Workshop
Descriptions (for a complete listing of all workshops,
click here)
Build Your Own Wind Power Plant (ECF)
Ted McGuire
Attention Toy Testers! Help us test a new science
toy! You will build and experiment with a working
wind turbine complete with electric generator,
adjustable rotors, and wind speed indicator.
We'll conduct experiments with the wind turbine,
including experiments with different numbers
of rotor blades, different blade angles and
profiles, different wind speeds, different gear
ratios, and so on. We'll use the wind turbine
to generate mechanical power to lift a weight
and generate electricity to light up an LED
and charge a rechargeable battery. During the
experiments, you will learn about the physics
of force and motion as it applies to wind power
technology.
Composting Toilets, Gray Water Systems & Eco Waste Water Solutions
Carol Steinfeld
See an overview of ecological ways to cycle
the nutrients, water and even energy in wastewater,
and discuss local possibilities.
Eco House
Tour
Bradley Grove Hyson
Frustrated with compulsory consumption in your
home? Experience the alternatives in one of
Rhode Island's most environmentally designed
buildings. Learn about more than 50 ecologically
friendly building systems, technologies and
products that help this housing model use less
than half the resources of a typical home its
size.
Ecovillages
& Carbon Footprints
Daniel Greenberg
Ecovillages are communities striving to model
sustainable development ecologically, socially,
culturally, and spiritually. From appropriate
technologies to holistic health; from sustainable
agriculture to group facilitation; ecovillages
are integrating solutions for human-scale communities,
creating new cultures and "stories," and
significantly reducing carbon footprints. Learn
how cities & towns, neighborhoods and individuals can reduce their carbon footprint through
this paradigm.
Fun with
Fuel Cells (ECF)
Ross McCurdy
This is a fun introduction to fuel cell technology
that is suitable for anyone able to tie their
own shoes. Using hands-on lab kits, participants
will use solar panels to produce hydrogen from
water and then use this hydrogen to power fuel
cells and produce electricity. The fuel cell
electricity will then be used to power a small
motor and run a tiny light bulb. This workshop
will clearly demonstrate the sustainability
potential of hydrogen fuel cells.
Introduction
to Renewable Energy
Dan Cartier
This workshop focuses on explaining renewable
sources and the benefits they bring. Solar electricity,
wood pellet, hydro, biodiesel, solar thermal,
fuel cells, wind energy, wave power and green
power will all be discussed. Photos of real
world projects from Rhode Island and around
the world will be presented.
Reduce,
Renew & Relate: People's Power & Light's Green Power Program
Karina
Lutz & Omay
Elphick
Are you ready to go beyond switching a few light
bulbs? This workshop describes People's Power & Light's
green power program, how New England GreenStart
works, what to look for in your utility bill,
and how you or your organization can help spread
the word and raise money at the same time.
Renewable
Energy Options for Home or Business
Bob Chew
This workshop will open your eyes to ways in
which solar thermal, photovoltaic and wind applications
can be aesthetically integrated into your home
or business design. SolarWrights case studies
will emphasize environmentally friendly guidelines
for construction projects that utilize renewable
energy systems.
Retrofitting
with Renewables & Energy Saving Ideas
Dan Cartier
After this workshop, the average home owner
will be able to map out a plan that will allow
them to live a fossil free life. It will cover
available energy saving options, renewable energy
systems that can be installed in the typical
home, as well as green fuels locally available
for cars or trucks.
The Rhode
Island Energy Star Homes Program
Jon Dember
The workshop is a general overview of the Energy
Star Homes program, which helps people build
high levels of comfort, indoor air quality,
and energy efficiency into their new homes.
Learn about available incentives for Energy
Star Home certification, nationally recognized
for representing greater value, lower operating
cost, increased durability, comfort, and safety.
Learn also about the LEED for Homes certification
program of which the Conservation Services Group
is also a provider.
Solar Electricity
(Photovoltaics)
Len Loomans
Brief intro to the "basics": quantifying the
solar resource, system design types, sizing
techniques, estimating output, life-cycle costs,
NEC compliance and utility requirements. Available
state and federal rebates, tax incentives and
Renewable Energy Credits/Green Power marketing
will also be covered. If the sun is shining,
we'll go outside for some hands-on demonstrations,
and there will be plenty of time for questions.
Solar Hot
Water Systems Design
Dan Cartier
This workshop will review the basics of solar
hot water systems and the best systems for New
England. Decision making, basic system design,
necessary installation skills, resources for
solar hot water education and component selection
and purchasing will all be outlined and explained.
Photos of real world projects will be shown.
Sustainable
Living: One Old House at a Time
Cindy Saksena
This workshop describes the process of selecting
and/or rehabbing a house with a view to environmental
sustainability and affordability over the long
term. The approach taken in this workshop stems
from the philosophy of and desire for "aging
in place."
Today's
Sustainable Biodiesel in Rhode Island
Jim
Malloy, Nat Harris & Ed
Booth
We will explore the local sustainable "cradle
to cradle" model of the R.I. Sustainable Biodiesel
movement with a focus on local collection, production
and distribution. This clean and efficient transportation
and home-heating fuel is available TODAY in
Rhode Island.
Wind Power
RI: A Retrospective and Overview
Lefteris
Pavlides & his
students Alyssa Keating, Rachel Hampton & Kyle G. Regis
Learn about the significant progress that wind
power has achieved in Rhode Island and answer
the question "what is next?" Different ways
that towns and cities in Rhode Island can benefit
from wind power development will also be explored.
What is
Bio-Diesel?
Bob Cerio
This workshop is an introduction to Biodiesel,
the fastest growing alternative Energy Resource
in the US today and a look at emerging markets.
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