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Member Content for the NESEA Blog

November 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment

We’re going to be doing a little experimenting with our blog…

Member-written blog posts, an open invitation

You may have noticed in some of our communications that members have a somewhat open invitation to be contributors to the blog. We haven’t been very loud in extending this invitation, in part because we have not yet figured out all the rules. What we do know is that we want our blog to be as member-driven as any of our other programs.

We have thought about treating the blog in a similar way to how we treat the magazine – the same caliber of articles, but delivered in a more interactive and informal way. What we lack right now is an editorial committee, and we as staff did not feel as though it would be an adequate expression of the membership if we tried to play that role. But we’d like something to happen here in the interim, beyond the NESEA HQ updates and news (which will continue indefinitely, but we don’t want our logistical/programmatic/promotional content to dominate, by any means). If you look back to the earliest posts on the blog (I think they started around 2009) – the posts were coming from NESEA members, so this isn’t a new idea, but we do have more staff support (me) now to help coordinate it.

So, we decided we would keep the open invitation. Already, some of you have said yes to the invitation, so we already have a few posts in the pipeline, waiting patiently for us to work out some logistics. Other upcoming posts will be articles we couldn’t run in BuildingEnergy magazine (we had a TON of excellent proposals for the spring issue, for example, so we thought why not bring them to the unlimited virtual space on our blog).

Get in there and write (with some guidelines)

If you are a current member of NESEA, you can ask us for posting rights and post as you like (after you review our guidelines for posting, including the logistics and what we’re looking for in terms of content).

A quick summary of the content guidelines: The subject matter should be related to our mission of promoting the adoption of sustainable energy practices in the built environment.

Because we are also an organization that values whole systems thinking, the posts might approach the subject through nuts and bolts building techniques, policy, research and development, economics, design philosophy, or even marketing.

For example, the first post will be coming from a new NESEA member, Doug Hanvey. His focus is not in the typical vein of NESEA conversation – he’ll be discussing how to optimize your website. We thought the blog would be a great place to share his advice, since we have heard from some of you in the past that you were interested in getting marketing advice. And, he offers his services specifically to renewable energy companies – so while much of his advice is broadly applicable – his experience is with businesses that are much like the businesses in the bulk of the NESEA membership.

We realize that there are already a number of really excellent energy and buildings blogs out there – many of you already contribute to them! So, we don’t expect that we’ll be the new GreenBuildingAdvisor.com, Environmental Building News, or Renewable Energy World anytime soon, nor do we want to duplicate efforts. We have always been a bit different from other organizations in this niche, and we don’t doubt that our blog will reflect this. Being a little bit different has always been our strength, so it’s something to look forward to.

Blogging is different from the communities of practice

It occurred to me as I wrote this that writing for the blog and hoping for ‘audience participation’ with comments, etc. is similar to what we’re building for the online communities of practice…

The difference is lecture versus seminar style. The communities of practice will be an open discussion, with no one authority standing at the lectern, while the blog is more of a first-person narrative with questions from the audience.

Anyway, the communities of practice will be awesome once they get underway, and I imagine that by necessity the blog will change, and maybe that’s when we get the expertise of an editorial committee to invite, curate and vet content, while the back and forth conversation lives in the communities of practice.

Help us curate content, even if you don’t want to write it

We are hoping that you, the membership, will collectively create the blog you would most like to read. Members can submit their own posts and anyone can comment directly on posts. We do ask that you be polite, but no holds barred as far as critique of the content is concerned. Do keep in mind that you are not just critiquing some random person on the internet – the author of the post is a fellow member. The NESEA community has never been shy about sharing their opinions and what we hope will happen is that member-writers will learn from their audience (their fellow members and greater NESEA community), and the audience will participate in shaping the conversation.

We’re at a very nebulous stage in developing the guidelines for a member-driven blog – which means your opinions and participation will shape what it becomes.

We’re learning as we go, so we hope you’ll bear with us, and more than that, help us figure out how to make the online NESEA community as exciting and engaging as the one that comes together once a year at the conference. If you are interested helping us develop this new(old) resource and member benefit, let us know! To borrow from a BE13 session’s description, “Doing something new often does not go perfectly the first time. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it.”

So, keep an eye out for some new content coming from your fellow members. And be sure to voice your opinion (as if we can stop you) so we can learn as we go.

Filed Under: Communications, Member Announcements, NESEA, NESEA Members Tagged With: , ,

Refurbished Membership Levels – May 2012

April 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

(A follow up/reiteration of our recent 4/12/12 email to the membership):

NESEA has some changes afoot –

  • The first is our new website, to be launched in May.
    The new website, and new database to match, will help improve the way in which members can communicate and connect with one another.
  • Second, after gathering member survey feedback and some serious consideration, we are refurbishing our membership levels, which will be launched with the website in May.

Here is what you can expect:

Individual Levels:
Student / Retiree – $25
Individual / Emerging Professional – $55
ASES / NESEA Individual – $94
Lifetime Individual – $1500

Business Levels (suggested by number of employees):
Small Business / Entrepreneur (1-10) – $250
Local Leader (11-25) – $500
Industry Leader (26+) – $1000

You may notice the new levels are more or less equivalent to our current structure. So, why the change?

  • We needed to simplify.
    Before we had six individual levels of membership and five business levels. Now we offer a total of seven levels. We think this is much more straightforward. It’s also easier for us to track, which means we can spend less time on administration, and more time serving you!
  • We serve a diverse community of members who range in age, career phase, discipline and business size. We needed a membership structure to match.
    Now, new and renewing members can identify their niche more easily and not just based on the quantitative benefits associated with each level. We are asking members to identify themselves in each member level, rather than to choose only based on the price, or the discounts. According to our recent member surveys, the discounts, while definitely a perk, are not really why you join NESEA. (The discounts aren’t going away, though, never fear!)
  • We want to reflect our continued clarity of vision on who our members are and what matters to you.
    We are working hard to continue to improve and deliver on what you have said matters most to you – the peer to peer learning, the community, and the opportunities to connect professionally. De-emphasizing the discounts as reasons to join, coupled with a membership structure that more clearly reflects different career phases, business sizes, and foci, we will be better positioned to do so.

Because most of the current levels have a direct equivalent, your current level of membership should translate seamlessly into our new database. No action is required on your part.

For example, if you are a current Basic $55 Member, you will translate to Individual/Emerging Professional $55 level membership in the new structure. With the exception of the levels we are no longer offering (explained below), very little will noticeably change for you, but we think the semantics are important.

So, where is the Sustainable Green Pages level?

  • We are retiring it as a membership level.
    The Sustainable Green Pages directory listing will be available to anyone that would like to purchase it (for $100), but those that purchase the listing only will not be considered NESEA members (and so will also not receive the Northeast Sun).
  • The Sustainable Green Pages listing will continue to be a benefit to business members…
    …with the added bonus of a NESEA member logo to signify your commitment to the mission and values of this organization. Or, you can be an Individual level member and also purchase a listing, and be recognized as a member with a member logo in the directory.

Here is a summary of what we mean by ‘retiring’ the SGP Level of membership:

  • The SGP level (as a standalone) will no longer be considered a NESEA membership.
  • The SGP directory listing will still be included as a benefit to business level members, and available for purchase separately from (or in addition to Individual) membership for $100.
  • NESEA members who purchase a listing in addition to their membership, or have a listing as a business membership benefit, will be designated as NESEA members in the directory with a NESEA member logo.
  • We will phase out this level as current SGP level memberships lapse.
    That is, current (joined or renewed before May, after our new website launches) SGP level members will continue to be considered full members until it comes time to renew.

If you are a current SGP member and you are interested in renewing your NESEA membership, these are your options:

  • Renew at a Business level
    That way, you get the Sustainable Green Pages listing and the full benefits of NESEA business membership. (Click here to see level options and benefits).
  • Renew at the Individual ($55) level
    If you renew at this level (click here to see benefits), you can additionally purchase a Sustainable Green Pages listing for $100, and still be designated as a NESEA member in the directory. This arrangement does not come with the other perks that come with the business levels (one reason why we would encourage you to give a business level a try), but the combination would then include a $20 discount on a BuildingEnergy Conference registration, which our current SGP level does NOT offer.

Even if you decide not to purchase a listing, or try a business level, as an Individual / Emerging Professional member, you will have access to the members only directory (being listed is optional), which will help you connect to your fellow members (and help them connect to you).

We hope you will stay a member, but if the listing is all you really want, we won’t twist your arm! You will still be able to get one for $100, but you will not receive any of the benefits of being a member of our amazing community.

What about the Supporting and Sustaining individual levels?

To those that have joined at higher priced individual levels (Supporting, Sustaining) – we are retiring them as membership levels because although you gave us more (thank you!!), you did not get much more in return.

We truly appreciate your giving, which is why we would encourage you to contribute as a donation de-coupled from your member dues. That way, because we are a registered 501(c)3, you can get a tax deduction. To clarify that: membership dues are unfortunately NOT tax deductible, only donations are. By donating separately from your membership, we are more clearly able to count, and recognize you (if you wish) among our donors.

If you are a current holder of a supporting or sustaining membership, you will continue to be at that level until it is time for you to renew, and then you will have the opportunity to choose another level.

As always, we are here to support you – to connect you with other professionals, to help you learn from each other, and to continue to promote the adoption of sustainable energy practices in the built environment.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns – 413-774-6051 ext. 20, rheldt@nesea.org.

Thank you for being a part of our community!

Filed Under: Communications, NESEA, NESEA Members Tagged With: , ,

2/16/12 – Pregame for BE12

January 30, 2012 By 1 Comment

Can’t wait for BuildingEnergy12? Neither could we.

Thankfully, one of our BE12 Gold Sponsors and NESEA Members, Renewable Sales, has volunteered to host a BE-caliber session at their showroom in Holliston, MA, February 16, 2012, starting at 5:30pm. RSVP here.

An evening of networking and expert information …
and it’s free! (And there will be food!)

The evening will feature a discussion “Understanding Risks and Rewards: A Conversation on Community Solar,” facilitated by The Cadmus Group, featuring a case study from the Town of Natick and from the City of Medford.  MA Department of Energy Resources will speak to its solar programs (e.g., SolarizeMass with MassCEC, SunShot Program grant), as well as support that it can and has provided to Massachusetts municipalities.

[hide-this-part morelink="Click here to read more about the speakers..."]

Erin Sweet, The Cadmus Group
Erin SweetErin Sweet leads The Cadmus Group’s efforts to support local communities with their renewable energy projects. Since 2010, Ms. Sweet has provided owner’s agent technical assistance services to eight Massachusetts cities and towns on behalf of the state Department of Energy Resources. She has assembled lessons learned from Cadmus’ owner’s agent work into a blog for communities interested in renewable energy. Ms. Sweet has evaluated the costs and benefits of water utility renewable energy projects for the U.S. EPA, and created a roadmap to drive renewables development in South Carolina’s Central Midlands region. Ms. Sweet holds an M.A. in urban and environmental policy and planning from Tufts University, and degrees in microbiology and English from the University of Florida.

Meg Lusardi, MA Department of Energy Resources,
Green Communities Division
Meg is the Director for the Green Communities Division, the organization within the MA Department of Energy Resources that serves as the hub for all municipalities on all matters related to energy.  Meg was tasked in August 2008 to launch the development and implementation of the Green Communities Designation and Grant Program, the landmark program for the Division, that has led to 86 municipalities in MA being designated Green Communities. Meg joined DOER in July 2005 and previously worked with the Renewable Energy team on all matters related to renewables development in MA. She previously served as the Chief of Operations for Project Hope, a non-profit in Dorchester, and as a Project Manager at the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Bob Bois, Environmental Compliance Officer, Town of NatickBob Bois
Bob has worked in the environmental field on the public side for over 35 years. Presently, Bob is the Environmental Compliance Officer (ECO) for the Town of Natick – a position he’s held for the past 10 years. As the ECO for Natick, Bob is responsible for coordinating Town-wide compliance with all applicable federal and state environmental laws applicable to Town operations and plays a key role in implementing environmental stewardship and pollution prevention projects Town-wide. As Natick’s ECO, Bob has helped the Town achieve ISO 14001 certification for the environmental management system at its water treatment plant in 2007, secured designation from the state DOER as Green Community in May 2010, and helped negotiate two Power Purchase Agreements to install a 1.08 MW solar array system on the roof of six town buildings by the spring of 2012. Prior to working for Natick, Bob worked 25 years with the state DEP in various positions including the Acting Director for the Office of Enforcement. Bob has a BS in biology form Merrimack College and a MS in Engineering from Tufts University.

A representative from the City of Medford (to be confirmed)

With introductions from:

Kevin Price, CEO, Renewable Sales
Kevin Price is CEO of Renewable Sales of Holliston Massachusetts. Mr. Price bring 30 years of construction sector experience to his position, predominantly in the role of wholesale distributor of mechanical  equipment. In 2008, he opened a small warehouse to service the fledgling solar market in the MetroWest region of Massachusetts.  Since then, he has grown the company to keep pace with the fast expanding market. Renewable Sales now has 3 divisions; the original distribution company that recently expanded operations to a 20,000SF facility in Holliston, as well as two manufacturing divisions.  In Dallas, Texas the company manufactures its American Choice PV modules. The third division, Constellation Solar Mounts, manufactures solar racking for commercial and utility scale projects.

Mr. Price is a native of Massachusetts and enjoys New England’s diverse cultural and seasonal offerings. Mr. Price supports a number of charitable organizations on a local and regional basis.

…and our own Jennifer Marrapese, Executive Director, Northeast Sustainable Energy Association[/hide-this-part]

Here is the essential information:

What: NESEA invites you to “Understanding Risks and Rewards: A Conversation on Community Solar” presented by The Cadmus Group, and hosted by Renewable Sales
Where: Renewable Sales, 35 Jeffrey Avenue, Holliston, MA 01746
When: Thursday, February 16th, 2012; 5:30 – 8:30pm
RSVP: http://goo.gl/iKWtB – maximum 60 attendees – so do not delay! (and please let us know if you need to cancel)

We hope to see you there!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me: rheldt@nesea.org or 413-774-6051 ext. 20

Filed Under: Events, Industry, NESEA, NESEA Members, Renewable Energy, Solar Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Follow-Up to the Net Zero Event at Mitsubishi

December 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

In November, you learned about the process
to reach net zero, now it’s time to learn more about the mechanical systems that help make net zero possible!

Join us January 10th, 2012 at the Mitsubishi Training Center
in Southborough, MA.

RSVP here!

Due to overwhelming demand for a more technical session to follow-up our recent NZB meeting at the Mitsubishi facility, Susan Pickett and Rick Nortz from Mitsubishi Electric are offering a presentation to discuss the types of inverter driven heat pump products that can benefit your high performance buildings.

The presentation will include residential, light commercial, and larger commercial solutions for carbon neutral heating and cooling in all climates and they will discuss product attributes, design considerations, energy savings, LEED, and controls.

There will be dinner following the presentation. And guess what… It’s still free!

Here is the essential info:

What: Mitsubishi Technical Follow-Up (to the Net Zero Energy event in the fall)
 When: January 10th, 2012  – 3PM – 5PM, dinner to follow
Where: Mitsubishi Training Center, 150 Cordaville Rd. (RT. 85), Southborough, MA 01772
How? RSVP HERE or contact 413.774.6051 ext. 20, or rheldt@nesea.org

 

Filed Under: Events, Industry, NESEA, Sustainable Building Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Maclay Architects redesign Putney General Store

December 8, 2011 By 2 Comments

This is a more personal post, but I promise it’s relevant to NESEA!

In 2008, the 200 year old Putney General Store caught fire and was severely damaged. The Putney Historical Society and town rallied to purchase the property and start to rebuild. In 2009, an arsonist set fire and obliterated the store completely. The Putney Historical Society and town again set about to rebuild. Maclay Architects, Bill Maclay’s (you may remember him from our recent Net Zero Event at Mitsubishi) architectural firm is one of the companies working on the general store’s resurrection. [hide-this-part morelink="Read more..."]

The Putney General Store was so important to me in my childhood. I was in Dummerston, VT nearly every summer growing up and continue to visit every winter with my family. These visits to Dummerston always involved a trip to the Putney General Store for sandwiches, Matchbox cars, and penny candy.

I was devastated when I found out about the 2008 fire, but relieved to know that there were efforts to rebuild. When I checked in to see its progress a year later  in 2009, I was devastated again to learn that it had been incinerated in an intentional fire.

Flash forward to just a month or so ago when I was learning more about Bill Maclay’s firm in preparation for the Net Zero event at Mitsubishi. I was browsing their website to see their current projects. I knew they had done a project for the Putney School (on the cover of the Fall 2011 Northeast Sun), but I was pleasantly surprised to see that they were part of the team working to rebuild the General Store. They have designed it to be a high performance, energy efficient multi-use building (retail and business). (You can read about the project at the Maclay Architects website)

I stopped in Putney last weekend on a whim and saw the (nearly) finished product. It looks almost exactly like the store we lost. While I know the interior won’t have the old, worn labyrinthine aisles and that 200 year old musty barn smell, I take comfort in knowing that it has been improved upon and respected by all those who worked to rebuild it. When I saw the architects’ rendering, I was struck by how well they kept its historical integrity, and in person, how well the rendering translated to the real building. While it looks shiny and new, it doesn’t look out of place or out of sync.

[/hide-this-part] Its grand reopening is this weekend, Saturday Dec. 10th. (Information about the reopening is available here).

I just wanted to take a moment to congratulate Maclay Architects on reviving such an important structure and institution in Putney, while undoubtedly incorporating updates and design elements that will make it more resilient in an uncertain energy future.

NESEA members, your work has a significant impact on so many levels. I think that this is an aspect of the ‘whole system’ that we talk about. The built environment occupies more than just physical space. Beyond (or underlying) the building system, the environmental/ecological systems, there are the socio-cultural systems. This project touches on all of them – as I imagine the work all of you do does in one way or another.

Thank you for doing what you do.

Filed Under: Green Building, NESEA Members, Sustainable Building Tagged With: , , ,

Longtime NESEA Member Launching New Business

December 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Robert (Bob) Chew, founder of Alteris Renewables, is launching his own renewable energy consulting company! Here is his press release below:

Alteris Renewables founder Bob Chew starts new company
BRISTOL, RI, November 1, 2011 – Bob Chew, renewable energy entrepreneur has launched a consulting firm that provides creative strategies and solutions to clients exploring options in the ever emerging renewable energy field. R.W. Chew, LLC, DBA as R.W. Chew Consultants, based in Bristol, RI, focuses on offering expert guidance using best practice gained from 30 years in the renewable energy field, to individuals, businesses, municipalities, schools and government agencies seeking viable and cost effective energy choices.  “It is becoming increasingly difficult for the average consumer to navigate the growing number of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency options available today,” states Chew. The design, implementation, and integration of sustainable energy solutions necessitates the need for a long range plan or ‘road map’ that incorporates variables specific to a particular project. There is no one size fits all in the renewable and energy efficiency field. By generating designs, specifications and project oversight, the company functions much the same as an architect in the building industry.

R.W. Chew Consulting is already working with Bryant U. on a grant to help public high schools in Rhode Island determine what energy retrofits and renewable energy technologies can help them get as close to net zero as possible. View the press release shared on the Bryant U. blog.

I also had the opportunity to interview Bob about his new company and his lifelong experience working with renewables. [hide-this-part morelink="Click here to hear more about Bob and his new company"]

In your press release, you mention, “there is no one size fits all in renewable and energy efficiency field.” Where do you start in determining what might work in a given location for a particular client?

For wind turbines, it is wind speed, interconnection challenges and site conditions that include shadow flicker, noise, safety and view shed issues.  For photovoltaics on roofs, it is finding unshaded areas on flat or south facing roofs and confirming if the roof is in good condition and if the roof can handle the additional weight.  For hot water systems, we need to size the system to the amount of hot water used and if there are any seasonal issues such as a school where they don’t use hot water during the summer.  For wood chip boilers on commercial buildings, we need to make sure that there is room for the new boiler and that there aren’t any issues with tying this system into the existing heating system.  For methane digesters and geothermal systems, we have the same issues.  A common challenge is to determine which technology is cost effective due to many factors including the cost of the installation, O&M costs, incentives and grants.

NESEA advocates whole systems thinking in approaching renewable or energy efficiency issues. What does the whole systems thinking mean to you? Does this inform how you proceed in your work?

I received a degree in Environmental Science from New England College in 1973 and learned about whole systems and ecology.  As a consultant, I understand how the design of a new building has the opportunity to either have a minimum impact on the environment or have a very large impact is determined at the design stage and I look forward to consulting with clients and their architects or builders to make sure that the latest technologies and design strategies are incorporated.

In the 34 years you have been doing this work, what have been your great epiphanies? Have there been some mistakes, breakthroughs, events or conversations that have changed your practice? What were they?

I spend a lot of time looking ahead and have prided myself in foreseeing trends before the competition becomes aware of them. I have seen the solar energy industry grow rapidly under President Jimmy Carter and seen it disappear under President Reagan. Obviously, as I look back, this was a huge mistake and allowed our country to lose its monopoly in the solar industry.  I have also been involved in the rapid growth of the solar and wind industry, and wish that Washington would remove incentives to the fossil fuel and nuclear power industry and require that pollution from these technologies is properly accounted for.  What had bothered me is the focus on photovoltaics while other solar technologies such as passive solar design and solar hot air systems and solar thermal systems have been neglected by many of the larger solar companies in the country.  I’m also bothered by the many LEED certified projects that don’t take advantage of photovoltaics, solar hot water, solar hot air and passive solar design including isolated passive solar sunspaces. In my new business, I hope to revive and popularize some of these technologies such as solar hot air systems and isolated passive solar sunspaces.

Who do you look to continue learning in this field? Where do the new ideas come from? 

I have had the good fortune to know many of the experts in the renewable energy field and seek out their expertise as needed in my new company.  Currently, I have brought in Everett Barber as a consultant on a concentrating solar thermal project I am involved in.  Everett has extensive knowledge in solar thermal and his recent book titled “Converting Your Home to Solar Energy” is in my opinion the best book on solar energy that I have read.  I still read newsletter, books and magazines and attend as many trade shows as I can to keep abreast of the changes in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries.

What advice do you have for emerging professionals in this field? 

I am asked by many students and people looking to get into the renewable energy industry what they should do.  First, I encourage them to enter into the field since it not only has a great future but it is such an important industry.  It also provides a great deal of satisfaction knowing that you are making a positive impact on the environment and helping our country move towards energy independence.  I strongly believe that you should do what you enjoy.  For many years, I was out in the field and loved the hard work and being outdoors and strongly encourage those who like working outdoors to become a green builder, solar installer or a plumber or electrician who specializes in the renewable energy field.  Some people love selling, designing or the engineering of renewable energy systems.  They need to find a niche where they can do what they love.  I have been lucky to have been able to spend over thirty years doing something that I love.

What is most exciting to you about your new consulting firm? What do you love about what you do and what do you hope to accomplish?

First, I loved running a solar business, but now that I’m sixty, I wanted to have more flexibility to do some of the things that I have always wanted to do.  Beth and I were able to spend five weeks in New Zealand last winter and are planning another exciting trip this winter.  To have the flexibility to do these things was very hard when I was running SolarWrights or Alteris.  I also love being able to get involved in some of the different renewable energy technologies that I was unable to do in the past. [/hide-this-part]

We wish Bob the very best with his new company, and our sincerest thanks for his thoughts.

Filed Under: Green Building, NESEA Members, Renewable Energy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Net-Zero Energy & High Performance Building Presentations, Nov. 10, 2011

October 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Curious about zero net energy and high performance buildings?

Ever wonder how zero net energy is possible?

Interested in net zero/high performance building design and mechanical systems?

Join us November 10th at the Mitsubishi Training Center in Southborough, MA to find out! RSVP HERE.

Our hosts and sponsors Mitsubishi Electric have helped us pull together a fantastic evening.

Registration, networking and hors d’oeuvres begin at 5PM
The talks will begin at 6PM, followed by Q&A

Moderating the evening’s discussion (and also sharing more information about NESEA’s Zero Net Energy Building Award) will be Mike Duclos, a principal and founder of The DEAP Energy Group, LLC, a consultancy providing a wide variety of Deep Energy Retrofit, Zero Net Energy and Passive House related consulting services.

Mike is a HERS Rater with Mass. New Homes with ENERGY STAR program, a Building Science Certified Infrared Thermographer, a Certified Passive House Consultant who certified the second Passive House in Massachusetts, holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from UMass Lowell, and two patents. See more from Mike at the DEAP Energy Group website.

Our speakers are R. Carter Scott, President of Transformations, Inc., a sustainable development and building company in Townsend, MA and William Maclay, founding principal of Maclay Architects in Waitsfield, VT. Both have extensive experience with net zero and high performance building design and the technology that makes net zero possible.

R. Carter Scott will talk about several of his recent zero energy homes built throughout Massachusetts, focusing on how to get to zero on a reasonable budget, including how to get the most out of current incentives for solar electric systems.

Transformations, Inc. specializes in developing and building Zero-Energy communities, building out Zero-Energy communities for other developers, building custom Zero-Energy homes and installing solar electric systems for residential, commercial and building clients. Have a look at his work over on the Transformations, Inc. website!

William (Bill) Maclay will talk about the process for achieving net zero energy in institutional and commercial buildings, sharing his experiences on two of his firm’s recent projects and his approach from design to monitoring will illuminate how to achieve net zero energy and operate at net zero energy.

Maclay Architects is an awards winning architectural practice that specializes in environmental planning, healthy building design, energy conservation and net-zero architecture. Their own offices are solar powered and net-zero, even in central Vermont! Maclay Architects most recent projects can be found on their website.

CEUs are pending through the AIA. AIA accredited sessions are also often eligible for self-reporting for other licenses or certifications.

Here is the essential info:
What: Net-Zero Energy & High Performance Building Presentations, hosted and sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric
 When: November 10th, 2011  - starting 5PM (talks starting at 6PM)
Where: Mitsubishi Training Center, 150 Cordaville Rd., Southborough, MA 01772
How? RSVP HERE or contact 413.774.6051 ext. 20, or rheldt@nesea.org

And yes… it’s free. Get excited.

Filed Under: Events, Green Building, NESEA Members, Renewable Energy, Solar, Sustainable Building, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Reminder: UMass Amherst Lecture Series

October 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Events, Green Building, NESEA, Sustainable Building Tagged With: , , , , ,

NESEA member public presentations

October 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you visited some residences at Green Buildings Open House this past weekend and were looking for some more information or next steps, you may want to check out NESEA member Rachel White’s (of Greener Every Day) talk at the Chelmsford Public Library.

Her talk is part of a two part series “Bringing Your Home into the 21st Century“. The first part of this series (delivered Sept. 21) was presented by Paul Eldrenkamp (of Byggmeister, Inc.), long-time NESEA member and this year’s BuildingEnergy Conference co-chair. (Sorry we missed your talk, Paul! We’ll just have to check out your talk “Ice Dams, Climate Change & You” at the Weston Public Library Oct. 19th, or your session at Build Boston Nov. 16th !)

Bringing Your Home into the 21st Century
presented by Rachel White, Greener Every Day, LLC
Wednesday, October 26th, 7PM
Chelmsford Public Library
25 Boston Rd., Chelmsford, MA

For other upcoming events, check out our events calendar – and as always, if you have an event you would like to promote, just let us know (nesea@nesea.org)!

Filed Under: Communications, Events, Green Building, NESEA, NESEA Members Tagged With: , , , ,

UMass Amherst lecture series – local interest?

September 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to pop in to take a quick survey of interest in UMass Amherst’s Green Building Committee Lecture Series open to the public. Please see the event flyer here. You will likely recognize some of the names – some NESEA members & friends will be speaking, for example, our intrepid Board Member, Bruce Coldham, of Coldham & Hartman Architects.

We were thinking it might be fun to gather Springfield Area Sustainable Energy Association chapter members, any Western MA members (and of course, anyone else who would like to join us) at one of these lectures and follow up at a local restaurant/pub/coffee place to chat about the event, make or reestablish connections and have some fun!

Would you be interested in joining us? Please fill out our poll to let us know!  The October 18th speaking engagement, a Tuesday, will be an opportunity to connect with our SASEA chapter chair, Mike Kocsmiersky (of Spirit Solar). If you’re interested in another meet-up, we can arrange another around Bruce Coldham’s November 15th presentation.

Please also stay tuned for more information on our joint chapter-affiliate event in Southborough, MA, November 10th, sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric. And of course, don’t forget Green Buildings Open House is this Saturday, October 1st!

Hope to see you soon!

Filed Under: Communications, NESEA Members, Sustainable Building Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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