Ninth Annual DuPage Environmental Summit

The Ninth Annual DuPage Environmental Summit at Benedictine University held on January 11, 2012, exceeded the expectations of its sponsors.  If you missed it, fear not.  The slides and other materials have been posted by the Conservation Foundation at http://www.theconservationfoundation.org/

Attendance was higher this year, perhaps due to heightened awareness and interest in energy policy issues, and a growth in opportunities for renewable energy.  There was an interesting mix of private vendors, environmental professionals, and advocacy organizations.  The information sharing, lectures, and informal networing were exciting. 

In the weeks ahead you can read blog posts that highlight new opportunities to by renewable energy that is home-grown in Illinois.  Even if you can't put solar panels on your own home, the Illinois Solar Energy Association has helped make it possible to sign up for solar energy generated by others in the area. 

We will also be explaining community choice aggregation, and the currently available options for Glen Ellyn residents to buy wind power.  Yes, wind power is available now at reasonable rates.  Finally, it is still important to conserve power and to improve the efficiency of our appliances.  ComEd and Nicor have asked Cool Cities groups to help promote these new initiatives that offer unprecedented value to the homeowner.  Stay tuned!