The NESEA (Northeast Sustainable Energy Association) is hosting its 33rd annual Building Energy Conference & Trade Show in Boston this week, from March 11-13. The parameters on the breadth of the conference, stemming from the NESEA’s dedication to issues particular to the Northeast, allows for remarkable depth of education. Workshops and sessions are offered for everyone from the greenest beginner (…sorry) to the savviest pro. You can attend the free, broadly informational public forum on Tuesday whose theme is the Green Revolution with a nod to that most staunchly New England revolution, the Boston Tea Party; and then on Wednesday, go to an “Interactive Load Calc Party!” in which participants can see for themselves how different variables affect peak loads and annual energy usage. The first day of the conference focuses on intense all- or half-day workshops, while Wednesday and Thursday offer a wealth of shorter sessions as well as the very well populated trade show.
The value of regionally focused trade shows like this one is dual: they bring the best of professional networking together with community awareness building. This is especially important for the world of sustainability issues, in which grassroots organizations are pushing incredibly hard for commercial acceptance of the industry’s services and products. And while geographically more diffuse conferences might provide opportunities to learn from the examples of other countries and states, it’s good for the Northeast to be able to focus on its own successes and challenges.
So NESEA is presenting the conference, but it’s always interesting to look at who’s helping to foot the bill. The title sponsor is the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. the state-run development agency “for renewable energy and the innovation economy” whose programs are many, but include their keystone Renewable Energy Trust. The secondary sponsor is Steven Winter Associates, Inc., a building consulting firm that emphasizes sustainability. Tertiary sponsors seem pretty evenly divided among state advocacy groups, utilities, and private firms. What I wonder is, who paid for the Elvis impersonator?
Yes, you heard right. The official conference reception is due to be enlivened by an Elvis impersonator who strives to make his Kingly tours carbon neutral. You’ve got to wonder if he eats bacon and peanut sandwiches made with locally farmed pork and organic peanut butter…If I find out, I’ll certainly report it here.
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