Renewable and Sustainable Energy Conference Sept. 27 in Pleasantville

PLEASANTVILLE, NY — The state's top experts in renewable and sustainable energy systems and the government programs that support them will speak at a conference at the Jacob Burns Center in Pleasantville Sept. 27.

The event, organized by Grassroots Environmental Education, is designed for building contractors, architects, landlords, facilities managers and other building managers and owners who are considering alternatives to fossil fuel-based energy systems.

Presenters include Donovan Gordon, Director of Renewable Heating & Cooling at the New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA), Matt Johnston, Director of HeatSmart Tompkins County, Adam Flint, Southern Tier (NY) Solar Works Program Manager for the Binghamton Regional Sustainability Coalition, and Nina Orville, former Program Manager of Solarize Westchester.

"The energy sector is making huge strides in bringing new technologies to market," says Doug Wood, Associate Director of Grassroots. "Thermal systems are cost-effective and take advantage of an infinitely renewable resource. Anyone constructing a new building or retrofitting an older building needs to know what's out there, and how they can take advantage of the state's financial assistance programs."

The conference was organized partially in response to Westchester County's recent legislation phasing out the use of #4 and #6 heating oil. Some building owners and homeowners are switching to other fossil fuel-based energy systems, but Wood points out that continuing to burn fossil fuels is an idea whose time has passed.

"We congratulate Westchester County for acting to phase out dirty oil systems that contribute to air pollution," says Wood. "But changing over to another fossil fuel system as we are facing a global climate crisis makes no sense at all, especially when there are efficient and cost-effective alternatives available. That's why we've organized this conference."

The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at noon. For more information or reservations, please call the Grassroots Westchester office at (914) 422-3141.

PHOTO: By Rsampogna (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons