NESEA Adventure

The Great NESEA Adventure

by Eric Goldman, Project Manager/Architectural Assistant

It was an early morning on March 6th when members of the Rehab Department and the AmeriCorps VISTA interns began the trek to Boston, MA, for the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) BuildingEnergy13 conference. An annual pilgrimage, the conference offers a trade show, educational seminars, and networking opportunities for professionals and municipal officials focused on the creation of sustainable buildings and environments. For the NHS Rehab Department staff, it is a couple of days to debate, investigate, learn, and then debate some more with similar-minded (but not always like-minded) members of the sustainability field.

Flags and snow greet conference participants.

The Building Energy Conference offers ten tracks varying in focus from “Homes” to “Retrofit for Resilience – Cities” to “Cutting Edge: What the Pros Want to Know.” The trending message throughout the workshops was angled towards resiliency and practical, beneficial construction techniques for a more prepared, aware, and sustainable future. One of the great features of the BuildingEnergy conference is that the seminars are required to be data-driven, with clear presentation of the facts on which discussions and conclusions are based. Those in the group like Henry Dynia and Kathy Fay, veterans of the Building Energy conferences, noticed a focus shift this year – away from touting high-cost, high-efficiency specialized practices to an increased emphasis on conservation for the masses.

Brainstorming via post-its at one Track 4 class.

Sustainability matters were discussed on both the macro- and micro- scale. In a case study of Northampton, MA, one sustainability practice focused on innovative engagement with the public, including Northampton employing a bicycle-driven garbage removal program! Although not always in agreement about methodology, the point was made quite clear that cities and regions must be prepared for future climate change-driven extreme weather events such as increased snowfall, high winds and flooding. The disasters which confronted the Northeast just this past year all indicate such climate changes. A true wake-up call came from the presentation of Hilary Beber, NYC Mayor’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability and Lesley Patrick, CUNY’s Institute for Sustainability. Their discourse underscored Hurricane Sandy’s eradication of FEMA map predictions on storm surges.

An eye-opening workshop featured a discussion on “Measured Retrofit Results: 10 Simple Things That Work, 10 Simple Things That Don’t.” After commissioning and testing, many myths that persist in construction either hold up or do not. In most cases the fact remains that retrofits must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis to provide the best measured benefits for maximized “bang for your buck.” Another excellent workshop focused on water conservation in the home, including the energy costs of water use.

The weather was not so friendly to our staffers.

 In addition to the conference itself, Boston provided the perfect backdrop to a driving/ walking tour that included the Big Dig, Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge, Cambridge, Quincy Market, City Hall, and more! A most appreciative “thank you” must be given to Henry Dynia for not only guiding the NHS expedition but for providing exceptional driving prowess through a blizzard to return everyone safe and sound to New Haven.

--Neighborhood Housing Services is a proud member of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association--