PWC Energy Forum seeks ways to meet demand while preserving the planet

"How will we meet the rapidly escalating demands for energy and power without further endangering the environment?" A group of industry leaders tackled a variety of energy issues at "'Watts' the Future of Energy & Power," a special breakfast forum organized and presented by Professional Women in Construction (PWC) at the General Society Library in New York City. Moderator Albert DiGuilio, PE, vice president with DMJM Harris, led off the program by asking what the various commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities will do as energy needs expand and the city continues to grow. All agreed that Mayor Bloomberg's PlaNYC guidelines need to be adhered to and that the "15 by '15" goal of reducing energy usage by 15% by 2015 must be met. Henry Bartoli, CEO and president of Hitachi Power Systems America, provided an overview of U.S. energy markets and Hitachi's power generation technologies. He noted that energy conservation and independence are essential as the need for power will increase in the next decade while dwindling reserves will soon fall below safety thresholds. He said too that nearly half of U.S. electricity is generated by coal even though most of the existing coal base units are over 30 years old. New energy sources will include advanced clean coal -indigenous, inexpensive and increasingly clean, nuclear power - despite uncertainties - and wind and solar power. Bartoli also noted that all three leading presidential candidates emphasize the need for carbon reduction in the face of climate change. Maribel Cruz-Brown, business development engineer, New York Power Authority (NYPA), explained that the NYPA performs energy audits for public facilities and offers "turn-key services" for increased efficiency that go from audit through installation. Cruz-Brown noted the emphasis on energy efficiency and clean energy technologies that focus on renewables - solar, fuel cells, microturbines, electric vehicles and hybrids - and the need for new electricity technology in a "carbon constrained future." To date, the Power Authority has invested statewide more than $1.1 billion on energy efficiency programs, saving taxpayers over $100 million annually and reducing the dependency on oil by two million barrels per year and greenhouse gases by more than 830,000 tons per year. Some of NYPA's clients include SUNY, CUNY, NYC DEP, NYC Housing Authority, Department of Education, Health and Hospitals Corporation, NYPD, and Westchester government facilities. Donna Potorti, PE, BCEE, program manager, energy services, DMJM Harris, said that the world's energy demand will be 60% higher by 2030, and discussed the City's accompanying challenges faced by an aging infrastructure, rising energy costs, and CO2 emissions. Saying that DMJM Harris is committed to "Reduce, Expand, and Modernize," she explained that the company conducts energy assessments and subsequent installations for a variety of clients. Potorti pointed to a growing demand for talent: there will be a need for about 32 million "green collar" jobs by 2030 and, with 30% of the current workforce retiring in the next five years, there could be a shortage of 10 million engineers worldwide by 2010. Peter Meloro, manager, energy efficiency group, Con Edison, discussed Con Edison's Targeted Demand Side Management Programs that include a number of energy efficiency alternatives to include customer installation of compact fluorescent bulbs and regulating central air conditioning systems via the Internet when not at home. As construction grows in all boroughs, the challenge is to mitigate the projected growth in energy use and provide alternative measures for the end user. Con Edison is also partnering with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors and maintaining strategic partnerships with many environmental organizations. Kim Slicklein, founder and CEO, Enclave Rising and Ethos Resorts and Spas, is, noted DiGuilio, "leading the way in the development community to create sustainable ultra-green projects that are also ultra-luxurious." Slicklein spoke of the necessity for real social and environmental consciousness and a fundamental change in how developments of all types are approached noting, "or eventually, we'll be extinct." Saying that the public is increasingly demanding "a paradigm shift in how we build, and what we build," she explained that Enclave Rising is the first fully sustainable international real estate development group focused on a "Net Zero Carbon promise." The firm targets developing nations that have political, economic and social stability and where responsible eco-aware tourism could help boost their economy. Event sponsors were: DMJM Harris; New York Power Authority; New York Affordable Electricity Alliance; MSD Visual; R.S. Knapp Co., Inc.; and Gig-Werks. Visit www.pwcusa.org for more information.