Early-bird Ends Sept. 1
Last call for early-bird rates to the Ozarks New Energy Conference Oct. 7-8. Get two full days of 30+ energy sessions, workshops, exhibits, demonstrations and field trips, plus four meals.
Full 2-Day Conference – $75, after Sept. 1 $100
ONE Friends – $50, after Sept. 1, $75; check www.ozarksnewenergy.org for levels
Single Day – $50, after Sept. 1, $75
Students – Free for plenaries or $35 for full conference
Discounts – For sponsoring organizations that have members, call 417-581-0475
Register online at www.ozarksnewenergy.org or download a paper form from the Web site.
Green jobs forum – Learn the results of the greens jobs survey commissioned by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership. Matt Ellickson, a political science professor at Missouri State University who conducted the survey, will present the results, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Jeff Seifried of the Chamber. Panelists are Doug Neidigh of Drury University’s Ozarks Center for Sustainable Solutions, Cindy Stephens of Ozarks Community Technical Center, Michael Garner of UMB Bank and Partnership for Sustainability, Kristen Westerman of the Chamber and Kathy Shatto of Missouri Career Center.
Green landscape architecture – Did you know that a properly positioned tree can save up to 25% on your home’s heating and cooling bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy? Same is true for your business. Local Springfield landscape architects Guy Headland and Matt Boehner will discuss landscape architecture enhancements to existing structures and materials, siting and plantings for new construction. Such enhancements can increase the value of the property while improving comfort and reducing energy bills.
Field trips – LEED buildings are becoming more common in the Ozarks. On Friday afternoon following the final breakout sessions, we’ll adjourn to visit some of the new LEED projects in Springfield. We’re planning trips to:
- Hickory Hills Middle School – Get a guided tour of the green features of Springfield’s first LEED school.
- Botanical Center – The new $4.3 million Botanical Center in Springfield opens the week after our conference, but you can get a sneak preview Oct. 8.
- Drury University’s O’Reilly Family Event Center – This $13.5 million LEED facility will be open for business by the conference.
- A LEED office building and headquarters – We hope to offer a fourth field trip to a new LEED facility in Springfield that opens this fall.
Solar case study for business – Solar is becoming more affordable every year. Zeke Fairbank of The Alternative Energy Company will make the case for businesses to add solar to reduce their energy burden. Kyle Hesemann of BKD will present information about energy tax credits, depreciation and financing options.
Future mass transit in Missouri and Springfield – We’re fortunate to have two transportation authorities as speakers in a breakout session that looks at mass transit. Brian Weiler with the Missouri Department of Transportation will discuss high-speed passenger rail for Missouri. Irwin Cohen, with decades of experience in mass transit systems in New York City, Chicago and elsewhere, will explore “Is Springfield Ready for Public Transportation?”.
MST to Join ONE 3 With Solar Car and Solar Village Exhibits
Missouri University of Science and Technology is a national leader when it comes to research and development in applied solar energy. This year, MST is sending one of its solar cars and a team of students to our Alternative Car Show Oct. 7 and will have several tents set up outside Plaster Student Union displaying models of its Solar Village houses in Rolla.
These super energy-efficient houses competed in years past at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon in Washington, D.C. They return to Rolla where they become student housing and on-campus teaching tools.