Commentary

NESEA is an organization that has been working on sustainable energy since 1974 and this conference is their 33rd.  The conference is targeted to builders, architects, building managers, policy makers and students.  The collective goal is, in effect, to build energy-efficient, profitable homes and buildings and to retro-fit existing structures to reduce their energy costs. 

In addition to workshops and meetings, there was a large trade show floor full of exhibitors of a wide array of renewable energy systems, energy efficiency products and tax credit information.  Even without the amount of federal support given to the fossil fuel industry, the renewable energy industry is thriving.  There were solar panels, wind turbines, combined heat and power units, green foam insulation vendors, geothermal providers, green modular homes and green architects.

There were a few surprises.  Wal-Mart was present.  Their booth showcased the green products they carry in their stores and they were handing out free non-plastic, non-paper bags that said, 'Paper or Plastic? Neither.' that did not have a Wal-Mart logo on them.  Regardless of your opinion of Wal-Mart, during the past two years they have made substantial improvements in their energy use and provided a boost to compact fluorescent lightbulbs by rescuing them from bottom shelves and providing customer education.

Another interesting vendor was Green Depot.  Green Depot is a cross between 'Home Depot' and 'Natural Resources Defense Council'.  They carry FSC-certified lumber, insulation made from recycled denim, tile made from recycled glass, zero-VOC paint, formaldehyde-free plywood and particle board, bamboo and cork flooring, etc.  Green Depot has 5 retail locations in Brooklyn, Long Island, Philadelphia, Newark and Boston.