Forum Discussed Energy Efficiency and Transmission Technologies, Financial Opportunities
The Chamber hosted it’s 2nd Annual Sustainable Technologies Forum last week to an audience of over 100 regional leaders in the technology and energy industries. Breakthrough technologies, deliberative design techniques, and energy efficiency incentives were the key topics discussed by two expert panels.
It is often simple concepts rather than “bells and whistles” that make energy efficiency more attainable. “The first thing we can do to improve building efficiencies is not to use more energy,” according to event speaker Betsy del Monte of The Beck Group. del Monte stated that simple principles of design such as maximizing sunlight instead of artificial lighting, keeping air conditioning duct work in mind, and other concepts are “the best way to maximize energy efficiency and cost savings.” After these design concepts are employed, technical solutions can also generate large returns on energy efficiency. Double skin ventilation and high performance glass are some of these technologies. “Why pick on buildings?” said event moderator Alan Ash of Trane Commercial Systems. “They use 72% of energy in the United States.” Therefore, employing green building techniques contributes significantly to our nation’s energy conservation goals.
The discussions focused on “Solving Challenges for Sustainable Technologies,” and featured panelists from The Beck Group, Hunt Transmission Services, Trane Commercial Systems, Westar Trade Resources, Citibank, White Rock Advisors, and Gardere Wynne Sewell. Topics addressed included how to access public and private green tech funding opportunities and electric transmission solutions for wind energy, such as the CREZ project. Through the state-mandated CREZ project, Texas is undergoing major energy transmission updates, delivering wind energy produced in rural areas to urban population centers. Now is the time to invest in renewable energy generation, including wind and other resources due to such state incentives according to event speakers according to Bill Bojorquez of Hunt Transmission Services.
Regarding financial opportunities, panelists highlighted the “tremendous amounts of money coming [to the renewable energy industry] via the stimulus funding,” according to Cindy Thyfault of Westar Trade Resources. “Competition is fierce, and there are a lot of requirements for grant applications,” said Thyfault. During her remarks, Thyfault provided suggested tips and tools for companies to make stronger grant applications to government entities. For the internationally focused companies, Nick Renna of Citibank discussed export loan opportunities through Ex-Im Bank and other private loan sources.
More information on the event, including the powerpoint presentations from the panelists, can be found by clicking here.
The Chamber’s Technology Business Council hosts a number of educational programs throughout the year, such as this one. For more information on the upcoming events, visit www.DallasTBC.org.
