Maryland Green Building Network

Kevin Bowser

David Brusch, DHCD

Rick Dohler, C & A Floorcoverings

Stan Edwards

Jason Fisher, Solar Works, Inc.

Julie Gabrielli, Terralogos

Jeff Gilbert, Chesapeake Wind & Solar

Jason Goldblatt

Michael Furbish, LCM Assoc.

Carri Harlan, Brennan & Co. Architects

Janet Harrison, AIA

Melanie Hartwig-Davis, AIA-COTE

Scott Heacock, JHU Student

Gene Higa, MDE

Johns Hopkins, DHCD

John Ingalls, DHMH

Duane King, MDE

Michael Li, DNR

Tom Liebel, Design Collective

Tom Lofft

Sean McGuire, GBN Coordinator

Leesa Norman

Jean Patz

Jonathan Patz, JHU School of Public Health

Kevin Rackstraw, Clipper Windpower

Kim Schaefer, Terralogos

Barry Segal, Segal’s Solar Systems

Stuart Stainman, DHMH

Von Siggers, City of Salisbury

Michael Stover, DCI

Louisa Thompson

John Vlah, Holophane Lighting

Introductions and Announcements

Introductions and Review of Upcoming Events: Sean asked that attendees introduce themselves and then reviewed upcoming events as stated in the GBN meeting announcement.

Wind Power – Kevin Rackstraw, Clipper Windpower

Most people think that there is not enough wind in Maryland to support a market, but this is not true. There are wind resources here in the state, and it is a reasonable pursuit to promote a market. The main area for future wind production will be in Western Maryland. Wind is a clean, renewable resource that is gaining acceptance and introductions into markets throughout the country. For instance, the Dakotas could power the entire country.

Over the past few years, wind has become competitive with other energy sources. The cost depends almost exclusively on location. The higher the wind speed, the lower the costs and the more competitive to other energy sources. The environmental issues are that the turbines can be somewhat visually obvious, but not striking. Sound is not an issue. There has been, however, much concern over bird mortality. Kevin argued this is not a real threat if turbines are placed outside of migration patterns.

Again, wind is a viable, cheap energy source here in Maryland, and matched up with other sources is the true option for the future. For more information, please check out his website at www.clipperwind.com.

Solar Power – Jason Fisher, Solar Works

Jason briefly reviewed the environmental benefits of solar power; namely, the renewable resource of the sun, lifetime of panels is usually 50 years, and can be utilized in small, remote areas without power lines. Solar power has been decreasing in cost, and is definitely affordable for most uses.

Jason then reviewed, via slides, various sizes and locations of solar systems, as well as several examples in urban, suburban, and rural settings. For more information, please check out his website at www.solar-works.com.

What Homeowners Can Do – Jeff Gilbert, Chesapeake Wind & Solar

Jeff collated the many opportunities identified by the previous speakers and also shared additional, innovative alternative energy sources. He began by explaining passive solar designs; which include south facing windows, overhangs, living roofs, and other natural approaches to energy conservation. Jeff then moved on to solar panels, solar shingles, and standing seem roofs. Another great opportunity for homeowners is solar energy for water heaters.

Jeff identified wind micro-turbines for home, and especially rural, use. The benefits include there are only 3 moving parts, low maintenance, the systems are self-regulating, and use simple energy conversion. For more information, please check out their website at www.cwsenergy.com.