Session One: Bio-Energy and Alternative Fuels
8:30 am – 9:30 am: Woody Biomass Strategy for Northwest Florida Speaker: Mr. Al Wenstrand, President, Florida’s Great Northwest, Inc.
Presentation Description: Mr. Wenstrand will review Florida’s Great Northwest’s strategy for developing a woody biomass-based renewable energy industry in Northwest Florida, including sharing the research behind the focus on woody biomass and the partnerships that are being formed to facilitate the growth of the industry in the region.
Bio: Al Wenstrand is the President of Florida’s Great Northwest, a regional economic development organization representing the sixteen counties in Northwest Florida. In his role, Al formulates the overall strategy for the organization, as well as develops a regional economic development strategy for Northwest Florida. He directs all aspects of the business, including the areas of marketing, business development, workforce initiatives, and administration. In order to lay the groundwork for diversifying the regional economy, Al serves as a liaison to the community and works in conjunction with local educational institutions, workforce boards, businesses, and economic development organizations. Florida’s Great Northwest has identified renewable energy as one of the region’s keys to developing a sustainable and diversified economy and is in the process of developing a regional strategy for the development of that industry.
9:40 am – 10:40 am: Algae-Based Biofuels Speakers: Mr. Victor Garlington, 70 Cents A Gallon, Director of Client Services, and Mr. John Manzanet, VP of Operations.
Presentation Description: The presentation will discuss the advances in algae-based fuel and the benefits of algae farming. The discussion will focus on the economics and small- and large-scale algae operations and provide case studies of algae farms to include feedstock, capital investment, and product.
Bio: Victor Garlington, Director of Client Services, 70CentsaGallon.com and John Manzanet, VP of Operations, 70CentsaGallon.com
70CentsaGallon.com provides clean, affordable and reliable energy solutions that are sustainable to diversify primary energy sources and reduce dependency on coal and petroleum. We offer a variety of services for our clients that will help your fleet cut fuel costs and reduce your company’s carbon footprint. Mr. Garlington has been engaged in the renewable energy industry as a producer of bio-diesel. In his current role, he is responsible for marketing Bio-Diesel/Algae Farming Equipment for 70CentsaGallon.com. Victor has built a team of professionals to market the company’s products and services to Private- and Public-Sector clients to include local, state, and federal entities. The company has engaged customers throughout the United States, China, and South Africa. The company is presently expanding partnerships with the U.S. Department of Commerce and other agencies in order to market our products and services, globally. Victor is a 10 years serving the U.S. Air Force Veteran and has spent the last nine years recruiting former service members into the Corporate Sector.
Bio: Mr. Manzanet works with international clients to develop turn-key productions facilities for farming biodiesel from algae and algae ethanol. He has extensive experience with wastewater sludge removal and has assisted clients by implementing algae plant solutions to eliminate sludge transportation cost and produce valuable commodities with Algae Farming. John is a 23-year Naval Office and is presently a reserve Commander with 18 years in Active Duty status. John has two Bachelor’s degrees in Aero Space Engineering and Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. He is a certified Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic, and a Certified Commercial Instrument Pilot. He has an MBA from the University of West Florida and is currently pursuing his Project Management Certification from the Project Management Institute.
John is responsible for Sales and Marketing and Business Development for the company. As a Project Manager for the Department of the Navy, he has worked on an $8.8 billion Internet technology project to provide support for 330,000 users throughout the United States, Japan, and the Caribbean.
10:50 am – 11:50 pm: Biodiesel--Production and Usage Speaker: Mr. Bob Cole, Santa Rosa County Commission and Vice Chair of Florida’s Great Northwest Energy Council.
Presentation Description: Mr. Cole will discuss the current values of alternative fuel and what steps we can take to stay on track even though oil prices are down and alternative is not today's buzz.
Bio: Bob Cole is currently serving a second term as Santa Rosa County Commissioner. He proudly served in the United States Navy and is a Master Mechanic who has been the owner and operator of a successful automotive business for over 25 years. Bob has long been interested in alternative fuels and has been working with fuel and internal combustion engines and power trains for over 40 years. He is Vice Chair of Florida’s Northwest Energy Council. Mr. Cole has a degree in Industrial Education from Pensacola Junior College.
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Planning for Energy Uncertainty in FloridaSpeakers: Mr. Michael Joachim, AICP, MJA Consulting, LLC, and Mr Tracy Mullins, AICP, MJA Consulting, LLC.
Presentation Description: This presentation offers attendees a broad perspective on the future of sustainable energy practices in Florida. Starting with worldwide concerns and working through national and state concerns, a worldview of planning for energy and climate uncertainty is presented. Through power points and interaction with presenters the group will look at what’s currently happening, why is energy sustainability is viewed as a problem for cities, what are cities already doing across the United States and what the current vision of Post Carbon Cities is. The group will be given a brief overview of current commercial BioFuel development in Florida and background on Governor Christ’s Florida Energy and Climate Change Action Plan.
Bio: Michael is the principle of MJA Consulting LLC, with 39 years of planning experience in Central Florida. Author of Green Swamp Ordinances, Michael works at developing a balance between development interests and environmental interests. Michael has lectured at State University of New York, Glassboro State College and Polk Community College and holds a Bachelor of Urban Planning from the University of Illinois Bio: Tracy is the Director of Planning and Design at MJA Consulting LLC, and has international experience in Utilities Planning, Business Consulting, Urban Planning, Business Geographics and Ecotourism Research. An active environmentalist, Tracy participated in the Megisan Lake Environmental Assessment, which resulted in creating on of the newest largest wilderness parks in Ontario, Canada. His teaching experience includes being a full time lecturer at the University of Michigan as well as teaching classes at Eastern Michigan University, and Lakehead University in Canada. Tracy Holds a Master of Science in Geography, a Bachelor of Science in Geography, An Honours Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation and Park Planning, and an Associates degree in Resource Management.
Session Two: Energy Efficiency and Building Science
8:30 am – 9:30 am: Structured Plumbing® Sustainable Design for Water/Energy Savings Speaker: Mr. Larry K, Aker, CEO, Advanced Conservation Technology Inc., ACT Inc. D’MAND Systems
Presentation Description: Participants will learn how this concept can be installed on any new or existing building. The system has been tested by Oak Ridge Laboratories and proven to be a cost-effective means of conserving resources. Hot Water Distribution Systems can help homeowners realize savings of over $400.00 a year. Who should attend? Builders, Plumbers, Contractors, Remodelers, Architects, Facility Managers, Developers, Green Auditors and the General Public.
Bio: Mr. Acker developed the concept “STRUCTURED PLUMBING® currently being promoted by all of the Green Building programs, including LEED, HERS, NAHB Green Building, EPA Water Sense programs as well as Military Housing. Structured Plumbing can be specified and installed on existing homes and commercial buildings and designed into new homes and commercial buildings. The concept of Controlled Hot Water Distribution Pumping Systems saves water, energy, sewage processing and reduces the carbon footprint.
Mr. Acker has been speaking at seminars around the world for over 20 years on the subject of sustainable building. Mr. Acker has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from California State University, Fresno and an advanced Business Degree from IIA in Chicago, Illinois.
9:40 am – 10:40 am The 7 key concepts of Building Green Speaker: Dr. Jennifer L. Languell, Founder and President of Trifecta Construction Solutions
Presentation Description: This class introduces and explains the seven key concepts of building green, including energy efficiency, passive design, construction process, water efficiency and quality, indoor environmental quality, site and landscape, and materials selection.
Bio: Dr. Jennifer Languell is a nationally recognized leader in educating the development and construction industries, as well as homebuyers, about the benefits of green building and sustainable development. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science and Engineering, a Master’s in Civil Engineering and Construction Management, and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and Sustainable Construction. For almost a decade, Dr. Languell has been one of the country’s preeminent consultants in the creation of healthy, efficient and sustainable projects such as single-family residential homes, commercial and multi-family residential construction, land development and green building education and demonstration centers. She conducts approximately 100 educational trainings, seminars and workshops annually for the building and development industries. As a renowned authority on green building, she regularly appears as a speaker at national and international industry conferences. In 2008 Dr. Languell won the Urban Land Institute of Southwest Florida’s prestigious Pathfinder Award, symbolic of vision and leadership in sustainability. In 2007, Trifecta received the Small Business Award from the Council for Sustainable Florida, and in 2006 Dr. Languell was named the National Association of Home Builders’ Green Advocate of the Year and also won the Council for Sustainable Florida Leadership Award. Languell is an award-winning author, and has been featured in numerous publications and television programs including: BusinessWeek, CNN Headline News, HGTV, and CNBC’s “Bullseye.” She also stars in the Discovery Channel’s environmental series Discovery Project Earth, and also serves on the National Governors Association Policy Academy on Advanced Energy Strategies for Buildings. Since founding Trifecta, Dr. Languell has consulted with nearly 50 different businesses and organizations on the subject of green building and sustainability. During this period she has also certified approximately two-thirds of the green homes in the state of Florida using the existing Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) Green Home Certification Standards. In addition, she has worked on more than 250,000 square feet of ongoing U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and FGBC commercial projects, and more than 30,000 acres of FGBC Green Development projects. Dr. Languell also devotes her time to serving on non-profit Boards in the sustainability field. She currently serves as President of the Board of the Florida Green Building Coalition. She is also a LEED Accredited Professional of the United States Green Building Council, and a Certifying Agent with the Florida Green Building Coalition. Dr. Languell and Trifecta are also affiliated with numerous organizations in the environmental, construction and development fields including the National Association of Home Builders, Urban Land Institute, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S Department of Energy and Green Globe.
10:50 am – 11:50 pm: Earth Cents Programs 2009 – Energy Efficiency Education and Demand Side Management Programs Speaker: Glenn Langan, Gulf Power Co., Corporate Office, Mass Marketing
Presentation Description: The presentation will discuss our Earth Cents menu of energy efficiency and conservation programs for new and existing homes as well as businesses. These programs help customers save energy, money and protect the environment. They also help delay the need to build new power plants. We will also be discussing the origins and details of the new Earth Cents Home Program. This program provides builders and customers a means to construct new or improve a residence for quality, comfort and a lifetime of energy savings. We will explore the issues that went into the development of the new program such as the latest building science findings, changing lifestyles, new products, and changing government regulations.
Bio: Mr. Langan is a Market Specialist Sr. at Gulf Power Company. He is responsible for training and program development for the Mass Marketing Department at Gulf Power Co. He specializes in the area of energy efficient residential construction new/existing and Demand Side Management. Gulf Power’s commitment is to safely deliver affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible energy to very satisfied customers in strong communities. Mr. Langan has many years of experience evaluating energy efficient construction, performing HVAC sizing, energy bill analysis and energy audits. He has had the opportunity to assist many customers and make recommendations to improve the comfort and efficient operation of their home. As an EPIC Certified instructor for Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) he teaches both Manual J and Manual D courses for proper load calculations, duct designs and system selection. The international American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) advances technology to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world. Mr. Langan is involved with ASHRAE at the local level as the Northwest Florida Chapter President 2007-2009 and member at the International level of ASHRAE serving on Standard SSPC 62.2 Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings. Over the past 16 years he has conducted over 2,000 energy audits. He has studied the interactive relationships of building performance, also known as Building Science, which is climate zone specific and has recommended many solutions for Hot-Humid Climates. Mr. Langan has a BAS Resource Management degree from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. He is also a RESNET Nationally Certified Class I Energy Rater since 1998.
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Session Three: Low Impact Development and Sustainability
8:30 am – 9:30 am Moving Toward Sustainability People-Planet-Profit. Mr. Tim Center, Vice President, Sustainability Initiatives for the Collins Center for Public Policy
A Florida native and resident of Tallahassee for nearly 25 years, Tim Center is the Vice President of Sustainability Initiatives for the Collins Center for Public Policy. The Collins Center, which is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization passionately, committed to finding smart solutions to important issues. The Collins Center has offices in Miami, Tallahassee and Venice.
In his role as Vice President, Tim is engaged in several projects that promote long-term, intergenerational policies and actions that promote economic prosperity, environmental stewardship and a higher quality of life for all.
Tim serves as the Director of Sustainable Florida – Collins Center, an alliance of private and public partners committed to identifying, supporting and communicating sustainable best practices. He was appointed the Executive Director of the Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida by Florida Department of Community Affairs Secretary Tom Pelham. The Century Commission is charged by law to help create a 50-year sustainable vision for the state.
Tim is a member of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals and has worked with several organizations including Perry Ellis International and J.M. Family Enterprises to help them better understand and enact sustainability plans.
Tim graduated with undergraduate and law degrees from Florida State University. He has worked for the Tallahassee and Florida Chambers of Commerce, Florida Legislature and directed the state’s juvenile delinquency prevention efforts for the Department of Juvenile Justice for nearly five years.
Before joining the Collins Center, he served as the Foundation Director for the Florida Home Builders Association where he focused on workforce development issues with young people. He is a former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Children’s Home Society and a former Chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency (the regional MPO for the Capital area).
Tim and his wife, Amy, are proud parents of a beautiful daughter, Hayden.
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9:40 am – 10:40 am Implementing Low Impact Development: Planning, Design, Construction Considerations and Case Studies Dr. Scott Struck, and Mr. David Gwisdalla
Bios: Dr. Scott Struck has over nine years of experience in water resources with expertise in stormwater management and low impact development (LID). Prior to his work with Tetra Tech he worked with EPA's Office of Research and Development for 4 years. He has assisted municipal, county, state, and federal clients with the planning, selection, modeling, design, construction, and operation and maintenance of BMPs, especially green solutions, for treating pollutants of concern and evaluating BMP performance. He also has expertise in surface water monitoring, watershed planning and management, and program policy analysis.
Mr. David Gwisdalla is a professional engineer and a LEED® Accredited professional with 12 years experience. David has extensive experience supporting clients with permitting, developing, and executing their Industrial, Municipal and Construction stormwater management programs. He is also the project manager for the creation of the US Air Force Air Combat Command’s Low Impact Development (LID) Tool Box, which will allow installations to evaluate the cost effectiveness of various LID strategies. Prior to joining Tetra Tech, David was an active duty US Air Force civil engineer officer responsible for directing and executing environmental program management requirements.
Presentation Topic: Managers of stormwater utilities are faced with multiple requirements when managing their stormwater programs. One tool, known as Low Impact Development (LID), can support these programs to help meet regulatory requirements to control runoff and improve water quality. This presentation will outline the legal drivers, planning and design requirements, and LID management practices available as part of an overall stormwater management strategy."
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10:50 am – 11:50 am Approaches to Long-Term Sustainability of Northwest Florida Water Resources. Paul Thorpe, Resource Planning Section Director, Northwest Florida Water Management District
Paul Thorpe serves as Resource Planning Section Director at the Northwest Florida Water Management District. In this capacity, he helps coordinate agency activities in watershed management, water supply planning, and local government grant programs. He has been with the District since 1994 and has a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Coastal Zone Management from the University of West Florida.
Presentation Topic: Mr. Thorpe will discuss the following topics in his presentation: Water resources at risk (water supply; watersheds & coastal waters); Importance of these resources (for quality of life, etc.); Approaches for resource protecting and restoration (BMPs, LID approaches in land use, development, and redevelopment); and Additional needs (e.g., research needs, real-world application, identification obstacles to implementation)
12:00 – 2:00 Lunch and Plenary Session in Emerald Grande II
Plenary Session Topic: RePower, ReFuel, Rebuild: Building a Sustainable Future
Moderator: Ben Taube, Executive Director, Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance
Ben Taube currently serves as the Executive Director of the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) which is a nonprofit headquartered in Atlanta, GA with a mission to deploy energy efficiency across 11 southeast States. The organization is comprised of public and private interests. Prior to becoming the Executive Director of the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance, Ben served as the Public Affairs Manager for the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute where he was responsible for planning, coordinating, and communicating GREENGUARD's activities, capabilities, goals, and priorities to a variety of audiences. Ben also worked as the Director of Government Affairs for EcoSMART Technologies. Prior to EcoSMART, Ben served as the Environmental Manager for the City of Atlanta with the responsibilities of developing and enhancing environmental initiatives and policy. Ben is Chair of the Atlanta Chapter of the USGBC; Board member of the USGBC Greenbuild Program Committee; 2008 Receipent of the Atlanta Business Chronicle 40 under 40 leaders; task force member for the city of Chamblee, GA greenbuilding ordinance; member of the Atlanta Regional Commission 50 Forward Initiative; and on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Conservation Voters. Mr. Taube has a Bachelors Degree from the University of Memphis and a Masters in Environmental Policy and Management from the University of Denver.
RePower: Sandy Sims, Gulf Power's Public Affairs Manager, Gulf Power Company
ReFuel: Dr. Marian Marinescu, Assistant Professor, Forest Utilization, West Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida
Marian is an Assistant Professor of Forest Utilization at the University of Florida, the West Florida Research and Education Center in Milton. Marian has been around forests and wood since he was a young boy in his native country Romania. In 1994 he moved to Canada, where he got his Ph.D. in forestry at the University of British Columbia. In Canada, Marian worked as a Forest Products Economist at FP Innovations, the world’s largest forest products research institute. There, he developed a forest to product program to analyze the global trade-flow of forest products and to optimize the decision interactions between forestry sectors. In Florida, Marian works in two major areas of stringent importance to the state: 1. Bioenergy from forest biomass, and 2. Competitiveness of the forest products industry in the 21st century. Marian loves the outdoors and wishes he had more time for woodcarving and cabinetry.
ReBuild: Suzanne Cook, Florida Green Building Council- Green Building Made Simple
This seminar provides an introduction to green building and certification criteria for the Florida Green Building Coalition. It will explain the main components of green building, including energy efficiency, indoor air quality, resource efficiency, and material selections, plus provide information on the certification process. Who should attend...consumers and builders, architects, and sub-contractors needing an introduction to green building. Association Management Graduate -U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Organizational Management; Prescott College-Environmental Studies and Journalism; Florida State University-Finance and Accounting
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Panel Discussions
Panel Discussion Topic: Practical Applications: Building Green Communities
Moderator: Mr. Christian Wagley
Christian Wagley works to improve the built environment for people and the planet as principal of Sustainable Town Concepts. He has worked on environmental issues in state and county government and small business, and in recent years has focused on green building and development in both new and existing homes and neighborhoods, with a special interest in traditional neighborhoods. He holds a master’s degree in biology/coastal zone studies from the University of West Florida, and reflects on life from the 1921 bungalow he restored in walkable, historic downtown Pensacola.
Clean Cities: TBD, U.S. Department of Energy
Green Communities: TBD, Florida Green Building Council
Florida Water Star: Diedre Irwin, St. John’s Water Management District
Deirdre received a Diploma in Environmental Management from Dublin Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Environmental Science from the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland before coming to work for the St. Johns River Water Management District in 1989. She has experience with the District’s surface water regulatory programs, water resource education programs, and certification program development and implementation. Her work as the Florida Water StarSM Coordinator involves creating the framework upon which this important water conservation program is based.
Her areas of focus include: Reaching out to builders to become involved in the program; Developing appropriate training for Florida Water StarSM certifiers; Networking with utilities, planning staff and other water management districts to develop working partnerships; Exploring possible areas of expansion for the program and coordinating the partnership with South West Florida Water Management District and South Florida Water Management District; and Coordinating the revision of the residential criteria and the development of commercial criteria. Deirdre has played a part in the development of the EPA WaterSense home certification criteria by participating in phone conferences and submitting regular input on the developing criteria. She serves on the technical advisory committee for the UF IFAS Putnam St Johns Horticultural Program. She is also a member of the Green Homes Committee of the Florida Green Building Council. Recently, Deirdre has served on the USGBC Residential Green Building Committee.
