Webinar to feature presentations by Western, Fowler, Colo.
Energy Services Manager Ron Horstman and Wayne Snider, town administrator of Fowler, Colo., will be among the speakers featured in Developing an Energy Plan – Selecting Energy – Working with Utilities, a free webinar, April 7 at 10 a.m. MT.
The webinar is the second in a five-part series on “Creating a Plan for Growing Your Local Economy through Energy Savings and No or Low-cost Sustainable Energy.” The series, hosted by Energy Forefront at Challenge International, Inc., takes participants through a step-by-step process describing how a city, town or county can improve its economy, save energy and integrate sustainable energy technologies all with little or no expense.
Horstman will contribute his expertise in integrated resource planning for cities and in creating relationships with utilities. His co-presenter, Snider, will talk about his experiences taking Fowler from a small conservative town to a national example of how to create a green energy economy at low or no cost.
A second presentation will explore how Grand Rapids, Mich., became the “Most Sustainable Mid-sized City of 2010.” Haris Alibasic, director of the city’s Office of Energy and Sustainability, will discuss lessons learned on developing an energy-efficiency plan and renewable energy business plan, and provide details on meeting energy goals and other sustainability measures.
Because municipal energy planning is such a rich and complex topic, Part II of the webinar will take place April 28. Grahame E. Maisey, P.E., with Building Services Consultants, will walk attendees through the process of developing a true energy sustainability plan at the facility level. Unlike energy reduction plans, energy sustainability plans aim to turn buildings from energy users to energy generators.
At the end of the webinars, participants will get to ask questions and share their experiences. “Utilities and local and state governments have the chance to move their economies forward by thinking outside the box about energy planning,” said Horstman. “This webinar series is a good place for those responsible for planning to get inspiration.”
Tags: Fowler Colo., integrated resource planning, Ron Horstman, sustainability, Wayne Snider