FORUM 2001 Explores Solar Energy Solutions

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TO ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT EDITORS:

FORUM 2001 Explores Solar Energy Solutions

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WASHINGTON, Mar. 23 -/E-Wire/-- Fourteen organizations devoted to renewable energy and resource conservation are joining forces this spring to present a five-day event in Washington, D.C. under the banner FORUM 2001. Subtitled "Solar Energy: The Power to Choose", the event offers practical solutions for the integration of solar power and other renewable energy sources in residential, commercial, and public buildings; transportation; wireless communications; and emerging markets. With sponsorship from the U.S. Department of Energy, BP Solar, and Duke Solar, FORUM 2001 is expected to draw participation on the part of educators, builders, manufacturers, engineers, contractors, installers, scientists, researchers, and policymakers interested in learning about the latest product developments and research findings in the field of solar power. Additional sponsorship is provided by Austin Energy, Southern California Edison, Xantrex, and the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association.

Although FORUM 2001 will have a strong academic component, it will also address broad-based commercial/industrial and public policy topics. One of the event's most significant features will be a solar modular home, dubbed "The Solar Patriot". Similar in design to the photo at left, the home will showcase energy-efficient, passive solar design strategies, an integrated photovoltaic system, domestic solar hot water, high efficiency lights and appliances, and a host of sustainable, market-ready components and systems. Home tours will be available to conference participants, government officials, and the public.

FORUM 2001 integrates the annual conferences of the American Solar Energy Society, the 26th National Passive Solar Conference, the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment Symposium, American Society of Mechanical Engineers International Solar Energy Conference, and SOLTECH 2001. Other participating organizations include the American Public Power Association, ASHRAE, Interstate Renewable Energy Council, the National Association of Home Builders, Society of Building Science Educators, the Solar Energy Industries Association, the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council, and the local chapters of ASES and SEIA (Potomac Region Solar Energy Association and Maryland-DC-Virginia Solar Energy Industries Association, respectively).

In addition to the solar home tours, other special events include a Low-Energy, Sustainable Building Design for Federal Managers workshop (April 26-27), a special session on Emerging Transportation, an exhibition hall featuring the latest renewable energy products and services (April 22 â 24), an awards banquet, training and visits to Capitol Hill, and a Women in Solar Energy (WISE) luncheon.

According to FORUM 2001 chair Helen English, who heads up the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council, "Twenty years of solid RD&D; at the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Lawrence Berkeley Labs, and in the private sector have brought solar energy strategies and equipment to the level where they're market-ready and available now. The recent energy crisis in California points up the need for more renewable solutions that help move us beyond our reliance on an ever-diminishing supply of expensive, non-renewable fuels. Strategies like passive solar design, building-integrated photovoltaics, wind power, geothermal energy, and fuel cells can significantly reduce demand, while saving businesses and consumers 30, 40, 50 percent or more on their energy bills.

"Products and technologies that generate clean energy are also cost effective on the supply side, since they help alleviate the need for construction of new power plants and costly pollution remediation efforts," English said. "FORUM 2001 is an ideal way for builders, manufacturers, policymakers, contractors, researchers, educators, designers, and engineers to learn about the new technologies and products that are available now â today â and to get a glimpse of promising directions for the future."

FORUM events take place once every four years, timed to coincide with the arrival of a new or returning presidential administration. Based on the number of participating organizations and the depth and diversity of program content, this year's gathering promises to be the best of the quadrennial events held so far. For more information or to register, visit www.solarenergyforum.org, e-mail [REDACTED-EMAIL], or call [REDACTED-PHONE].

American Solar Energy Society

Cindy Nelson, CMP, Events Director, American Solar Energy Society, [REDACTED-PHONE]/[REDACTED-EMAIL]

http://www.solarenergyforum.org

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