The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) continues to be one of the absolute best sources of information and resources for professionals, students and the general public, as it has for over 30 years. In fact, 2009 marks the 35th year NESEA has been in existence. NESEA has been hosting the Building Energy Conference and Trade Show for 34 years, which is quite outstanding in itself, but also shows that NESEA recognized the importance of responsible building practices and have held steadfast in their mission, since 1974.
NESEA's years of experience have strengthened the organization to involve many experts in the various aspects of the building community and develop proven solutions to reduce building emissions, by incorporating cutting-edge energy efficient features, using sustainable building materials, best design practices. BuildingEnergy09 at the Seaport World Trade Center provides knowledgeable and experienced practitioners from New England and beyond to offer their expert advice. BuildingEnergy09 offers networking and learning opportunities during the half and full day workshops, sessions, plenary session, public forum, trade show and relax and enjoy "The Greening of Southie."
Locals to Speak
In total, nearly 200 speakers from New England and beyond will showcase examples of the best sustainable energy practices and policies and offer real insight into the design, construction, and post-occupancy results of numerous highly efficient buildings.
Some of the speakers who will present at the workshops and sessions include: Jean Carroon of Goody Clancy; Joe Lstiburek of Building Science Corp.; John Rogers of Union of Concerned Scientists; Stephen Strong of Solar Design Associates; Greg Watson of the Mass. Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs; and James Wrisley of Suffolk Construction Co.
Plenary Session
Marc Rosenbaum, PE, LEED AP, founder of Energysmiths, will present Deep Energy Retrofits - Less (Energy) is More (Better) at the Plenary Session on March 11.
Trade Show & NESEA Night
A Trade Show featuring over 180 exhibitors highlighting sustainable and energy efficient products and services will offer excellent networking opportunities for Conference attendees. A sample of the local exhibitors include: Boston Architectural College, Mass Energy Consumers Alliance, and The Green Round Table, Boston; Solar Wave Energy, Inc., and Zapotec Energy Inc., Cambridge; Pella Windows & Doors, Haverhill; Solectria Renewables, Lawrence; Sage Builders LLP, Newton; and GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc., Norwood.
Passes to attend the trade show only are available for $30 on March 11 (includes buffet dinner) and $20 on March 12. The hours of the trade show are 10:30 am - 7:00 pm on March 11 and 10:00 am - 4:00 pm on March 12.
NESEA night will feature "Myth Making, Myth Busting and Building Bloopers." This will be presentations by building energy experts who will show slides of notorious building mistakes and hilarious stories from their years in the building and energy industry trenches.
Public Forum
USGBC vice president, Brendan Owens, joins Henry Gifford in a debate about LEED: "What's Right and What's Wrong with the LEED System." Owens will be on hand to discuss how thousands of volunteers enhanced energy efficiency impacts in LEED 2009 and what might be in store for LEED 2011, whose development is already underway.  Join Owens, Henry Gifford, and others who are helping to reset the bar on energy efficiency for a discussion about energy modeling, real-time measurement and the importance of validated performance in today's greenwashed environment.
Documentary
A free screening of the documentary, "The Greening of Southie," will be shown on March 12 at 12:15. Set on the streets of South Boston, the film tells the story of Boston's first residential LEED gold building and the skeptical workers who are asked to build it. The Greening of Southie is a story of bold ideas, unlikely environmentalists, and the future of urban America.
Thank you Sponsors
The Mass. Technology Collaborative returns as the Title Sponsor of this year's BuildingEnergy09 while New York State Energy Research and Development Authority steps up as a Platinum level sponsor and TRC Solutions debuts as the trade show reception sponsor.
Additional sponsors include: American Solar Energy Society, BuildingGreen, Cape Light Compact, Conn. Clean Energy Fund, Efficiency Maine, Integrity Windows and Doors, Mass. Department of Energy Resources, National Grid, NSTAR Electric and Gas.
Media Partners include: Alternative Energy Retailer, ASHRAE Journal, Banker & Tradesman, CSRwire, E-The Environmental Magazine, eco-structure, enerG Magazine, Environmental Design + Construction, Green Builder, Green Living Journal, High Performing Buildings, High-Profile Monthly, Home Energy, Indoor Environment Connections, metrogreenbusiness.com, New England Home, New England Real Estate Journal, New Jersey & Co., New York House, Smart HomeOwner, Solar Industry, and Sustainable Facility.