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- April 15 2024
- April 16 2024
April 15 2024
9:00 am - 10:15 am
Welcome & Introduction
Great Hall
Join DEP and partners as we welcome attendees to the 11th annual Montgomery County Energy Summit.
Speakers:
- Andrew Friedson, Council President
- Jon Monger, Director, Department of Environmental Protection
- Rabbiah Sabbakhan, Director, Department of Permitting Services
9:55 am - 10:30 am
Benchmark Your Way to Building Energy Performance Standards
Ellsworth
This session provides an overview of the Montgomery County Building Energy Performance Standards Law and the benchmarking process. Sheena Oliver and Cuiyin Wu from Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection will provide an overview of requirements for energy benchmarking, which requires building owners to track and report annual energy data to the County by June 1st of each year and forthcoming Building Energy Performance Standards. We welcome questions regarding the process or any issues that benchmarkers have encountered.
Sheena and Yin will also be available in the afternoon to provide one-on-one, hands-on benchmarking support to those who need help or have questions.
When you register for the Summit, please be sure to indicate that you are interested in hands-on energy benchmarking support so that we may follow up and schedule you for a time slot. Registration will be capped and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Green Bank Technical Assistance and Financing Programs
Spring
Scott Dicke, Montgomery County Green Bank, will provide an overview of Green Bank financing products and subsidized technical support.
The Montgomery County Green Bank’s Technical Assistance Program can help first-time benchmarkers connect with vendors who can help obtain accurate gross floor area, complete energy benchmarking, verify data, and help to subsidize the costs of those services – offsetting up to 100% of costs for under-resourced buildings like affordable housing, common ownership communities, and non-profit owned buildings.
After benchmarking, the TA program can help subsidize additional studies like ASHRAE Level I, Level II, Level III/ Investment Grade audits and/or targeted analyses into benchmarking, energy efficiency, renewable energy (e.g., solar PV), electrification, EV charging infrastructure, and resiliency measures.
Attendees can sign up for technical support on the spot and ask detailed questions about financing options for their buildings and projects.
Pepco's EmPOWER Incentives
Fenton (upstairs)
Tom Dietsche, a Senior Energy Efficiency Program Manager at Pepco, will share details regarding the incentives offered by the EmPOWER Maryland program as well as many state and federal financial offerings. Pepco offers a range of incentives for implementing energy efficiency measures through its Energy Savings for Business program.
The Pepco Prescriptive program provides pre-approved options for commercial customers to help them offset the costs of implementing more efficient lighting, HVAC, and other equipment. The Custom Program provides incentives for unique and complex projects, including building design and construction.
The Building Tune-up Program is available for customers to optimize the performance of their current equipment, such as hands-on service as well as Virtual Commissioning (VCx) – a free service which enabled 2020 program participants to attain an average 18% decrease in energy consumption. Without the need for in-person visits, an Energy Advisor will analyze your facility’s energy data and provide recommendations. Pepco’s Operations and Maintenance Training Program offers incentives for building operation personnel who successfully complete nationally recognized courses.
This session is designed to educate attendees who are either unfamiliar with Pepco’s incentive programs, or who would like to reinforce their understanding of the entire portfolio of offerings. Please join us to explore the ways in which Pepco can ease your path to energy efficiency with a short payback period and excellent return on investment.
10:40 am - 11:20 am
Benchmark Your Way to Building Energy Performance Standards
Ellsworth
This session provides an overview of the Montgomery County Building Energy Performance Standards Law and the benchmarking process. Sheena Oliver and Cuiyin Wu from Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection will provide an overview of requirements for energy benchmarking, which requires building owners to track and report annual energy data to the County by June 1st of each year and forthcoming Building Energy Performance Standards. We welcome questions regarding the process or any issues that benchmarkers have encountered.
Sheena and Yin will also be available in the afternoon to provide one-on-one, hands-on benchmarking support to those who need help or have questions.
When you register for the Summit, please be sure to indicate that you are interested in hands-on energy benchmarking support so that we may follow up and schedule you for a time slot. Registration will be capped and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Green Bank Technical Assistance and Financing Programs
Spring
Scott Dicke, Montgomery County Green Bank, will provide an overview of Green Bank financing products and subsidized technical support.
The Montgomery County Green Bank’s Technical Assistance Program can help first-time benchmarkers connect with vendors who can help obtain accurate gross floor area, complete energy benchmarking, verify data, and help to subsidize the costs of those services – offsetting up to 100% of costs for under-resourced buildings like affordable housing, common ownership communities, and non-profit owned buildings.
After benchmarking, the TA program can help subsidize additional studies like ASHRAE Level I, Level II, Level III/ Investment Grade audits and/or targeted analyses into benchmarking, energy efficiency, renewable energy (e.g., solar PV), electrification, EV charging infrastructure, and resiliency measures.
Attendees can sign up for technical support on the spot and ask detailed questions about financing options for their buildings and projects
Pepco's EmPOWER Incentives
Fenton (upstairs)
Tom Dietsche, a Senior Energy Efficiency Program Manager at Pepco, will share details regarding the incentives offered by the EmPOWER Maryland program as well as many state and federal financial offerings. Pepco offers a range of incentives for implementing energy efficiency measures through its Energy Savings for Business program.
The Pepco Prescriptive program provides pre-approved options for commercial customers to help them offset the costs of implementing more efficient lighting, HVAC, and other equipment. The Custom Program provides incentives for unique and complex projects, including building design and construction.
The Building Tune-up Program is available for customers to optimize the performance of their current equipment, such as hands-on service as well as Virtual Commissioning (VCx) – a free service which enabled 2020 program participants to attain an average 18% decrease in energy consumption. Without the need for in-person visits, an Energy Advisor will analyze your facility’s energy data and provide recommendations. Pepco’s Operations and Maintenance Training Program offers incentives for building operation personnel who successfully complete nationally recognized courses.
This session is designed to educate attendees who are either unfamiliar with Pepco’s incentive programs, or who would like to reinforce their understanding of the entire portfolio of offerings. Please join us to explore the ways in which Pepco can ease your path to energy efficiency with a short payback period and excellent return on investment.
11:15 am - 12:30 pm
Energy Audit Demonstrations (Pre-registration required)
Great Hall
Take a hands-on tour of the Silver Spring Library. Building re-tuning is a systematic process to identify and correct building operational problems that lead to energy waste. The goal is to identify measures that can be implemented at no or low cost other than the labor required to perform the re-tuning process.
Tom Dowling from the Clean Energy Center will demo the energy audit and re-tuning process and will cover review of:
- Building Exterior Issues
- Chiller and Boiler Problem Areas
- Understanding the Function of Air Handling Units
- Energy Efficiency Opportunities on Commercial Roofs
- Fundamentals for Energy Efficient Lighting Replacement/Retrofits
- Mechanical Room Layout and Standardized Equipment
- Stairway, Hallway, and Large Office Space for Energy Efficient Operations
The Clean Energy Center's commercial training programs teach students to find practical, no-cost and low-cost techniques to significantly reduce a facility's energy consumption.
When you register for the Summit, please be sure to indicate that you are interested in the Energy Audit Demo so that we may follow up and schedule you for a time slot. Demo registration will be capped and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Energy Audit Demos brought to you by:
11:30 am - 12:15 pm
Benchmark Your Way to Building Energy Performance Standards
Ellsworth
This session provides an overview of the Montgomery County Building Energy Performance Standards Law and the benchmarking process. Sheena Oliver and Cuiyin Wu from Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection will provide an overview of requirements for energy benchmarking, which requires building owners to track and report annual energy data to the County by June 1st of each year and forthcoming Building Energy Performance Standards. We welcome questions regarding the process or any issues that benchmarkers have encountered.
Sheena and Yin will also be available in the afternoon to provide one-on-one, hands-on benchmarking support to those who need help or have questions.
When you register for the Summit, please be sure to indicate that you are interested in hands-on energy benchmarking support so that we may follow up and schedule you for a time slot. Registration will be capped and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Green Bank Technical Assistance and Financing Programs
Spring
Scott Dicke, Montgomery County Green Bank, will provide an overview of Green Bank financing products and subsidized technical support.
The Montgomery County Green Bank’s Technical Assistance Program can help first-time benchmarkers connect with vendors who can help obtain accurate gross floor area, complete energy benchmarking, verify data, and help to subsidize the costs of those services – offsetting up to 100% of costs for under-resourced buildings like affordable housing, common ownership communities, and non-profit owned buildings.
After benchmarking, the TA program can help subsidize additional studies like ASHRAE Level I, Level II, Level III/ Investment Grade audits and/or targeted analyses into benchmarking, energy efficiency, renewable energy (e.g., solar PV), electrification, EV charging infrastructure, and resiliency measures.
Attendees can sign up for technical support on the spot and ask detailed questions about financing options for their buildings and projects
Pepco's EmPOWER Incentives
Fenton (upstairs)
Tom Dietsche, a Senior Energy Efficiency Program Manager at Pepco, will share details regarding the incentives offered by the EmPOWER Maryland program as well as many state and federal financial offerings. Pepco offers a range of incentives for implementing energy efficiency measures through its Energy Savings for Business program.
The Pepco Prescriptive program provides pre-approved options for commercial customers to help them offset the costs of implementing more efficient lighting, HVAC, and other equipment. The Custom Program provides incentives for unique and complex projects, including building design and construction.
The Building Tune-up Program is available for customers to optimize the performance of their current equipment, such as hands-on service as well as Virtual Commissioning (VCx) – a free service which enabled 2020 program participants to attain an average 18% decrease in energy consumption. Without the need for in-person visits, an Energy Advisor will analyze your facility’s energy data and provide recommendations. Pepco’s Operations and Maintenance Training Program offers incentives for building operation personnel who successfully complete nationally recognized courses.
This session is designed to educate attendees who are either unfamiliar with Pepco’s incentive programs, or who would like to reinforce their understanding of the entire portfolio of offerings. Please join us to explore the ways in which Pepco can ease your path to energy efficiency with a short payback period and excellent return on investment.
12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
Lunch & Innovation Alley
Lobby & Great Hall
Enjoy lunch and speak with local exhibitors at the Innovation Alley.
1:15 pm - 2:00 pm
County Codes & Permitting
Fenton (upstairs)
Gail Lucas, Division Chief – Customer Support and Outreach, for Montgomery County’s Department of Permitting Services, will cover what building owners need to know about Montgomery County’s permitting process for new construction and renovations for commercial/multifamily buildings, including what activities require a permit and generally how to work with Permitting Services for a successful project.
Electric Vehicle Charging & Incentives
Spring
Brian Booher, DEP Electric Vehicle Planning Specialist, will outline options and incentives for installing electric vehicle charging stations at workplaces, multifamily buildings, and retail locations.
Zero-Emissions Vehicles are an important part of Montgomery County’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035. Transportation represents 42% of the County’s community-wide GHG emissions in 2018, including on-road transportation, aviation, rail, and off-road vehicles. To reduce transportation emissions and meet the County’s GHG reduction goal, 100% of private and public transportation options in the County will need to be powered by zero emissions technologies by 2035.
You’ve Benchmarked, Now What?
Ellsworth
Emily Curley, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Building Performance Programs Manager, will walk benchmarkers through interpreting the data they’ve entered in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and suggest planning for building energy performance standards for your building or portfolio.
2:00 pm - 3:15 pm
Energy Audit Demonstrations (Pre-registration required)
Great Hall
Take a hands-on tour of the Silver Spring Library. Building re-tuning is a systematic process to identify and correct building operational problems that lead to energy waste. The goal is to identify measures that can be implemented at no or low cost other than the labor required to perform the re-tuning process.
Tom Dowling from the Clean Energy Center will demo the energy audit and re-tuning process and will cover review of:
- Building Exterior Issues
- Chiller and Boiler Problem Areas
- Understanding the Function of Air Handling Units
- Energy Efficiency Opportunities on Commercial Roofs
- Fundamentals for Energy Efficient Lighting Replacement/Retrofits
- Mechanical Room Layout and Standardized Equipment
- Stairway, Hallway, and Large Office Space for Energy Efficient Operations
The Clean Energy Center's commercial training programs teach students to find practical, no-cost and low-cost techniques to significantly reduce a facility's energy consumption.
When you register for the Summit, please be sure to indicate that you are interested in the Energy Audit Demo so that we may follow up and schedule you for a time slot. Demo registration will be capped and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Energy Audit Demos brought to you by:
2:15 pm - 3:00 pm
County Codes & Permitting
Fenton (upstairs)
Gail Lucas, Division Chief – Customer Support and Outreach, for Montgomery County’s Department of Permitting Services, will cover what building owners need to know about Montgomery County’s permitting process for new construction and renovations for commercial/multifamily buildings, including what activities require a permit and generally how to work with Permitting Services for a successful project.
Electric Vehicle Charging & Incentives
Spring
Brian Booher, DEP Electric Vehicle Planning Specialist, will outline options and incentives for installing electric vehicle charging stations at workplaces, multifamily buildings, and retail locations.
Zero-Emissions Vehicles are an important part of Montgomery County’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035. Transportation represents 42% of the County’s community-wide GHG emissions in 2018, including on-road transportation, aviation, rail, and off-road vehicles. To reduce transportation emissions and meet the County’s GHG reduction goal, 100% of private and public transportation options in the County will need to be powered by zero emissions technologies by 2035.
You've Benchmarked, Now What?
Ellsworth
Emily Curley, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Building Performance Programs Manager, will walk benchmarkers through interpreting the data they’ve entered in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and suggest planning for building energy performance standards for your building or portfolio.
3:15 pm - 4:00 pm
County Codes & Permitting
Fenton (upstairs)
Gail Lucas, Division Chief – Customer Support and Outreach, for Montgomery County’s Department of Permitting Services, will cover what building owners need to know about Montgomery County’s permitting process for new construction and renovations for commercial/multifamily buildings, including what activities require a permit and generally how to work with Permitting Services for a successful project.
Electric Vehicle Charging & Incentives
Spring
Brian Booher, DEP Electric Vehicle Planning Specialist, will outline options and incentives for installing electric vehicle charging stations at workplaces, multifamily buildings, and retail locations.
Zero-Emissions Vehicles are an important part of Montgomery County’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035. Transportation represents 42% of the County’s community-wide GHG emissions in 2018, including on-road transportation, aviation, rail, and off-road vehicles. To reduce transportation emissions and meet the County’s GHG reduction goal, 100% of private and public transportation options in the County will need to be powered by zero emissions technologies by 2035.
You've Benchmarked, Now What?
Ellsworth
Emily Curley, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Building Performance Programs Manager, will walk benchmarkers through interpreting the data they’ve entered in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and suggest planning for building energy performance standards for your building or portfolio.
April 16 2024
9:00 am - 10:15 am
Welcome & Opening Plenary
Great Hall
Welcome to day 2 of the Montgomery County Energy Summit. Local leaders are thrilled to welcome you to the Summit.
Speakers:
- March Elrich, County Executive
- Sarah Kogel-Smucker, Climate Change Officer
- Jon Monger, Director, Department of Environmental Protection
Plenary Speaker:
- Serena McIlwain, Maryland Secretary of the Environment
10:15 am - 11:30 am
Energy Audit Demonstrations (Pre-registration required)
Great Hall
Take a hands-on tour of the Silver Spring Library. Building re-tuning is a systematic process to identify and correct building operational problems that lead to energy waste. The goal is to identify measures that can be implemented at no or low cost other than the labor required to perform the re-tuning process.
Tom Dowling from the Clean Energy Center will demo the energy audit and re-tuning process and will cover review of:
- Building Exterior Issues
- Chiller and Boiler Problem Areas
- Understanding the Function of Air Handling Units
- Energy Efficiency Opportunities on Commercial Roofs
- Fundamentals for Energy Efficient Lighting Replacement/Retrofits
- Mechanical Room Layout and Standardized Equipment
- Stairway, Hallway, and Large Office Space for Energy Efficient Operations
The Clean Energy Center's commercial training programs teach students to find practical, no-cost and low-cost techniques to significantly reduce a facility's energy consumption.
When you register for the Summit, please be sure to indicate that you are interested in the Energy Audit Demo so that we may follow up and schedule you for a time slot. Demo registration will be capped and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Energy Audit Demos brought to you by:
10:30 am - 11:20 am
Navigating Federal Incentives
Ellsworth
The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in 2020, marking unprecedented investment in clean energy and climate change mitigation funding. Keeping track of and navigating the multitude of opportunities can seem just as daunting. This panel will provide an overview of the landscape of federal incentive programs to provide attendees with a sense of the big picture: what’s planned, what’s coming, and what’s available today.
Though much more funding is being provided to states, state energy offices, and local jurisdictions through formula funding and competitive grants, this session will focus on opportunities for building owners, including updated and forthcoming guidance on the 179D Commercial Buildings Energy-Efficiency Tax Deduction, IRA Home Energy Rebates, and direct pay provisions of the Investment Tax Credit.
As part of the IRA, states, cities, counties and their agencies such as school districts are eligible for the first time to receive elective pay, or a check from Treasury for energy efficiency and renewable energy investments. Regulations were finalized just last month so come learn from two experts how to navigate the new processes and find out how your commercial business or nonprofit organization can take advantage of these credits providing savings up to 30% of project costs.
Speakers:
- John Agan, Policy Analyst, U.S. Department of Energy Office of Policy
- Chris Lover, CFA, Managing Director, PFM Financial Advisors LLC
The Future of County Building Codes
Fenton (upstairs)
Developing policy is only one step in the complicated process of enacting new building codes. Carbon Neutral codes can provide an effective method of putting words into action, but the code adoption process can unfortunately feel overwhelming to most.
Montgomery Count’s proposed electrification ready, electric vehicle ready, electric storage system ready, and net zero energy modeling amendments are designed to set projects up for a path of electrification and better alignment with Building Energy Performance programs.
We will break down the process Montgomery County Maryland is taking to move policy into action by covering: team development, proposed building code amendments, public comment, reporting, and proposed post occupancy enforcement.
Speakers:
- Bryan Bomer, Sustainability, Energy, and Mechanical Manager, Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services
Two Birds, One Stone: Compliance Strategies for Meeting Building Performance Standards in Montgomery County and Maryland
Spring
Montgomery County and the State of MD have passed Building Energy Performance Standards laws and are in the process of promulgating regulations. The session offers an overview of proposed County and State BEPS regulations to highlight similarities and differences between the two laws. Engage with County DEP and Maryland Department of the Environment staff to explore reporting, auditing, and building improvement strategies to position covered buildings to comply.
Speakers:
- Zach Berzolla, Building Decarbonization Section Head, Climate Change Program, Maryland Department of the Environment
- Emily Curley, Building Energy Performance Programs Manager, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection
11:30 am - 12:20 pm
Deploying Utility and State Incentives for Comprehensive Efficiency Projects
Ellsworth
Building owners and managers embarking on meeting building energy performance standards and improving efficiency will find that upgrades to HVAC, lighting, and controls systems are often necessary. By leveraging state, local, and utility incentives, these investments can be more cost-effective.
Pepco’s Energy Savings for Business program can provide customers with incentives for energy efficiency projects, aiding in meeting building standards and reducing utility costs. These incentives can be combined with various grant and loan programs available through the Maryland Energy Administration.
This informative session aims to guide building owners, managers, engineers, and contractors through the process of implementing performance-based energy efficiency projects. Discover how Pepco and Maryland Energy Administration’s incentive and grant programs can support investments in facility systems to achieve BEPS targets.
Speakers:
- Stanley Katongole, Senior Energy Efficiency Program Manager, Pepco Holdings
- Chris Russell, Energy Program Manager, Maryland Energy Administration
LEED v5: Taking Action on Climate, Quality of Life, and Ecology
Spring
The latest version of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification program, LEED v5, is an important milestone in the effort to align the built environment with the Paris Climate Accord’s 2030 and 2050 targets. LEED v5 focuses on the sustainable building practices, supporting the transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and healthier built environment, making a direct connection between sustainable strategies and global and organizational goals addressing climate action, quality of life and ecological advancement.
This session provides an update to the LEED rating system upcoming in version 5, the draft of the rating system, key updates to the LEED program and introduces new solutions to support building performance and carbon goals across the building sector. This will be a thought-provoking conversation about how the industry can work together to achieve a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future.
Speakers:
- Rachel Nicely – Director of Sustainable Programs, Sustainable Building Partners
- Ryan Snow – Regional Director, U.S. Green Building Council
Practical Electrification of Existing Buildings
Fenton (upstairs)
How will the local building stock electrify? This session is for contractors, regional stakeholders, and property owners interested in learning about the decision making and analysis involved in electrification of existing buildings.
Panelists will discuss the timeline and cycles of building upgrades, from benchmarking to planning to implementation, and how to take advantage of human and financial resources available. Furthermore, panelists will present information on projects at two properties that considered electrification – Takoma Overlook Condo and Hampshire Tower Apartments.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Scott Dicke, Director, Clean Energy Programs, Montgomery County Green Bank
- Mike Cain, Managing Director, Era Building Solutions
- Adam Landsman, President, PulseIQ
12:20 pm - 1:15 pm
Lunch & Innovation Alley
Great Hall
Enjoy lunch and speak with local exhibitors at the Innovation Alley.
1:15 pm - 2:30 pm
Energy Audit Demonstrations (Pre-registration required)
Great Hall
Take a hands-on tour of the Silver Spring Library. Building re-tuning is a systematic process to identify and correct building operational problems that lead to energy waste. The goal is to identify measures that can be implemented at no or low cost other than the labor required to perform the re-tuning process.
Tom Dowling from the Clean Energy Center will demo the energy audit and re-tuning process and will cover review of:
- Building Exterior Issues
- Chiller and Boiler Problem Areas
- Understanding the Function of Air Handling Units
- Energy Efficiency Opportunities on Commercial Roofs
- Fundamentals for Energy Efficient Lighting Replacement/Retrofits
- Mechanical Room Layout and Standardized Equipment
- Stairway, Hallway, and Large Office Space for Energy Efficient Operations
The Clean Energy Center's commercial training programs teach students to find practical, no-cost and low-cost techniques to significantly reduce a facility's energy consumption.
When you register for the Summit, please be sure to indicate that you are interested in the Energy Audit Demo so that we may follow up and schedule you for a time slot. Demo registration will be capped and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Energy Audit Demos brought to you by:
1:30 pm - 2:20 pm
Envelope Improvements in Multifamily Retrofits: Strategies and Examples
Spring
While new codes and standards are vastly improving energy efficiency for new construction buildings, the large number of existing buildings play a key role in overall energy use. This session reviews the analyses and chosen strategies for a number of different multifamily retrofit projects.
The trends, best practices, and greatest improvements will be broken out for project teams to understand, along with an explanation of how some improvements like air sealing can affect other choices such as ventilation. Energy efficiency, air quality, comfort, and level of invasiveness for the component improvements will be discussed.
Speakers:
- Joseph Andracchio, PE, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Steven Winter Associates.
- Chet Knaup, President, Spectrum Energy, LLC
Preparing Your Property for Electric Transportation
Fenton (upstairs)
Electric vehicles are rapidly becoming mainstream in Montgomery County, which makes EV charging a valuable amenity or even a necessity for many properties. This session will explore the business case for installing EV charging in multifamily properties, common ownership communities, and workplaces.
Expert panelists will share insights on the process, decision points, and incentives for EV charging projects.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Brian Booher, Senior Planning Specialist – Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV), Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection
- Dave Castille, Public Sector Director, Blue Whale EV
- Deedra Simmons, Citizen Energy
Solar PV Costs and Financing Options: How Much Does Solar Cost and How Can You Pay for It Without Cash Reserves?
Ellsworth
Determining the total price tag for a solar PV system, and how to pay for it, can be a complex process. Learn more about how a solar system is priced, what factors make this price go up or down, and what market variables are included in the pricing.
Hear from solar leaders about how organizations with little or no cash reserves can go solar and save money on their bottom line. This educational session is for partners looking to price solar PV, those that are looking for more attractive clean energy financing, and partners that want more information on how to get into the solar PV market.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Cindy McCabe, Director of Renewable Energy, Montgomery County Green Bank
- Bradford Boston, Founder, Suncatch Energy
- Adrian Davis, Co-founder and Managing Member, Prime Partners Engineering
- Joelle Novey, Director, Interfaith Power & Light
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Avoiding Benchmarking Pitfalls, What We’ve Learned from 10 Years of Benchmarking
Spring
This session offers an overview of building energy benchmarking, highlighting its importance for achieving the County’s climate goals and optimizing building performance. Discover the role of benchmarking in informing the long-term planning for building improvements, enhancing operational efficiency, and contributing to a healthy built environment. Learn from historical data insights, best practices, and case studies that demonstrate success stories and common concerns over the scope and cost of compliance. Engage with experts to explore strategies for successful benchmarking implementation. Join us to empower your contributions towards the County’s climate goals.
Speakers:
- Ian Marcus, PE, Senior Decarbonization Engineer, JLL
- Lewis Morgante, PE, Senior Engineer, Building Performance, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection
Microgrids Playing a Crucial Role in Building Resilience: How to Prepare for Extreme Events with Appropriate Systems
Fenton (upstairs)
Facing extreme events with the proper systems will make bouncing back faster and with the least possible damage. This session offers an overview of how resiliency hubs are connected to microgrid systems and why these types of structures are necessary to prepare for the future. Speakers will discuss energy resilience, community benefits, financial feasibility, and technologies of microgrids.
The session will bring real examples of successful microgrid systems that are currently up and running, as well as early stage microgrid initiatives, where speakers will share their motivation to pursue this type of projects, different paths of action and main barriers and lessons learnt so far.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Laura Mondragón, Director of Climate Resilience, Montgomery County Green Bank
- Mara Parker, Climate Adaptation Program Manager, Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Montgomery County, MD
- Don Scheuerman, Jr., Chief, Office Energy and Sustainability, Department of General Services
- Emily Mah Rogers, Chief Operating Officer, Glen Echo Park
Serving Under-Resourced Buildings: Incentive Programs for Low Income Residents and Affordable Housing
Ellsworth
This panel focuses programs for under-resourced building owners, including low-income home-owners and affordable housing properties. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will discuss the Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability programs which support energy efficiency and housing affordability in the State’s multifamily rental housing developments.
Habitat for Humanity will showcase the Montgomery County Homeowner Energy Efficiency Program & its Weatherization Program which supports energy efficiency upgrades and basic weatherization for eligible County homeowners.
Speakers will discuss the programs offered, the requirements necessary to qualify for funding, and provide additional resources to help these sectors reduce energy use, electrify, and improve comfort and safety.
Speakers:
- Cindy Castro, Project Manager, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
- Gaurav Kapur, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
- Chyna Diaz, Home Preservation Program Manager, Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Closing Networking Session & Happy Hour
Great Hall
Close the Summit with a networking happy hour. Topic themes will be provided to allow attendees to meet, mingle, and converse about what they've learned.
Brought to you by:
