2008 Presentation Details
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Saturday, September 27th
Keynote
Time: 9:30 - 11:30
Room: Civic Auditorium
Al Gore,
Vice President
Making Real Energy Happen
Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Room: J2
Learning Level: 201
Track: Energy & Power
Learning Units: AIA/HSW
Learn what some visionary thinkers have to say about the transition to a sustainable low-carbon economy. What is the mix of science, enterprise and policy that will create a low-carbon economy? What are the immediate and long-term opportunities for designers, builders, inventors, investors and policy-makers?
Joe Jordan,
Physicist, Sky Power Institute
Joe Jordan has spent 20+ years working on NASA Ames Research Center projects including Hubble Space Telescope design and investigations of climate change and stratospheric ozone depletion. Joe serves on the Ecology Action of Santa Cruz Board of Directors, and teaches renewable energy at Cabrillo College and San Jose State.
Alexandra von Meier,
Professor, Sonoma State University
Alexandra is responsible for teaching, advising and curriculum development in the Energy Management & Design study plan, an interdisciplinary undergraduate program with core emphasis on technical aspects of energy use and efficiency.
Dan Kammen (moderator),
Director, Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory, UC Berkeley
Daniel M. Kammen is the Class of 1935 Distinguished Professor of Energy at the University of California, He holds appointments in the Energy and Resources Group, the Goldman School of Public Policy, and the department of Nuclear Engineering. Kammen is the founding director of the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory (RAEL). Kammen is also the Co-Director of the Berkeley Institute of the Environment. Daniel Kammen is a coordinating lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. In 1998 was elected a Permanent Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences.
CEO Forum
Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Room: J3
Track: Purpose, Passion, Profit
The CEO Green Forum will bring together C-Level executives from Fortune 1000 companies to forward ideas, share best practices and debate the state of the green movement and the emergence of environmental sustainability from a business perspective.
Mike LaRocco,
CEO, Fireman's Fund
Mike LaRocco became President and CEO of Fireman's Fund in March 2008. An insurance executive with nearly 30 years of property and casualty experience, LaRocco last served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Seattle-based Safeco. LaRocco earned his bachelor's degree in marketing from The Ohio State University and an MBA from the University of Tampa.
Carl Guardino (moderator),
President & CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
Mean it Like you Say It - Authenticity As a Core Principle Of Enterprise That Flourishes Over Time
Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Room: J4
Track: Purpose, Passion, Profit
Hear from Business Consultants' real world examples how internal and external authenticity in your policies, products and services - leads to meaningful and sustainable connections between you, your customers and your employees in ways that lay the foundation for long term business success.
Dev Crews (moderator),
Chief Marketing Strategist, Luminesa Communications
Sean Dunn,
Partner/Account Executive, Groove 11
Sean has designed a creative agency focused on producing ubiquitous campaigns that cultivate immersive brand experiences. His team rapidly developed an extensive list of Fortune 500 clients like Diageo, HP, Kaiser, Cisco, Zagat, and Clinique. The agency has been on the SF Business Times "Fastest 100" list two years running.
For Green Building and Design Masters: Taking Ourselves and Our Networks to the Next Level
Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Room: Room F 1&2 (Action Hub)
Learning Level: 301
Track: Connections
This highly participatory workshop is designed to support break through thinking & collective action to take advantage of the dramatic growth in green building. We plan on offering cresting wave information and provide a facilitated environment to support and enable the masters of green building to exchange ideas & strengthen their networks. BYO surf board & be ready for some collective surfing on big waves!!
Jon Alexander (moderator),
President, Sunshine Construction LLC
Jon Alexander is the President of Sunshine Construction has 25 years experience as a general contractor in Seattle, focusing on large residential projects. He has specialized in and promoted green building since 1991. He is one of the founders of the Northwest EcoBuilding and is a fourth generation construction contractor.
Sarah Susanka,
Author, The Not So Big House series and The Not So Big Life, Susanka Studios
Susanka is a bestselling author, architect and cultural visionary whose "build better, not bigger" approach to residential architecture is leading a movement that is redefining the American home. Her "Not So Big" philosophy has sparked an international dialogue. She has been featured on the Charlie Rose and Oprah Winfrey shows, and in USA Today and the Wall Street Journal.
Luminaries in Green II
Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Room: Almaden
Track: Connections
West Coast Green keynote and plenary-level luminaries will join each other in this informal session telling their personal stories --from occasional challenges that shifted them into action, a few jokes between each other, to stories that illuminate the source of their passion and insights
David Gottfried,
Co-Founder, USGBC
Sim Van der Ryn,
Principal, Van der Ryn Architects
Recognized as one of the earliest green pioneers, Van der ryn has had multi-facted careers as a Professor of Architecture at Berkeley, Founder of the Ecoogical Design Institute, Author of seven books, pioneering California State Architect, and ardent watercolorist, and frequent speaker.
Empowered Consumers and the Green Building Movement
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Room: J1
Learning Level: 201
Track: Marketing & Branding
The session will be an interactive discussion about the empowered consumer movement and its influence on the growing green building market. Building professionals are facing better educated and more demanding customers than ever before. We will combine research and anecdotal evidence to help these professionals understand empowered consumers and tap this market to grow their business.
Tony Napolitano,
Publisher, Smart HomeOwner Magazine
As the publisher of Smart HomeOwner magazine, Tony has spent the last 5 years researching and understanding the information needs of specify-it-yourself homeowners that are at the front edge of the green building movement. He is a lifelong environmentalist and has spent the last 15 years working in journalism, new media and publishing management.
Garden Design and Ecology
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Room: J2
Learning Level: 201
Track: Water & Landscaping
Learning Units: AIA/HSW
Learn from a Landacape Architect current creative strategies for designing regenerative landscape from an ecological perspective.
Geoff Hall,
Co-Founder & Co-Owner, Sentient Landscapes
Geoff has, for the past 11 years been applying a progressive whole systems approach to the landscape and site development industries, integrating ecological design principles with appropriate "green" technologies. Geoff's landscape design illustrates a dedicated vision to build mutually beneficial relationships between infrastructure, the environment, and community.
Achieving Inner Beauty - A Systems Approach to Making Homes Work and Endure
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Room: J3
Learning Level: 301
Track: Building It
Learning Units: AIA/HSW
We have a "zero energy" thread involving a balance of technical measures (rather than a product or products) to be achieved. This is a shift to performance over product. We also have a thread regarding the need to make places worth caring about, which is predominantly social, spatial, and aesthetic. To twirl both together, we talk about existing buildings and use the key concept of "balance" to discuss all the threads.
Matt Golden,
Founder and Chief Building Scientist, Sustainable Spaces
Matt is the president and co-founder of Sustainable Spaces. He speaks extensively on building science and integrated green design to groups such as the AIA, West Coast Green, and Build it Green. Matt has authored a number of articles, and has been featured in the USA Today, SF Chronicle, KQED Radio, and the Ellen Degeneres Show.
Dan Johnson,
Design Team, Arkin Tilt Architecture
Dan Johnson's architectural thinking was formed in the rift between receding Nature and expanding cookie-cutter subdivisions in Phoenix, Arizona, during the 1980s. He imagined a sustainable architecture knitted into the landscape and powered by natural forces instead of organized against them. He studied anthropology and natural sciences around the world before earning his Master of Architecture at UW in Seattle. He works for Arkin Tilt Architects in Berkeley.
Green Viz: Putting People in their Place Before it Exists
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Room: J4
Learning Level: 201
Track: Technology & Materials
The presentation will explore how architects and designers are using Google SketchUp, Earth and 3D Warehouse in combination with virtual 3D models of green building products. The collaborative efforts of Whirlpool Corporation and other manufacturers to create the Sustainable Kitchen will be studied, including the newest launch from re:Source, the free online Sustainable Design+Build network.
Mark Johnson, FAIA,
Senior Manager of Architecture & Design Marketing, Whirlpool
Mark Johnson is Senior Manager of Architecture & Design Marketing for Whirlpool Corporation and a FAIA architect, NKBA Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) and AIBD Professional Building Designer. He writes and speaks on behalf of the Whirlpool Corporation brands and design trends that impact residential architecture.
Way Off The Grid: Green Design Through a Red Lens: Jumpstarting New Ideas Through Designing for a Mars Community.
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Room: Room F 1&2 (Action Hub)
Learning Level: 101
Track: Architecture & Design
Learning Units: AIA/HSW
This hands-on, brainstorming workshop facilitated by Mars experts from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory will challenge participants to push beyond conventional ideas and consider the future of sustainability as they rethink energy, food, waste, and habitat design solutions for a future Martian community of 100 people. Take a break from Earth and you may find that thinking "way off the grid" stimulates innovative ideas that serve communities here as well as on Mars!
David Delgado,
Mars Public Engagement Outreach Coordinator, Imagine Mars Project JPL/NASA
After working as art director at several advertising agencies in Los Angeles, he arrived at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 2005. His work on the Imagine Mars Project gives schoolchildren an understanding of the health of their own community and allows them to express their story through the arts.
Sacred Geometry: Updating Plato
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Room: Almaden
Learning Level: 301
Track: Architecture & Design
Plato stated: God is a geometer. Learn what this statement really means. Although best known for her work in architecture and life design, Sarah Susanka has another passion—the architecture of all manifestation. Informing every shape and object in our universe is a set of very simple forms called Platonic Solids. They can teach us an enormous amount if we understand how to play with them.
Sarah Susanka,
Author, The Not So Big House series and The Not So Big Life, Susanka Studios
Susanka is a bestselling author, architect and cultural visionary whose "build better, not bigger" approach to residential architecture is leading a movement that is redefining the American home. Her "Not So Big" philosophy has sparked an international dialogue. She has been featured on the Charlie Rose and Oprah Winfrey shows, and in USA Today and the Wall Street Journal.
Greening Your Business DNA
Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Room: J1
Learning Level: 101
Track: Purpose, Passion, Profit
As new carbon legislation, tax incentives and green buildings become the norm, there will be new obstacles for your business to consider. The challenge will be for your leadership teams to effectively manage and adapt to these changes. We will explore how to organize and structure your business to interlink different departments, utilize your own resources and infuse sustainability into all aspects of your operations.
Miriam Karell,
Sustainability Strategist, Three Point Vision
Miriam Karell draws on 10 years of experience designing practical strategies that integrally address profound change in organizations and individuals. She holds a Master's degree in "Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability" from BTH in Sweden.
Heather Gadonniex,
Founder, Green it Group
Heather is the founder of Green it Group, a sustainability strategy firm specializing in the building industry. She aids clients in the creation and implementation of comprehensive sustainability platforms and educational programs that merge the fundamentals of green building and sustainable business.
Irene Hughes,
Principal, Essence Consulting
Irene Hughes has over 25 years of experience in business management, organizational development and executive coaching. Her in-depth skill in behavior change provides foundation for creating large-scale organizational interventions, which produce lasting results. Her commitment to environmental, economic and social sustainability are deeply embedded in her work.
Packing a Parachute: Practices that Minimize Risk and Prompt Best Use of Green Features
Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Room: J3
Learning Level: 301
Track: Building It
Learning Units: AIA/HSW
The green building movement presents an opportunity for residential and commercial developers to build healthier and less costly buildings and homes and increase their profits. The decision to build green, however, does not come without its own unique set of legal risks. Our panel will discuss how to identify and minimize these risks when marketing, selling, and constructing a green building, and make recommendations on what constitute best practices in this field.
Kim Diamond (moderator),
Senior Manager of Land Acquisition and Entitlements, Pulte Homes
Kim Diamond has been working in real estate development for over ten years in the Bay Area. Currently, Ms. Diamond works as a Senior Manager of Land Acquisition and Entitlements for Pulte Homes, concentrating on urban infill and redevelopment residential opportunities in the East Bay.
Cheryl O'Connor,
Vice President of Sales, Summerhill Homes
Cheryl O'Connor is Vice-President of Sales for SummerHill Homes. O'Connor has over 32 years of experience in the Northern California homebuilding business. O'Connor has been involved with the HomeBuilders Association of Northern California and is currently serving as the first female Chairperson of the Regional Board.
Douglas White,
Attorney, Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel, Inc.
Paul D'Arelli,
Co-Chair of Green Building & Sustainability, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Co-Chair of Green Building & Sustainability, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Paul's prior experience as general contractor and developer, together with his advanced degree in real property development law, contribute to his success in servicing developer clients, property owners and lenders in such matters as: complex mixed use redevelopment; Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs); land use plan amendments; platting, zoning and site plan approvals; variances; and land use due diligence. Paul was the first attorney in Florida to become a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) by the U.S. Green Building Council. He is actively involved in several green building projects and initiatives (click here.) Paul also has substantial experience with condominium hotel zoning issues.
Water System Integration Charette
Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Room: J4
Learning Level: 301
Track: Water & Landscaping
Learning Units: AIA/HSW
What is the most energy, water and time efficient way to install a hot water distribution system for a given floor plan? Where is it appropriate to use drain water heat recovery? How would you capture grey water and provide for grey water re-use in the same building? When should you install multiple water heaters? This session will answer these questions by laying out the plumbing for a building.
Gary Klein,
Managing Partner, Affiliated International Management, LLC
Gary Klein has been intimately involved in energy efficiency and renewable energy since 1973, one fourth of his career in Lesotho, the rest in the USA. Gary has a passion for hot water: getting into it, getting out of it and efficiently delivering it to meet customer's needs.
Wire Your Own Grid-Tied PV Systems
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Room: San Carlos
Track: Homeowner Sessions
In this course you will assemble an operational non-battery grid-tied PV system (the most common type). Learn some of the tricks of the trade from a professional installer. In addition to wiring a system, we will look at various options for mounting, inverters, PV modules and meters. Basic grounding, inverter operation and safety will also be covered.
Find Your Dream Job in Solar
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Room: Santa Clara
Track: Homeowner Sessions
In this workshop you will hear some of the secrets for finding a lucrative and fulfilling job in solar. Besides discussing key trends and opportunities, also provided is a holistic understanding of the industry - including economics, trends, regulatory environment, marketing and technology development. If you've dreamed of working in solar, this unique workshop is a great way to start making that dream a reality.
Build an Electric Vehicle
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Room: Plaza
Track: Homeowner Sessions
Learn how to convert your car to an emission-free electric vehicle! In this intensive workshop, you will learn about the science and technology behind the many EVs available on the market today, as well as how to build your own electric vehicle.