Besides being the go-to organization for media information, TREIA actively issues its own press releases and conducts radio and TV interviews that support the industry. As a well-respected association, TREIA represents the renewable energy industry within the legislative/regulatory, public relations and statewide arenas.
6) Supportive services. TREIA is dedicated to raising awareness of its members and renewable industries as a whole. Its leadership and staff provide longstanding credibility and extensive knowledge and experience that the media, legislative and agency staffs, and the general public have come to rely upon. Your membership ensures that this critical function continues. Other ongoing services include:
contracted, professional lobbyist dedicated to TREIA’s objectives and goals for the legislative session and beyond a nationally recognized industry advocate as Executive Director since 2000, co-organization of the annual Renewable Energy Roundup & Green Living Fair representation at n ational industry conferences organization of specialized workshops, seminars and conferences speakers bureau
All this, plus the added benefit of MEMBER DISCOUNTS On Roundup and conference exhibit fees and registrations.
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www.treia.org
rsmith@treia.org
512.345.5446
SUNDAY, cont. 2 – 3:30 pm • White Tent
Financing Energy Efficiency and Solar This panel will discuss how to make financing onsite systems effective. Panelists include Robert Thomas, Karl Rabago, Lanny Sinkin, Robert Thomas, JC Shore.
Karl Rabago, former General Manager, Austin Energy Karl Rabago has more than 20 years experience as a leader in clean energy, in Texas, at the national level, and around the world. He recently formed his own consulting company, Rabago Energy LLC. Prior experience includes service with Austin Energy, AES Corporation, HARC, NatureWorks LLC, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Texas Public Utility Commission, law teaching, and service in the U.S. Army. Karl is a past President of the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Center for Resource Solutions, and Chair-Elect of the Central Texas Chapter of the American Diabetes Association. Lanny Sinkin, Executive Director, Solar San Antonio Lanny was born in San Antonio and received his bachelor’s degree at Harvard College, where he also received a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Venezuela. He later received his law degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He served as Executive Director of the Urban Coalition of Metropolitan San Antonio in the early 1970s, where his father served as Chairman. He co-founded the Aquifer Protection Association, Citizens Concerned About Nuclear Power and represented citizens in the licensing hearings for the South Texas Nuclear Projects, Units 1 and 2. Robert Thomas –Chief Legal and Environmental Officer at Green Mountain Energy Company , Green Mountain Energy, Giving an overview of Sun Cap Financial. Bob manages the company’s legal, environmental, regulatory and governmental affairs, information technology, and human resources functions. He served as the Independent Retail Electric Providers Segment representative on the Board of Directors of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas during 2008 and 2009. JC Shore, Founder and CEO, Circular Energy. JC originally launched the company with the goal of filling a local need in Central Texas of providing commercial and residential clients with a more professional and more responsive alternative to their solar installation needs. After proving success in the original plan, he and the team began to identify an additional and compelling need across the larger market in the south-central United States.
3 - 4 pm • Blue Tent
Sustain Yourself & Your Garden by Growing Your Own Judy Barrett, Author Homegrown
A home garden can provide great food and so much more. Based on her new book: Recipes from and for the Garden, Judy Barrett will discuss ways to grow delicious food plus much more. Learn how to include a few common and versatile plants in your garden that can provide soothing remedies, household cleaners, fertilizers and pest repellents. Ingredients for dinner and a relaxing bath can contain some of the same homegrown plants. Judy will share information on plant selection and gardening methods. Judy Barrett is the author of several books about organic gardening including: What Can I Do with My Herbs? and What Makes Heirloom Plants So Great? All published by Texas A&M Press. She was the founding editor of “Homegrown: Good Sense Organic Gardening for Texas” and editor of “The New Garden Journal” and host of “The New Garden” on public television. She has been a presenter at the Renewable Energy Roundup since its first year.
3 - 4 pm • Green Tent
Seeing Beyond the Glare of Eco-Bling Peter Pfeiffer, Principal Architect Barley & Pfeiffer Architects
The green building movement is here to stay. A sensible and integrated approach to building design and construction is needed to avoid a collection of poorly coordinated green features whose sum doesn’t equal the investment in the parts. The complexity lies in how various design decisions and building components interact with each other to affect human health, building durability, conservation of natural resources, waste management, energy efficiency, US energy independence, and global warming.
Peter Pfeiffer is a LEED accredited professional Architect, Interior Designer, and Building Scientist who designs and develops pragmatic high-performance buildings and homes. He was named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects for his lifelong commitment to mainstreaming green building. He is a founding principal of Barley & Pfeiffer Architects. Their work has been published in such diverse venues as the Washington Post, The New York Times, Fine Homebuilding, and Better Homes & Gardens magazine. He has been a guest on National Public Radio, the HG-TV network, The Discovery Channel and This Old House.
3:30 – 5 pm • White Tent
Career in Solar Integration Field by Nation’s First Deaf Certified Solar PV Installer PANEL SESSION: John Berry, Cecilia Galliano, Jason Shaw
Do you have an interest in entering the solar installation field as a career? Come hear the story of how the nation’s first deaf individual became a certified solar PV installer. Jason Shaw and a panel of invited guests from Austin Community College, ImagineSolar, and other schools will provide education and training to have an engaging dialogue between the audience and the panelists. Jason Shaw is President of Renewable Energy Student Association, a student chapter of American Solar Energy Society at Austin Community College and the nation’s first deaf individual to become an NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer. A journeyman electrician by trade, Jason has been involved in the electrical trade, commercial and industrial, for 17 years with roles ranging from service technician to foreman. He now works as a solar installer with American Solar Living (solar thermal) and Altumaxis Technologies (Solar PV and Building Control). John Berry leads business development for ONTILITY’s training programs. John is a highly accomplished strategic business development, consultative sales and marketing executive. Before joining ONTILITY, John provided sales and marketing leadership for educational software companies and an IT consultancy. John specializes in creating innovative go-to-market strategies to maximize the impact of marketing efforts and developing business by building strategic relationships to gain market share. John has completed both the NABCEP Solar Installation Training and RESNET HERS Rater Training. (Cont.)
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SUNDAY, cont. Cecilia has over 10 years of experience managing and coordinating projects and events for non-profit and for-profit organizations. She has experience in public relations, partnership building, grant coordination, project management and has served in several executive boards in the community. Cecilia holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Austin, an Associate in Arts from the Palm Beach Community College, and a Project Management Certificate from the Austin Community College. Jason is the current President of Renewable Energy Student Association. He is the nation’s first deaf Certified Solar PV Installer. He is a Journeyman Electrician, and has supervised Building Energy Management System installation work with foreman and project manager for three years. Jason is a NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer working as solar installer with American Solar Living (solar thermal) and Altumaxis Technologies (Solar PV and Building Control).
4 - 5 pm • Blue Tent
Green Building: The Holistic Approach Khairuz Zaman, Architect/Builder Z Works Design/Build
The goal of Z Works Design/Build is to look at building design as a whole system. The system begins with siting and orienta-
tion, and includes all of the necessities like, air, water, electricity, waste water and more. This system approach will help us understand how the parts are related to the whole and design/construct better living spaces for ourselves. Only by assessing the various needs of homeowners and coordinating all of the essential components we can build functional and efficient buildings. Khairuz Zaman is an Architect/Builder and owner of Z Works Design/Build. He is a graduate of UT school of Architecture, class of 1992. Since graduation he has been searching for alternative methods of construction, and in 1997 he built his first home with ICF & SIPs for his family. His company has been involved in designing and building some of the most efficient buildings in Austin and vicinity since 1997.
4 - 5 pm • Red Tent
Re-Purposing Renewable Energy Bill Drake, VP - Senior Research Analyst Alternative Fuels & Technologies
Anaerobic Digestion project developers with multiple projects in Europe, that have solved the problem of how to make Anaerobic Digestion of organic waste a profitable, unsubsidized renewable energy business and we are in the process of bringing this model to the US. Bill is VP of Alternative Fuels & Technologies from 2008-present. Recipient of two NREL Technical Assistance grants. Part of virtual team developing successful renewable energy projects in Europe. Writer and
Publisher of cross-cultural country studies www.culturaldimensions.net.
4 - 5 pm • Green Tent
The Top 10 Green Building Trends For 2012 Michael Myers, CEO, Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Executive Myers Verde Company
A compelling look at key technology and policy trends that will help accelerate growth in green building into the future. Michael Myers has been at the forefront of energy efficiency and sustainability for nearly 30 years. As a nationally known consultant, Mr. Myers has developed energy efficiency programs for utilities, municipalities, and businesses. Mr. Myers is an IFMA Sustainable Facility Professional and a USGBC LEED AP. He served as the Senior Sustainability Manager for Lockheed Martin Corporation’s Energy and Environmental Services. He was a Program Manager for the U.S. Department of Energy and provided technical support to emerging green building programs. Mr. Myers was the Energy Services Manager for the City of Austin in which he created and managed the implementation of award-winning electric and gas demand-side management programs for all customer sectors. In this role, he led the creation of the City’s nationally acclaimed Green Building Program the first program of its kind in the nation. Today, Mr. Myers is the CEO of Myers Verde Company, a consulting company focusing on energy and sustainability issues.
EXHIBITORS Space # Name 63 1st Sunergy LLC 11 Air Filtration Management 105 Alamo Colleges 107 Austin Community College - Environmental Science Dpt. V 11 - 17 Austin EV Club 51 Axium Solar 80 Blue Scope Water 9 Brite Ideas Brite Ideas Hydroponics 50 Built Smart Resources 72 Champion Windows 38 Climate Master Geothermal 3 ClimateMaster Windows 65 DickPeterson.com 10 Dolphin Blue 45 Earth Sheltered Homes 59 Exceltech Solar 54 Garden Towers of Austin 25 Go Green Squads 42 Green Mountain Energy
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23 Green Oaks Remodeling 49 GreenAward Custom Woodworking 70 H Esolar LLC 60 Helioeastsolar 62 Innovative Water Solutions CW 4 J & B Foods 75/75 J & L Electric 26 Joss Growers 27 Kyocera Solar 79 Lighthouse Solar 47 Magic Mike 56 Martin & Erickson CW 5 Nanna’s Ice Cream 46 Native CW 3 Navajo Grill 108 NCAT 57 North Texas Renewable Energy 64 O3 Skin Care LLC 5 OCI Solar 12 Organic Depot Garden Supply 35 Paramount Wastewater 41 Perma-Gard
110/111 21 30 109 31,32,33 55 114 19 61 22 104 106 6,7,8,13,14,15 16 112 1 & 20 115 52 2 17 113 53
Public Citizen/Seed Coalition Rainfilters of Texas Shelterworks, LTD Sierra Club Sierra Homes Sola-Lite Incorporated Solar Austin Sunrise Solar SW Septic Loo Techsun Solar Texas Lavender Association Texas Nature Project Texas Organic Growers Association Texas Responsible Energy & Efficiency Texas Solar Energy Society Texas Solar Power Company Texas Water Solutions, Inc. The Renewable Republic Tree House Truly Noble Service USGBC Central Texas-Balcones Chapter Z Works Design
Market Square, 101 W. Main, Fredericksburg
Event Hours: Sat. 9 am - 6 pm Sun. 9 am - 5 pm
Schedule and layout are subject to change.
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2012 Roundup Supporters Event Organizers
BARON SPONSORS Austin Energy Austin Energy Green Building Circular Energy PATRON SPONSORS HEB LCRA Sierra Club, Lone Star Chapter
Event Sponsors
FRIEND LEVEL SPONSORS Austin Eco Network Axium Solar Be Groovy Be Green Blue Dolphin CPS ENERGY Kyocera Solar OCI Solar Rainfilters of Texas Sierra Homes TOFGA
ASSOCIATE SPONSORS Fredericksburg Convention Visitors Bureau Meridian Solar PEC Texas Solar Power Red Caboose Winery MEDIA SUPPORTERS
Don411.com - national Houston Press KDRP - Dripping Springs KLBJ - Austin KNAF/KFAN - Fredericksburg KRNH - Kerrville KSTX - Hill Country KTSA - San Antonio KUT - Austin Natural Gardener Pollution Equipment News - national Science News Radio Network - Dallas Shades of Green / KOOP - Austin Texas Public Radio - San Antonio Texas Rebel Radio Network Fredericksburg WOAI - San Antonio
Extra Special Thanks to all our volunteers, trail bosses and committee members. We couldn’t do it without you. 40 | 2012 Roundup
Media Sponsors
Contact Information Laura Rice, Roundup Co-Organizer P. O. Box 2735 Fredericksburg, TX 78624 email: info@theroundup.org phone: 830-997-2350 website: www.theroundup.org
Russel Smith, Roundup Co-Organizer Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association P. O. Box 10023 • Austin, TX 78766 email: rsmith@treia.org website: www.treia.org
Texas Center For Policy Studies 707 Rio Grande Suite 200 Austin, TX 78701 www.texascenter.org