Workshop Speaker Bios
JOHN ALBERT
Waste Management, Manger, Government Affairs
Mr. Albert started working full time with Waste Management in 1979. The majority of his time with Waste Management has been in the South Florida market. He is a resident of Broward County, where he has lived since 1961. From 1979 until 1985, Mr. Albert was the operation manager for the Waste Management Company that worked from State Road 84 south into Dade County and from the Ocean to U.S. 27. This area included the present City of Weston. Waste Management had a strong presence in the Bonaventure area serving that area 5 years after the incorporation of the City. From 1986-89, Mr. Albert was the Assistant General Manager of the Company’s West Palm Beach operation and from 1989-93, he manager the Dade County operation. In 1993, he was transferred to Austin, Tex., where he managed a hauling company. In 1996, Mr. Albert moved back to South Florida where he became the company’s Manager of Government Affairs. In 1992, he served as project manager for Hurricane Andrew clean up. He was responsible for overseeing the disposal of millions of tons of material sent to two different South Florida landfills. In 1998, he was also project manager for Hurricane George’s clean up in Monroe County. This project consisted of over one million tons of material spread out over an area from Key Largo to Key West. Mr. Albert is presently involved with Government Affairs in Broward and Monroe Counties.
Waste Management Inc. of Florida, 2700 NW 48th Street, Pompano Beach FL 33073, Phone:954-984-2067, Fax:954-984-2057, jalbert@wm.com
John Albert will present: “The Benefits of Green Lodging”
Phil Bresee, Chair, Recycle Florida Today
Phil Bresee is the Chair of Recycle Florida Today, a professional and advocacy organization that promotes recycling and waste reduction causes throughout Florida. RFT has approximately 325 members from government, private industry, and the non-profit community. Bresee is also the Recycling Program Manager for Broward County where he directs a wide array of efforts including management of the County’s MRF services, the County’s institutional recycling programs, electronics recycling and the County’s beach glass project.
Additionally, Bresee is as a member of the City of Pembroke Pines’ Green City Advisory Board. A Maryland native, Bresee managed recycling programs in suburban Washington DC counties, and served on the board of the Maryland Recyclers Coalition, including as its president in 2003.
Bresee holds a BS in political science from Towson State University in Baltimore and also pursued his MBA. He lives in Pembroke Pines with his wife Leslie and children Max (11) and Nora (8).
http://www.recyclefloridatoday.org/
http://www.broward.org/recycling/welcome.htm
Phil Bresee will present: “Recycling’s Role in Reducing GHG Emissions and our Roles as Recyclers”
Bresee will provide an overview on recycling and solid waste management trends nationally, across Florida and especially here in South Florida. His presentation will highlight the numerous environmental and economic benefits that recycling provides, including reducing GHG emissions, and in lowering overall solid waste management costs. Moreover, Bresee will discuss how we can better educate policy makers and the public on the benefits of recycling and become better recyclers ourselves.
Karen Childress
Karen Childress is a writer and speaker on green home topics and an associate with Trifecta Construction Solutions. She’s known as The Green Home Lady and she writes a weekly blog that is a friendly consumer’s guide for implementing sustainability. Her challenge to the consumer is "Sensible Sustainability: Your home. Your money. Your planet." She’s served as the environmental stewardship manager for WCI Communities, a major Florida homebuilder. During Karen’s tenure WCI built more certified green homes than all other builders in Florida combined. She served two terms as president for the Florida Green Building Coalition and in 2006-2007 Chairman for the Council for Sustainable Florida.
www.trifectaconstruction.com
www.greenhomelady.com
Laura Comer
Laura Comer is a graduate of Florida Southern College and has a M.S. in Physics from Florida State University. She began her career at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in the Tallahassee Branch Office in 1991 as an Environmental Specialist with the Petroleum Storage Tank and Solid and Hazardous Waste Programs. Laura transferred to the Fort Myers office in 1994 as a Hazardous Waste Inspector before taking on the duties of Sustainability Initiatives Coordinator in 1999. The Department’s Sustainability Initiatives currently include the Pollution Prevention Program, Florida Clean Marina Program and the Florida Green Lodging Program. Laura is a member of the Florida Pollution Prevention Roundtable and the Southwest Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism.
Cathy Cone
Cathy Cone is an Assistant Vice President for Marine Bank, serving as the Retail Lending Manager. In this role, she oversees the residential loan department with additional responsibility for consumer loans. Cathy has over 15 years of lending experience spread across a variety of organizations from community based banks to a large lending organization. A Marathon resident, she joined Marine Bank after 11 years with JPMorgan Chase where she held several positions in their Mortgage Division. Cathy was instrumental in introducing the Energy Efficient mortgage while at Chase and its inclusion in their global environmental policy. Cathy is passionate about green living and supports green finance because she believes it’s right for the community, right for the environment, and right for business. She holds a B.S. in information technology from the University of Phoenix , and is presently working on her MBA from American Intercontinental University. You can contact Cathy directly at 305-743-6496. She can also be e-mailed at ccone@marinebankmail.com
Cathy Cone will present: Green Financing
Being energy efficient doesn’t always have to cost more. Green loans may be few and far between but there are lenders who want to make the process easier. Certain loan products provide incentives to those that want to install energy-efficient upgrades to their existing home or that may want to buy an energy-efficient home. We will discuss what costs can be included in your mortgage so there is minimal out of pocket expense as well as what cost limitations may apply. For those concerned with qualifying we'll talk about how the energy savings translates to allow for a higher debt to income ratio. Finally, we will walk through the cost of implementing a solar water heater, the available rebates and how financing can lower your monthly electric cost for hot water.
Brian Dugas LEED AP - Green Building Consultant – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
A full understanding of Green Building concepts begins with the Real Estate component. Brian has been a licensed Florida Real Estate Broker for over 20 years. His career began in the new construction arena and then evolved into Business Brokerage and finally to Commercial Property Management. In 2003 Brian was named East Coast Regional Director of Eco-Smart, Inc. a recognized leader in the field of Green Building products. As demand grew for information related to green building technology, Brian earned his LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional designation and launched a consulting service. He is also active on the speaking circuit; giving talks at events and conferences throughout Florida as well as providing Continuing Education credits to the architectural community. Brian is constantly expanding his knowledge of sustainability into the specialized fields of alternative energy, transportation, and food service. His passion for the industry and for the cause keep him always looking forward to the next challenge.
Brian Dugas will present: “LEED, Green and The Bottom Line”
This 4 hour seminar digs deep into the hidden financial rewards in the exploding Green Building industry. We will expose the myths and half-truths while providing facts and resources that demonstrate the true value of “going green”. Topics covered include: the LEED rating system, residential and commercial construction strategies, Renewable Energy, Tax incentives, Rebates, Grant Programs and much more. Essential information for Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Interior Designers, Government and School District personnel or anyone who wants to be better informed on how to capitalize on this trend.
Mirine Dye Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition
Mirine Dye, MPH, received her Master in Public Health in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention from Florida International University and is a long time vegetarian and local mom of 2 green kids. Mirine has been a childbirth and parenting educator for over 10 years and teaches ways parents can help those new little feet walk lightly on the Earth! On behalf of the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition, Mirine will share ideas and some hands on learning for those interested in Green Parenting (or grand parenting!) to improve the health of the planet and the family.
Mirine Dye will present: "Green Parenting"
Moms, Dads, Childcare workers and Grandparents! Come and learn some skills to raise a eco-friendly family! Breastfeeding, cloth diapering (or no diapering!), cloth hygiene products, homemade foods, organic living, and baby spacing are all important ways a new family can improve the health of the planet and the family too!
YOU ARE ONLY AS HEALTHY AS THE WORLD YOU LIVE IN!
Babies welcome in this session. A variety of product sample, including some local products, will be available to look at. No items for sale; information will be on hand to find out more.
Bryan Fluech
Bryan Fluech is Sea Grant Extension Agent for Collier County and is based out of Naples, Fl. He has been an extension agent for two years. His areas of primary responsibility include recreational fisheries, resource stewardship, and marine education. Specifically, Bryan’s education and outreach programs focus on educating anglers and citizens on ways to minimize impacts on marine fisheries and surrounding natural resources. He helps coordinate the Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program, assists in the management of the county’s artificial reef program, conducts youth sport fishing camps, and instructs the Florida Master Naturalist Program. He also serves on the advisory board of the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and steering committee for the Gulf of Mexico Alliance’s Environmental Education Network. Bryan has a B.S. in Biology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and M.Ed in Secondary Science Education from the University of Florida.
To learn more about Bryan’s programs visit: http://collier.ifas.ufl.edu/SeaGrant/SeaGrantHome.shtml
Bryan Fluech will present: “Green Catch & Release Fishing”
Kim Gabel Environmental Horticulture Agent
Kim is the Environmental Horticulture agent for the UF/IFAS/Monroe County Extension. She has been with the Extension Service for 7 years. As the Environmental Horticulture agent, she answers horticultural questions for homeowners, commercial landscapers and retail nurseries, and governmental agencies. She is the Master Gardener coordinator; a group of trained horticulture volunteers who help answer homeowners horticulture questions with Florida Keys environmentally friendly landscape tips based on the University of Florida researched based information. She has a B.A. in Anthropology and a M.Sc. in International Agricultural Extension.
Kim Gabel Environmental Horticultural Agent
The Historic Gato Cigar Factory
UF/IFAS/Monroe County Extension
1100 Simonton Street, Suite 2-260
Key West, Florida 33040
Office (305) 292-4501
Fax (305) 292-4415
gabel-kim@monroecounty-fl.gov
kgabel@ufl.edu
Jesse Glickstein
Jesse Glickstein grew up attending a reform synagogue in Miami Beach, Florida. He has worked as a youth group counselor, religious school
educator, and private tutor in both Florida and New York City. He received a bachelor's degree in Anthropology from New College of Florida, focusing on the study of different cultures, societies, and religions. Jesse spent three years in New York City to work as a special education high school teacher in the Bronx while earning his Master’s degree. FUSE is a result of Jesse's commitment to the teachings of healing the world through social action and a belief in the power of interfaith partnerships.
For more information about FUSE, go to www.fusenow.org
Doug Gregory
Doug Gregory is the Sea Grant Marine Extension Agent and County Extension Director for Monroe County, Florida. The University of Florida/IFAS and Monroe County Board of County Commissioners support the Extension program through an ongoing partnership. Doug serves on the GLEE Board of Directors and is the Chair of the Alternative Energy Committee. His main areas of responsibility as the marine Sea Grant Agent are in fisheries and general marine resource management. Doug believes it is imperative that we change our fishing and boating habits to increase the sustainability of our marine resources for ourselves and future generations. He works toward this goal by working with local marine user groups and government agencies. He serves on various scientific fishery management panels and partners with the FDEP Clean Marina Program. Doug has a B.S. in Zoology from the University of South Florida, M.S. in Wildlife Ecology from University of Florida and a B.A. in Statistics from the University of Washington.
The Florida Sea Grant Program is committed to furthering our knowledge of the marine environment through university-based classroom education and applied research and to making this knowledge available to coastal communities through the marine extension program. For more information on these programs go to: http://monroe.ifas.ufl.edu, or www.flseagrant.org.
Doug Gregory will present: “Green Catch & Release Fishing”
John Hammerstrom
Having purchased a previously cleared lot, Mr. Hammerstrom and his wife Diane tried to build a “small environmental footprint” home by using resource-conserving techniques and harvesting solar energy and rainwater. The home is a “hybrid” by virtue of being simultaneously connected to normal water and electric utilities.
Mr. Hammerstrom is a graduate of Union College in Schenectady, New York, a retired U.S. Navy Commander, retired airline Captain and husband of GLEE founder Diane Marshall. Married for 25 years, they have lived in San Diego, Northport, New York, and for the past 18 years in the Florida Keys.
John Hammerstrom will present: “Rainwater Harvesting – Rainbarrels to Cisterns”
ALISON HIGGINS, THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
Alison Higgins has lived in the Keys for 7 years, specializing in environmental education and habitat restoration. Her recent masters degree in "Environment and Community" involved her in a great many green living projects for businesses, homeowners and live-aboard boaters.
Having grown up in the desert, Alison has only been a boater for 7 years, but she’s dedicated all of her free time into remodeling her 30-ft Catalina sailboat into a fully sustainable vessel – water collectors, biodiesel, composting toilet and all. Alison’s thesis work focused on helping the State of Florida’s Clean Marina program reach its environmental goals.
Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has worked with communities, businesses and people to protect nearly 117 million acres around the world. Its mission is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. In the Florida Keys, TNC removes invasive and exotic plants and restores native plants through its GreenSweep program held the first Saturday of each month from November through June.
Alison is the current President of Green Living & Energy Education.
The Nature Conservancy, Florida Keys Program
PO Box 420237
Summerland Key, FL 33042
(305) 745-8402, ext. 111
Email: ahiggins@tnc.org
(Headquarters)
4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100
Arlington, VA 22203-1606
Phone: (703) 841-5300
T.E. "Terry" Janssen, cep ecotech water, llc
Terry Janssen is CEO of Ecotech Water. As the head of a water conservation products manufacturing company as well as his
extensive experience in construction and alternative energy enables him to cover a
broad spectrum of environmental concerns and water conservation. Mr. Janssen holds several patents on products developed to focus on conservation and
cutting emissions. Many of the products developed by Janssen and manufactured by
Ecotech Water are very unique, and in many cases the only products like them
available anywhere. Mr. Janssen’s designs and related products enable many
commercial buildings to function with zero water consumption.
Mr. Janssen is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Florida Green Building
Coalition and State Co-chair of the FGBC Government Green Standards Committee. He
is also active with the United States Green Building Council. Mr. Janssen has been instrumental in working with the Florida League of Mayors, Florida League of Cities and
National League of Cities to encourage all Cities in the United States to adopt Green
City Government Standards.
Mr. Janssen has spoken at many industry related functions and conventions as well as
making numerous appearances on Television and Radio Talk Shows. Mr. Janssen has
also authored many articles, documentaries and is the author of two published books.
terry@ecotechwater.com
www.ecotechwater.com
Terry Janssen will present: Water Management and Conservation for Business, Government and the Building Trades
Learn about the World’s looming water crisis and what can be done to meet the challenge of providing water to a growing population as areas become dryer. How is climate change impacting the water supply, and what might the future look like? This session will include information on new technologies in water conservation, usage and recycling. You will hear about: Urban water conservation Best Management Practices and Zero Water Consumption Buildings that utilize alternate sources of water and the latest water saving technology. Facilities managers, engineers, architects, building managers, corporate facility managers and architects will benefit from this class.
Captain dan kipinis
Captain Dan Kipnis, fresh off tutoring sessions with former Vice President Al Gore, is giving a series of talks on climate change. He was among the first of 1,000 disciples Gore plans to train to help spread his gospel of global warming aiming to convert skeptics. Kipnis, an ardent fisheries conservationist who the National Wildlife Federation has tapped to talk to hunters and anglers about Global Warming and its effect on the oceans and near coastal environments, directs billfish tournaments in South Florida and south America, is a former charter captain and has been president of the Miami Beach Rod & Reel Club. Kipnis also serves as a director for the Florida Wildlife Federation and has just been appointed to the South Florida Climate Change Task Force. Additionally, he has served on the State of Florida Marine Fisheries Commission, Biscayne Bay Management Committee, City of Miami Waterfront Board and the South Florida Climate Change Task Force.
Kipnis will be putting on his fishing-focused version with more about reefs, corals and Florida waters, along with plenty of pictures of trophy catches and underwater video of sea life at various locations in the coming months having already made presentations from Key West to South Carolina.
Keith Kropf
Keith is the Manager of Engineering at the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri, where his interest in utilizing the sun’s energy began over thirty years ago. He has designed and built an earth sheltered passive solar home, and has assisted others with solar home designs. He is presently working with others at FKEC to install photovoltaic systems in Marathon, Crawl Key and Tavernier to provide energy to FKEC’s members.
FKEC’s web address: www.fkec.com
Email: keith.kropf@fkec.com
Keith Kropf will present: "Water Heating Solutions That Save $$$"
This will be a discussion on the practical installation and use of solar water heaters for use in residential homes. We will cover a brief history of solar water heating, how the systems work, what $ savings can be expected, and discuss options for installing systems here in south Florida.
Diane Marshall
Diane Marshall, a journalist, co-founded Florida Keys GLEE. The idea for the Expo came after building a green home with her husband, John Hammerstrom. The research was laborious. Recognizing that not everyone had the means or time for that kind of research, she suggested an Expo for the Keys to help others learn about sustainability. While a graduate student at Florida International University, she served on FIU’s 2005 Solar Decathlon Team. Each team designed and built a fully functional 800-square-foot solar-powered house, which was shipped to Washington, DC, and reassembled on the National Mall to compete with 20 international universities. Diane served as the team’s primary fundraiser and public relations contact, helping to raise $300,000 for the team. After completing her graduate work, she began teaching Creative Writing as an Adjunct Faculty member. In 2005 she was awarded the Council for Sustainable Florida’s Green Building Award. She serves as a board member of GLEE.
Dan Morris
Dan Morris has a BSEE degree from Florida Atlantic University and a degree in Marine Engineering from Florida Keys Community College. He has a wide range of experience living “off-grid” in a solar-electric home for many years. That was first design experience and he has since had many more. As a specialized generalist, whether it is conducting a PV site visit, designing a PV system, installing a PV system or rebuilding a boat engine, Dan has probably done it. In addition to his technical knowledge, he is also an expert on state and federal incentive programs and means of financing renewable energy and energy efficiency systems. Dan is a long-standing member of the American Solar Energy Society and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Dan Morris will present: "Small-Scale Solar" and "Intro to Solar Photovoltaics"
Course Description for Professional Workshop, Small-Scale Solar
A full day workshop on Photovoltaic systems intended to answer the questions of a professional moving into the field of alternative energy. Designers, Architects, Engineers, Electrical Contractors, Code Officials and Builders wanting to find out about solar electricity are encouraged to attend. The basic concepts of photovoltaic systems will be reviewed before new topics so that those with less experience will be ready for advanced topics covered. All current major technologies as well as future aspirations of the industry will be discussed. The effort is made to discuss all the topics one needs to know to succeed in this field. Small-scale systems (1 kW to 10 kW) have their use in residential and small commercial applications.
Course Description for Consumer Workshop, Intro to Solar Photovoltaics
Ever wonder about generating electricity from the sun? Grid-Tied Vs. Battery Back up Vs Off Grid? What are the reasons to choose to install a solar electric-- also known as a Photovoltaic or PV--system? What benefits might it have to the environment and to the end user? A short introduction to the photovoltaic effect and how it can be applied in the real world, this course will cover topics like these and more. Once your done you are sure to be less confused about solar electricity and you will be able to answer the question yourself," Is solar right for me?"
BILLIE MCGUIRE-NOVAK, FISHERMEN’S HOSPITAL
Ms. McGuire-Novak was an UF/IFAS Monroe County Extension Nutrition Agent from 1996-1998. Before moving to the Keys in 1993, she was a long time “food co-oper” in New England and routinely involved in environmental issues of sustainable resources and energy. Among other positions, she was the first Nutritionist for the Western Massachusett’s Food Bank and Food Bank (Organic) Farm. She is currently the Clinical Consultant to Fishermen’s Hospital and the Director of N.E.W. Options of Marathon Florida, a service based organization providing nutrition and wellness education programs. She has sought to balance her education and career between traditional and “alternative” teachings. She holds undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Home Economics, a Master of Science degree in Nutrition from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a Certified Diabetic Education (CDE). She is a Certified Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation Instructor. She is currently pursuing a Board Certification Program in Clinical Nutrition (CCN). This program furthers her main interest in the field of nutrition; the study of all issues of nutrition and health relative to wholesome food, organic gardening and other environmental factors impacting our daily lives.
N.E.W. Options, P.O. Box 500458, Marathon, FL 33050-0458 305-743-8741.
Does Choosing Organically Grown Foods Matter?
What is on, or not on your plate when eating a Standard American Diet (SAD)? New evidence confirms the nutritional superiority of plant based organic foods.
The 2008 Critical Issue Report from the Organic Center shows conclusive evidence from the findings of 97 published studies that organic plant-based foods are on average more nutritious. That is just the first of many reasons to choose organic foods when possible. In this workshop we will review these new findings, define the basis of a healthy diet, and the importance of “cleaning up” our plates.
Shawn Mulholland and TJ Patterson
Shawn joined FKEC as a Member Service Representative and worked in that position until being promoted to Member Service Supervisor. Member Service Representatives provide a variety of services including Energy Audits.
Prior to joining the Co-op Shawn worked in Member Service for a cooperative in North Florida. He also has his B.S. in Journalism with a major in Public Relations from the University of Florida.
Shawn resides in Tavernier.
T.J joined FKEC as a member of the Right-of-Way Crew. He later moved into the System Control department and then transferred into Member Service. TJ is now the Member Service Representative for the Marathon office. TJ was a founding member of GLEE and now serves on GLEE's Board of Directors.
TJ previously worked as a Customer Service Manager with American Airlines and gained further customer service experience while working for UPS in Islamorada.
He resides in Marathon with his wife, daughter and son.
Shawn Mulholland and TJ Patterson will be presenting a workshop titled "Reduce Your Energy Bill Today." Following a brief DVD presentation, attendees will be given valuable tips on energy conservation that can be implemented immediately to help reduce energy consumption.
Attendees will learn how to: reduce their water heating costs by up to 40 percent, save big on cooling costs, reduce heat exchange by 30 percent, how they can save $25 by changing out one light bulb and a host of other "bright" ideas.
Anyone interested in reducing their home energy bill is encouraged to attend this workshop.
John Nettles
John Nettles has been working with photovoltaic systems for over 13 years. In the past 3 years he has designed, supervised, and installed over 150 kW of solar electric systems. The largest system to date is a 25.2 kW ground-mount system located in Tampa, Florida. John also designed a 30 kW system, which is currently being installed. He has been a master electrician for 16 years; with Nettles Solar opening 10 years ago and Nettles Electric open since 2002. He installed three of the five Upper Keys homes interconnected with the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative. Nettles Electric installed the solar system for the 2005 FIU Solar Decathlon house, which after returning from the competition in Washington, DC, is being reassembled on the FIU campus as a demonstration house.
John Nettles will present: Large-Scale Solar Electric for Building Pros
The class is a dual event. He will be speaking about the design and construction of large photovoltaic systems (greater than 10 kW), while the second part will be held by Peter Flachsmann, CEO of Kaco Solar USA. Kaco Solar is the world's second largest manufacturer of PV inverters. Kaco has supplied equipment for PV systems in excess of 10 Mega-Watts. Peter will be speaking about how these large systems function in typhoon zones as well as other areas around the world.
They will run: 9 am -noon John Nettles / Peter Flachsmann - Introductions Videos from Kaco Solar and Schott Solar Photos, Construction Details, Trackers VS Fixed Mount Solar Farms.
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm John Nettles / Peter Flachsmann Solar Farm Performance, Solar Trackers, Monitoring, Demo Equipment Viewing, and a Q&A session.
DR. JOHN PARKER, PROFESSOR, ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
John H. Parker is Professor of Environmental Science and Chemistry and Coordinator of the Environmental Studies Certificate Program at Florida International University in Miami, FL. He Received a B.S. in Chemistry from Emory University and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University California at Berkeley. His research interests focus on ecological landscaping, passive solar cooling, energy and resource conservation, energy policy and environmental education. Dr. Parker received American Forests’ Research Medal for his pioneering studies of energy conservation landscaping as well as the Distinguished Service Award from the Florida Board of Regents for his work in the community.
ECOTOURISM—It Makes a Difference
Conventional tourism is often resource-intensive and results in pollution and environmental degradation of natural areas. This workshop will focus on ecotourism which involves responsible travel to natural areas with an emphasis on environmental conservation. Topics will include ways that ecotourism can reduce global warming, resource use and pollution with an emphasis on transportation alternatives, ecological landscaping, innovative waste management and environmental education.
ENERGY-EFFICIENT AIR CONDITIONING
For many Floridians, more than half the cost of their electrical bill is due to air conditioning their homes. Since electrical power plants are major sources of greenhouse gases, it is even more crucial that we reduce the energy used to cool our homes. This workshop will focus on cost-effective techniques to cut residential air conditioning by 50% through the use of conservation, energy efficiency, and passive solar cooling. Topics will include 1) energy efficient landscaping, 2) energy-efficient equipment and design, 3) natural cooling, 4) energy management and conservation, 5) weatherization, and 6) solar gain prevention.
Florida International University
http://www.fiu.edu/~envstud/faculty/parker.htm
University Park Campus
Department of Environmental Studies
& Department of Chemistry
11200 S.W. 8th Street, Room ECS 331
Miami, Florida 33199
Phone: (305) 348-3083
Fax: (305)348-6137
Email: parker@fiu.edu
Matt Ross
Mr. Ross is President of Eco-$mart, Inc., a supplier of energy and resource efficient construction materials. These materials are approved by the non-profit Florida House Institute for Sustainable Development (www.I4SD.org). Eco-$mart is involved in the design and construction of a number of environmental demonstration projects in Florida, and has inspired many builders and architects to include sustainable construction features in their projects, some of which won energy-efficiency awards. Eco-$mart, Inc. is an EPA ENERGY STAR Homes and Buildings Partner, and an active member in the Florida Green Building Coalition.
Eco-smart.com
Matt Ross will present: “Alternative Building Materials”
Sol Atlantic Biodiesel
Sol Atlantic Biodiesel has been providing South Florida with 99% Biodiesel since February 2007. The company was founded by Christian Miranda and Lisa Bowman. The company currently serves Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. Sol Atlantic operates a retail pump in Hialeah Gardens, as well as offers fleet fueling for companies. Their customers include The Florida Keys Electric Coop and The City of Coral Gables, among others. Sol Atlantic has been featured on NBC6, T51, CBS 4, The Miami Herald and 944 magazine’s latest issue on green companies.
www.Sol-Atlantic-Biodiesel.com
Sol Atlantic Biodiesel will be presenting a workshop, “Alternative Fuels for Cars.” The workshop will introduce Biodiesel, a vegetable oil-based alternative fuel that can be used in any diesel engine without modification. Biodiesel is available in South Florida and costs less than petroleum diesel. The benefits of Biodiesel and its usage will be presented. Other alternative fuels currently available in the U.S. will also be discussed.
William townshend
· Designed Miami-Dade County AA Biosolids composting process
· Hurricane Andrew mulching project - 1993-95 mulched 4.5 million tons of clean hurricane debris and returned it to agricultural lands, avoiding $90 million in tipping fees, while eliminating pollution from burning
· C.O.W. Project 1994-96 - Biological, chemical & physical enhancement of clean organic waste, in conjunction with University of Florida Tropical Research and Education Center and Dade County Solid Waste Department
· Florida Pilot Project Commission - SDSWCD project at Butler Oaks Dairy, Lorida, Florida - Project Manger developing in-vessel composting of cow-manure on-site to remove phosphorus from Okeechobee Watershed
· Pilot
· SDSWCD - 20 years developing composting techniques
· Development of composting program with Whole Foods Markets
William Townshend will present: "Water-Smart Irrigation"
Bernadette V. Upton, ASID, LEED AP, ECODECOR
Bernadette V. Upton, is a Florida licensed interior designer, lecturer and consultant specializing in environmental interior design. She is a member of American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and Past President for the Florida South Chapter, as well as a founding member of the national ASID Sustainable Design Council. She is a LEED (Leadership In Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional with the US Green Building Council (USGBC), a program that sets standards for the sustainable building and design industry. She is also a member of The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) and the National Environmental Health Association. Ms. Upton was selected by Lennox Industries, Inc. to design the interiors of “Lennox Home Comfort Makeover.” She has been a speaker for numerous conferences and seminars, and host of ‘Airtime’, a radio talk show addressing indoor air quality issues.
Her company ECODECOR provides eco-friendly design services and furnishings for the home and her committed advocacy to “green” design is to create interiors that are beautiful, breathable and earth-friendly.
Serving on the American Lung Association Southeast Florida Board for nearly a decade, she has designed numerous “Health Houses” and co-authored “A Baby’s Breath” program for ALA, which educates expectant parents to the importance of creating a healthy nursery and home.
Bernadette V. Upton will present: “Creating a Health Home & Office”
Shawn M. Waggoner, President FLEAA (FL Electric Auto Association)
Shawn Waggoner has served as the President of the Florida Electric Auto Association since 2004 and has 14 years of experience with electric vehicles (EVs). He got his start in 1994 at a fuel cell research company in West Palm Beach, FL, where he was part of a team building prototype fuel cell and EVs for companies like Ford and Deere and Co. He also worked for a specialty vehicle company that manufactured electric powered ground support equipment for airports and electric mini ambulances. Most recently, he was co-owner of Suncoast Electric Vehicle Outfitters, a company that does custom EV engineering, projects and software development.
Shawn Waggoner will present: Alternative Transporation
Presentation on electric vehicles, by the FL Electric Auto Association. This presentation is on the history and current state of electric vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrids. We will discuss the vehicles that were previously sold on the US market and the ones that are coming out soon. We’ll also be discussing what all this ‘plug-in’ hybrid stuff is that the media is talking about and converting your gas car to electric.
Fran Wagner
Fran Wagner received his bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and his masters in Digital Systems from State Univ. of NY at Buffalo. He and his wife Mali, an attorney, are retired and have lived in the lower Keys for eight years. They are both involved in environmental issues with their primary focus having been their work with the State Department of Health to approve the conversion of out-of-service septic tanks to cisterns. They are now trying to make that conversion less cumbersome and less costly and working to secure some form of financial assistance from the county or state for those who wish to convert. They are also trying to educate homeowners about this important ecological opportunity.
franwagner1@hotmail.com
Fran Wagner will present: "Septic Conversion Pioneer"
In my talk I will briefly cover the need to conserve water, and thus the rationale for converting a valuable existing vessel (the homeowner's septic tank) into a cistern, rather than destroying it. I will discuss the paperwork requirements and expenses necessary for conversion, followed by a step-by-step description of how to perform the conversion for those who wish to do it themselves. I have several slides to show the finished product and to stress that it is not a complicated process. Of course I will appreciate and entertain questions.
"Converting an Abandoned Residential Septic Tank in to a Cistern to Collect and Store Rain Water for Landscape Irrigation." Article by Fran Wagner
Cecelia Weaver
Cecelia Weaver is director of the Florida Keys Regional Service Center
for the South Florida Water Management District. Prior to this
position, Cecelia was a Senior Environmental Scientist managing the
district's Water Quality and Seagrass Monitoring Programs in South
Florida. Cecelia's background includes over 22 years in the public
sector where she has worked as a marine biologist in local, state, and
regional government, as well as academia. Cecelia holds a B.S. degree
in Marine Science and Biology and a Master of Public Administration
degree, and has completed coursework toward a doctorate in Public
Administration.
Cecelia Weaver will present: “Reduce Your Water Consumption Now”