Workshops

Tuesday, March 7, 2:00-5:00PM

Presenter:

Leigh W. Seddon, Solar Works, Inc.

Workshop Description:

This half-day workshop will cover the design, application, and economics of active solar water heating systems in the Northeast. Designs will include closed-loop antifreeze and drain-back systems using flat-plate and evacuated-tube collectors. Applications will include residential and commercial domestic hot water heating, commercial process water heating, and radiant-floor building heat integration.  The life-cycle economics of active solar heating systems will be explored through an analysis of several Northeast projects.

Tuesday, March 7, 2:00-5:00PM

Presenters:

Joel Gordes, Environmental Energy Solutions (EES)

Robert Preston, Merrill Lynch

Workshop Description:

This session will clear the confusion about what distributed generation is and how it may be used to provide highly reliable renewable and conventional power, close to the point of use. The speakers will take a novel approach to presenting this information, looking at both the technological advantages and disadvantages and the way the resulting risk reduction compares to that of investment-portfolio diversification.

Tuesday, March 7, 2:00-5:00PM

Presenter:

Adam Gifford, Conservation Services Group (CSG)

Workshop Description:

Learn what’s necessary to planning a better HVAC system. What are determinants of human comfort in indoor space? How can we implement best practices for duct design, system sizing and design? Why are proper refrigerant charge and airflow important?

This workshop will address three aspects of efficiency: envelope, equipment, and installation. We will explore systems options such as power-vented, sealed-combustion, and hydro-air; types of ventilation, including heat or energy-recovery ventilators; and domestic hot water systems.

Tuesday, March 7, 2:00-5:00PM

Presenter:

Alex Wilson, Environmental Building News

Workshop Description:

In this interactive workshop, Alex Wilson- founder and executive editor of Environmental Building News and a past executive director of NESEA- will discuss environmental and performance issues with insulation materials. He’ll examine a wide range of materials, including: cellulose, fiberglass, mineral wool, cotton, extruded and expanded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, and both low-density and high-density spray polyurethane. The session will help participants gain a broader understanding of insulation that will help them in specifying these materials.

Tuesday, March 7, 2:00-5:00PM

Presenters:

Jeffrey T. Berg, AIA, Berg/Howland Associates Inc.

Richard Keleher, AIA, Richard Keleher Architect

Workshop Description:

Enliven your spaces with windows and skylights, clerestories, and monitors while preventing glare and overheating.  Learn about shading and reflector systems, both fixed and movable. Discuss a range of design tools and analysis techniques.  Discover how the shape and location of an opening, the materials in the opening and the surfaces of the space affect the resulting luminous scene.  See multiple examples from recent & historic buildings. 

Tuesday, March 7, 2:00-5:00PM

Presenters:

Brian F. Keane, SmartPower

Donald MacGillis, Boston Globe

Workshop Description:

The news has been full of stories about global warming-related disasters and the price volatility of fossil fuel-based energy. Such media interest offers green building and clean energy professionals a unique opportunity to promote energy solutions - and their businesses - to the public. This skills-building workshop will teach participants to craft effective messages about clean energy and green building, write opinion editorials and letters to the editor, and pitch stories to reporters. (The workshop is made possible through a grant from the John Merck Fund.)