The Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living

Foster-Glocester School District
Alternative Energy Community Workshop Series

Learn how using renewable energy sources can benefit your school, home, community, and your electric bill!
This FREE weekly workshop series will include interactive presentations with local experts in the fields of biodiesel, algae biofuels, solar, wind, geothermal energies, and more. Learn the production basics of various renewable energy sources, how to put new and old technologies to work to save or produce energy, and where to go for local resources.

Open to students, parents, and community members throughout Rhode Island, this workshop series is brought to you by the Foster-Glocester Regional School District and the Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living, and is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Workshops will be held Wednesdays from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Doors open at 5:30. Light refreshments will be served.

Date	Topic
9/22/10	Today’s Sustainable Biodiesel in RI
9/29/10	SOLAR options for Home or Business
10/6/10	Introduction to Geothermal
10/13/10	Alternative & Renewable Energy Sources: Big Investment, Big Return
10/20/10	Converting Greenhouse Gases into Green Power
10/27/10	Land Based Wind Power Opportunities and Challenges in Rhode Island
11/3/10	Energy Smart Building Design
11/10/10	Biomass Boilers

Today's Sustainable BIODIESEL in RI
Presented by: Jim Malloy & Nat Harris
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Doors open at 5:30pm
Ponaganset High School, 137 Anan Wade Rd, North Scituate, RI

We will explore the local sustainable “cradle to cradle” model of the RI 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.

Jim Malloy is the operations manager of T.H. Malloy Biofuels and has been distributing biodiesel in RI for four years. Jim is also the co-creator of a fossil fuel-free; wind, solar, wood-powered; mortgage-free; efficient, affordable, earthen home nestled in amongst an orchard and gardens.
Nat Harris is the production manager of Newport Biodiesel, focused on the continued development of a biodiesel processing plant creating local, sustainable fuel for RI and the surrounding areas.

SOLAR options for Home or Business
Presented by: Ben Swanson
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Doors open at 5:30pm
Ponaganset High School, 137 Anan Wade Rd, North Scituate, RI

This workshop will open your eyes to ways in which solar photovoltaic applications can be aesthetically integrated into your home or business design. Alteris case studies will emphasize environmentally friendly guidelines for construction projects that utilize renewable energy systems.

Ben Swanson is the Rhode Island Sales Manager at Alteris Renewables Inc. (formerly SolarWrights), working with homeowners and small businesses to identify the most cost-effective and reliable renewable energy systems to meet their energy needs. Ben joined the company as an installer and apprentice electrician prior to moving into the system design and sales role, participating in the construction of solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, and wind turbine systems. He has a BS in Geology and Oceanography from URI, and worked previously on several classic wooden charter sailboats based in Newport and as a Ski Patroller in Vermont.

Introduction to Geothermal
Presented by: Hazard Stewart
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Doors open at 5:30pm
Glocester Manton Library, 1137 Putnam Pike (Rte. 44), Chepachet, RI

Hazard Stewart of Newport Geothermal will give a brief overview of the various types of geothermal systems that utilize GSHP (ground source heat pumps). This workshop discusses types of systems that can be converted, and the common types of systems used with GSHP’s. The workshop will also discuss some of the costs associated with geothermal systems, and the typical savings over traditional heating and cooling systems as well equipment efficiencies.

Hazard Stewart, owner of Newport Geothermal, is an IGSHPA (international Ground Source heat Pump Association ) Accredited installer. Mr. Stewart has successfully installed many geothermal systems throughout Rhode Island. Mr. Stewart holds a bachelors Degree in Architecture, and has over 15 years in the construction industry in hands on construction as well as from a project management position.

This workshop will introduce and explore the implementation of various forms of renewable and alternative energy resources, common mistakes and misunderstandings and what you really need to know before you invest.

Bob Cerio has accumulated over 30 years of experience in Energy and Environmental Conservation and Management and is currently an Energy Resource Consultant operating a successful Energy Conservation and Management Consulting business based in Rhode Island. Bob was instrumental in bringing Bio-diesel to heat the Warwick School Department’s 29 facilities and run its entire bus fleet. This along with the administration of an energy conservation and management program saved the district $2.6 million over six years. Bob holds a BS degree in Plant and Soil Science, a certificate in manufacturing engineering from the National Machine Tool Builders Association, and he is a graduate Apprentice of the Brown and Sharpe Technical Training Program. He is Building Operator Certified, Levels I & II, teaches BOC for Northeast Energy Efficiency Council and is a Certified Energy Manager. Bob also serves as a technical consultant to the National Biodiesel Board, is a member of TEC-RI, The Energy Council of Rhode Island and has been instrumental in the Development of the URI Energy Center and Master Energy Training Program.

Converting Greenhouse Gases into Green Power
Presented by: Lawrence Dressler
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Doors open at 5:30pm
Glocester Manton Library, 1137 Putnam Pike (Rte. 44), Chepachet, RI

In this workshop participants will learn about Tomorrow BioFuels' four step cycle business model. The steps include flue emission (namely CO2) sequestration, algae growth, biofuel production and green electrical generation.

Larry Dressler is a native Cranston Rhode Islander who has a BSBA from American University. Mr. Dressler is an Entrepreneur, Inventor, and Trademark Holder. Previously he was a principal at Colfax Inc, a Vegetable Oil Refinery (Pawtucket, RI). Larry has over 23 years experience in procurement, hedging, marketing, sales, manufacturing and operations in vegetable oils. In 2002 Larry started LVD Marketing, a vegetable oil brokerage/consultant business and Edible Food Group an international food wholesaler. Mr. Dressler also developed AIM Systems, a closed loop bulk inventory system. In 2007 Mr. Dressler began working on alternative feedstock for the biodiesel industry and founded Tomorrow BioFuels LLC (TBL) with his business partner, Dr. Chirkov. Larry is President of TBL whose mission is to convert greenhouse gases into green power. Tomorrow BioFuels will receive the 2010 Innovation of the Year for Energy and the Environment from Providence Business News.

In this workshop participants will learn about and discuss proper siting of land based turbines, different wind turbine products and technologies, economics and incentives, as well as describe the existing wind turbines in RI.

Bob Chew is the Founder and President of the Wind Business at Alteris Renewables. Bob has been a pioneer in the renewable energy business in Rhode Island since 1977.

Energy Smart Building Design
Presented by: Greg Spiess & Nicholas Toman
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Doors open at 5:30pm
Ponaganset High School, 137 Anan Wade Rd, North Scituate, RI

Learn guiding principles of energy efficient design and methods for building or re-modeling structures to gain increased economy and comfort through conservation as well as harnessing new technologies and natural forces.

Greg Spiess, of GREG SPIESS AIA ARCHITECTURE & URBAN DESIGN, has over 35 years experience in the architectural profession and the related fields of planning and construction. As a Registered Architect he has been responsible for the creation of a wide range of projects from the planning approval stages through construction. Alongside his office pursuits he has taught for many years as an adjunct faculty leading architecture classes in Professional Practice, Graphic Techniques and Design Studio.

Nicholas Toman is a licensed contractor and has over 9 years experience in the renewable energy profession and the related fields of design and installation. Specializing in Solar Thermal Water Heating and Solar Photovoltaic systems, he has a diverse range of experience and thorough understanding of system operations.

Biomass Boilers
Presented by: John Johnson
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Doors open at 5:30pm
Ponaganset High School, 137 Anan Wade Rd, North Scituate, RI

Join us on site at Ponaganset High School for this introduction to Biomass Boilers for commercial buildings and schools. Learn the sources of Biomass, operating considerations, and environmental considerations – including emissions, carbon footprints and waste products.

John Johnson, PE, LEED AP, is ConEdison Solutions' Senior Project Developer and has over 30 years' experience with educational, commercial and industrial energy project design and implementation. Mr. Johnson has managed over $100 million in energy design, engineering, and construction projects that have qualified for over $10 million in utility rebates. He has implemented woodchip boiler plants, cogeneration systems, energy management system upgrades, and industrial process improvements. Prior to joining ConEdison Solutions, Mr. Johnson served as Corporate Energy Manager for GTE Corporation and as Manager of Construction for a major New England real estate developer. He earned degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business from the University of Illinois.