Now in its 34th year, the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association's BuildingEnergy09 Conference and Trade Show brings together professionals and decision-makers who are shaping the practice of sustainability.
Conference Content. Nearly 200 of the country's best energy experts will define the leading edge of smart building, energy efficiency and renewable energy when the show convenes at Boston's Seaport World Trade Center March 10-12. Several thousand people are expected to attend.
The show is recommended for architects, engineers, builders, building systems designers and owners, facility managers, developers, investors, real estate professionals, municipal & building code officials, sustainability coordinators, policy makers and planners.
 Highlights. Conference highlights include the:
* Keynote presentation "Deep Energy Retrofits: Less (Energy) is More (Better)" by Marc Rosenbaum, President, Energysmiths. Rosenbaum is one of the country's leading energy visionaries in the design and construction of super energy efficient buildings. Tuesday March 10 at 6:00.
* Public forum panel discussion "Building Energy Efficiency: What's Right and What's Wrong With LEED". The discussion will address the efficacy of the US Green Building Council's LEED rating system in developing energy efficient buildings and the critical importance of validated performance in today's "greenwashed" environment. Wednesday March 11 at 8:30.
Trade Show. The March 11-12 trade show will showcase some 170 vendors, including manufacturers and distributors of renewable energy and energy efficiency equipment, building products, systems and software. In addition, numerous professional service providers, including architects, energy consultants and builders will also be represented in the trade show.
Theme. The conference theme "Real Solutions, Real Experts" reflects NESEA's focus on pioneering solutions, proven results and collaboration in design, construction and retrofit of the built environment.
To register for the conference, email [email protected] or call 413-223-8005. Groups and NESEA members are eligible for registration discounts.
Programs for Professionals. The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) is the Northeast's leading organization of professionals working in sustainable energy, whole systems thinking and clean technologies. NESEA organizes the conference, other professional development trainings, and award programs for professionals throughout its 10-state region.
The Association also organizes--with the assistance of some 40 local organizers--the Green Buildings Open House tour each October. The tour is the largest green building event in the Northeast. It offers professionals an opportunity to showcase their work and builds demand for green buildings and renewable energy systems. Our K-12 education program provides training for teachers and develops energy science curriculum for schools.
David Barclay is executive director of NESEA, Greenfield, Mass.