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Remodel Green 08 promised to deliver one of the most informative events focusing on green remodeling in North America and it came to Ypsilanti this past Friday and Saturday.
According to the organization's Web site Remodel Green 08 was a two day event that “brings together builders, architects, designers, homeowners, suppliers and community leaders who share excitement about green building, a phenomenon that is outperforming all other segments of the construction industry across the U.S.”
The expo and conference took place in the Ballroom of Eastern Michigan University’s Student Center, with more than 14,000 square feet of exhibition space and 1,500 conference delegates.
Co-organizer Jason Bing said the conference and expo, now in its second year, provided educational sessions geared toward the green remodeling industry as well as give green vendors the opportunity to showcase their wares to the community.
“Not only were the homeowners exposed to concepts and technology that are available but they were also face to face with people that can help them get a project done,” Bing said.
The co-organizer also said the presentations made both days were beneficial to industry professionals as well.
There are two keynote speakers for the event. Joe Lstiburek, public speaker & lecturer in building science, spoke Friday. Saturday’s keynote presentation was given by Scott Morgan, host of several HDTV shows including, “Eco-Smart Living” and “Restoration and Renovation.”
Recycle Ann Arbor, the Clean Energy Coalition and the southeastern chapter National Association of Remodeling Industry organized the event.
Sean Reed, executive director of the Clean Energy Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting clean energy technologies, said the conference and expo presents a “one-stop-shop” atmosphere beneficial to the entire community and well as the region.
He said the inevitable and continuous rise in energy costs are going to have an impact on people’s wallets but he said the conference shows citizens ways to save.
“You aren’t powerless in dealing with these issues and you’re also not alone,” Reed said. "There are a lot of things you can do and we want to show people what their options are.”
Bing said he and other organizers of the event, which was strictly a professional affair last year, tried to make it as accessible as possible for community members. Admittance for citizens this year was $5 for adults and free for students and seniors. Final attendance was around 500 people according to Bing.