Free Business Energy Symposium Planned for May

AMES, Iowa – The City of Ames Electric Services Department and City of Ames Sustainability Task Force Business Sector Committee invite members of the business community to attend a free Business Energy Symposium that focuses on no-cost and low-cost ways for increasing energy efficiency in day-to-day operations. The keynote speaker will be Assistant Director Bill Diesslin with Iowa State University’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S).

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tues., May 22 at Reiman Gardens. Lunch will be provided by The Café. Although admission is free, pre-registration required. Attendance will be limited to 100 guests. Contact Steve Wilson, “The Energy Guy,” at (515) 239-5170 or email at swilson@city.ames.ia.us.

In response to former Iowa State University President Gregory Geoffroy’s 2008 sustainability challenge to the Iowa State University community for a 15 percent reduction in energy consumption within a three-year period, the University’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety found they had the additional challenge of lack of funding for improvements and retrofits. Under Diesslin’s leadership and vision, an initiative of low and no-cost opportunities was launched. To date, EH&S’ electrical consumption has decreased 18 percent. In his presentation, Diesslin will share experiences from EH&S’ journey and provide tips and ideas that any size business (owning or renting space) can incorporate and reap significant results.

Diesslin has a bachelor’s degree in life sciences from Winona State University and a master’s degree in environmental engineering from Iowa State University. He is a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) at the master level and a Certified Safety Professional (CSP). He is a member of the Coordinating Committee for the EPA’s Sectors Strategy Initiative, Chair of the EPA’s Regulatory Innovations Workgroup and a member of the CSHEMA government relations committee.

In addition to the keynote speaker, the event will include vendors specializing in assisting businesses in increasing energy efficiency and Ames Electric Services staff providing information on resources, assistance, and funding. Energy efficiency product and service vendors will also be exhibiting.

“We have developed this seminar with busy schedules in mind,” said Wilson. “We are providing relevant, helpful, research-based information that can have an impact on lowering utility bills and cutting costs.”

All attendees at the Business Energy Symposium will receive a Business Energy Kit.