S.E.E. Expo 2004 Events

Ideas

Backhome Chapters An informal presentation about the growing number of BackHome magazine readers across the United States, what they’ve accomplished together, and opportunities for getting involved locally.

Biofuels: Legislation And Policies The Piedmont Biofuels Co-op presents a look at current efforts to promote and develop biofuels in North Carolina, including what our legislators are (and aren’t) doing and how citizens can become involved.

Citizen Action For Clean Air A presentation by Avram Friedman, founder of the Canary Coalition, an EPA-award-winning nonprofit that works to educate and advocate for better air quality in the Appalachian region.

Classical Compass School Feng Shui Learn about the ancient art of placement based on an analysis of natural energies, cycles, directions and their relationships.

Environmental Science One of the fastest-growing segments of the economy, it now employs 3 million workers, with 125,00 new jobs created annually.

Go Organic! Lance Kurland and Debbie Athos of Pure Food Partners discuss why growing numbers of consumers are choosing organic, the benefits of pure local foods, and the case for supporting organic farming.

Green Power On The Campus Nick Algee of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy discusses initiatives at Duke University, UNC-Chapel Hill, Appalachian State University, the University of Tennessee, the University of the South in Tennessee and the February 2005 Southeast Renewable Energy Conference.

Mortagage Free! The word “mortgage” derives from an old French word meaning “death pledge.” Author/builder Rob Roy covers ways to prevent the death pledge, including land procurement, securing a grubstake, temporary shelter and designing a low-cost home.

N.C. Green Power Program This statewide program promotes “green” electricity from solar, wind and biomass sources through voluntary contributions.

N.C. Tax Credits For Clean Energy The N.C. Solar Center tells how to take advantage of our state’s excellent tax incentives for residential and commercial solar- and alternative-energy projects, as well as offering easy, low-cost (or even no-cost) conservation moves.

Nuclear Issues: The Re-Emerging Threat WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom tackle issues surrounding nuclear waste, transportation of radioactive materials, and public safety.

Planetization Builder and award-winning writer Cecil Bothwell, who lived off the grid for more than 20 years, invites participants to “turn the old truism on its head and think locally before we act globally.”

Raam Architecture Chris and Sarah Reid Adamson present “Architecture for World Peace” and “An Introduction to Vedic Architecture” (buildings designed according to the principles underlying yoga and ayurveda).

Rising Tide Of Recycling Learn about the state of recycling in North Carolina and the region.

Running Out Of Oil Community Solutions, a nonprofit educational organization, explores the twin problems of rising global demand for oil and declining oil supplies as well as how we can transition from an oil/industrial to a sustainable society.

Southeast Climate Change Workshop Ulla Reeves and Marjorie Mulhall of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy discuss global warming, pollution sources and their impacts on sensitive natrual areas in North Carolina and the Southeast, covering the latest scientific findings, current efforts to address climate change, state and national policy solutions, and a question-and-answer session.

Sustainable Business Models Eric Henry of T.S. Design tells how to run a business that takes into account people, profits and the planet. T.S. Design produces organic-cotton T-shirts, incorporating wind, photovoltaic and greywater systems, as well as organic gardens, at the manufacturing facility.

Sustainable Green Construction Marcus Renner of Appropriate Building Solutions Inc. explores the growing options for sustainable design, construction and consultation in today’s commercial market with a focus on environmental, social and economic concerns.

The End Of Suburbia: Oil Depeletion and the Collapse of the American Dream This documentary examines the sustainability of our lifestyle as global demand exceeds supplies — followed by a discussion of local solutions to the impending energy crisis.

Alt fuels

Alternative Fuels & Local Economies Dr. Alex Hobbs of the N.C. Solar Center discusses the role of local agriculture in the production of alternative fuels and reduced dependence on foreign oil. Also covered will be emissions regulations, future trends, financial incentives for alternative fuels, and options for production and distribution.

Biofuels Wnc Cooperative Meeting This informal presentation by the Piedmont Biofuels Cooperative will share experiences and information about processing and using biofuels and developing a WNC biofuels cooperative.

Biofuels: Production And Systems The basic processes and requirements for producing biofuel from vegetable oils for use in any standard diesel engine.

Batteries and Fuel Cells

Batteries For Power Systems Nationally recognized sustainable-energy expert and author Tom Moates presents an introduction to one of the key components of any off-grid renewable energy system, covering safety precautions, sizing, maintenance and types of batteries for solar, wind and microhydro systems.

EV Challenge This national alternative-transportation program will give hourly demonstrations of fuel-cell technology complemented by an educational display explaining future transportation solutions.

Fuel-Cell Technology Dr. Ghasem Shahbazi of the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association discusses the latest technology for producing nearly pollution-free energy from hydrogen.

Solar systems

Active Solar & Space Heating An in-depth presentation by Dave Hollister of Sundance Power Systems exploring domestic hot water, radiant-slab floor heating, and traditional forced-air heating systems.

Photovoltaic Systems Certified photovoltaic contractor Bryan Walsh of Solar Connexion, will lead a Q&A session on installations and solar-electrical equipment, inviting participants to bring their individual plans and questions to a qualified, experienced solar professional.

Solar Cookers This presentation by the Appalachian State University Solar Energy Society will explore appropriate solutions for Third World countries facing energy and natural-resources shortages, including designs for solar cookers, ovens and food dehydrators.

Solar Water-Heating Systems This N.C. Solar Center program, teaches how to take advantage of the sun and select a system that’s right for your needs. Different types of active systems for heating homes, domestic hot water and pools/spas will be discussed.

Solar Water Pumping An excellent application for pumping water from wells, cisterns, streams, ponds and more for use in homes, on farms and for livestock. Presenter Vertis Bream of Energy Options and Construction has installed scores of systems.

Starting Simple With Solar Aur Beck, founder of the Illinios Renewable Energy Association and radio host of “Your Community Spirit,” introduces low cost, effective solar applications like solar attic fan kits, battery rechargers, small power systems, windmills and more, that can reduce the electric bill for homes and small farms.

Water and wind power

Hydraulic Ram Pumps Pump water uphill, using the energy of the water itself without any electricity. Reliable and inexpensive, ram pumps are a time tested component of homesteads and farms.

Microhydro Power Systems Provide the most cost-effective electrical energy if the site is appropriate. An introduction to site analysis, systems and environmental considerations presented by Arthur Dougherty of Solar Guys.

Wind Systems Jim Wassel of Appalachian Wind Systems presents an introduction to site analysis, equipment, installation and sizing for small- to medium-scale wind-power applications. A working model on a 20-foot tower will be on display throughout the expo.

Residential Wind Systems Jim Wassel of Appalachian Wind Systems discusses site considerations, system designs, hybrid systems, inverters, batteries and more in a question-and-answer format.

Structure

Building Green In Wnc The WNC Green Building Council highlights the new Healthy Built Homes guidelines for “green” residential construction, as well as local efforts to promote responsible, sustainable and energy-efficient building.

Cordwood Masonry An introduction to methods and materials used to construct low-cost, energy-efficient buildings. Author, lecturer and builder Rob Roy is known worldwide for his cordwood projects. Rob and Jaki Roy will also offer a special Cordwood Construction Hands-On Workshop Sunday, Aug. 29 (limited class size; pre-registration required).

Crawlspace Solutions The crawlspace is a major source of both poor indoor air quality and energy loss. Home Energy Partners tells how a sealed crawlspace can save homeowners money while providing a safer living space.

Earth-Sheltered Housing: Builder Rob Roy, the author of The Complete Book of Underground Houses: How to Build a Low-cost Home, discusses how to use the stable temperature of the earth itself to maximize energy efficiency.

High-Performance Buildings Home Energy Partners tells how to increase the energy efficiency, indoor air quality, comfort and durability of new and existing homes.

Passive Solar & Green Design Dona Stankus of the N.C. Solar Center explores basic design and construction issues, including the benefits, decision points, terminology and resources.

Rainwater Systems Shawn Hatley of Blue Ridge Atlantic Enterprises presents ways homes and businesses can save money, conserve water and help the environment, covering the economic, ecological and equipment aspects of collecting rainwater.

Rammed-Earth Construction Terry Green of Green Earth Builders offers an introduction to this proven and affordable way to build “green.” Terry will also offer a special Rammed Earth Hands-On Workshop Sunday, Aug. 29 (limited class size; pre-registration required).

Stone-Circle Building Rob Roy, author of Stone Circles: A Modern Builders Guide to the Megalithic Revival, discusses moving giant stones by hand, astronomical alignments, geometry and history, both ancient and modern.