MEDIA ADVISORY

For Release:

February 10, 2009

For More Information:

George Callas, Newforest Institute (207) 722-3625

Augusta, Maine –

The Built Energy Forum, produced by Build Green Maine, a partnership program of the Midcoast Magnet and the Newforest Institute, held on January 26^th at the Augusta Civic Center attracted 300 industry leaders in building and building performance, architecture, renewable energy and government. The Forum brought together experts from across Maine and beyond to address the questions of high-performance building certification, the sourcing of local and green building materials, the development of policies to fuel the upgrade of Maine’s building stock, and the training and certification of the green collar workforce.

Governor Baldacci spoke to the group about where Maine has been and where it needs to go in regard to building practices and creating a more efficient state. Keynote speaker Joseph Lstiburek, of Building Science Corporation, had the group’s attention riveted and laid out many themes that resurfaced throughout the day: The negative effect of inadequate standards, the primacy of conservation over alternative fuels, “green” means energy efficiency first and the coming competition for energy between the housing and transportation sectors.

Other speakers included Donna McNeil of the Maine Arts Commission, Dr. Habib Dagher of the Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center at the University of Maine, Vicki Worden of Worden Associates, Dale McCormick, Executive Director of Maine Housing. Closing comments and an visionary action plan were delivered by Commissioner John Richardson of the Department of Economic and Community Development.

Regional and industry breakout sessions allowed attendees to shape the agenda for Maine’s Green Building industry. Panelists included: Peter Taggart of the U.S. Green Building Council, John Gordon of the AIA, John Egan of CEI, Pat Coon of ReVision Energy, Martin Orio of Northeast GEO, Marc Isaacson of Competitive Energy, Dale McCormick of Maine Housing, Richard Karg of Maine Home Performance and Richard Burbank of Evergreen HP. The sessions were held to develop lasting networks across disciplines and consensus on specific action plans behind accelerating the penetration of energy performance in buildings. The breakout sessions were facilitated by Good Group Decisions, Inc.

George Callas of the Newforest Institute, a co-organizer of the conference said “This conference achieved exactly what we hoped; it brought practitioners and policy makers together, and it raised the tough questions. It not only connected and energized the practioners on the ground, but provided a platform from which they can take concrete, coordinated action.

For more information go to www.buildgreenmaine.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Midcoast Magnet brings people together to develop innovative projects that support creativity, livability and economic sustainability in Midcoast Maine. They are a non-profit organization of people dedicated to vibrant culture, entrepreneurship and bringing people together socially and professionally. Bangor Savings Bank is a proud major sponsor of Midcoast Magnet. www.midcoastmagnet.com

Newforest Institute is a land-based community restoration organization located in Brooks, Maine. Through educational programs and applied projects Newforest connects people with the land, empowering the humanscape. Visit us at www.newforestinstitute.org.

Bangor Savings Bank, with more than $2.3 billion in assets, offers retail banking and Investment management services to Maine consumers as well as comprehensive commercial, corporate, payroll administration, and small business banking services to Maine businesses. The Bank, founded in 1852, is in its 157^th year of service to the people of Maine, and operates from 51 locations throughout Maine and on the Web at www.bangor.com. Bangor Savings Bank and the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation invests $1.3 million dollars in Maine’s communities in the way of grants, sponsorships and partnership initiatives.