DuPage Environmental Summit focuses on renewable energy

Imagine using solar panels and a small wind turbine to provide emission-free electricity. Now imagine rebates and tax incentives almost entirely eliminated the expense of the upfront investment.

That's what environmentalists will be talking about at this year's ninth annual DuPage Environmental Summit Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Benedictine University, 5700 College Ave., Lisle.

This year's summit focuses on small-scale renewable energy systems such as solar, small wind and geothermal — and specifically how to go green without going broke up front.

“The initial investment may be a lot up front, but if they're smart, there are a number of ways to get that money back really quick,” said Brook McDonald, president and CEO of The Conservation Foundation and a member of the DuPage Environmental Commission.

“A lot of governmental agencies, schools, city halls, public works departments, park district offices, they can get anywhere from 50 percent to 75 percent taken care of through rebates and tax credits.”

The event is co-sponsored by The Conservation Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving open space and cleaning up rivers and streams in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will counties, and the DuPage Environmental Commission, an advisory group to the DuPage County Board.

More than 200 people attend annually, including local government officials and policy makers, business owners and members of the general public.

From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., people can visit with vendors in the exhibit hall. At 1 p.m., a series of discussions begin, including talks about being as energy efficient as possible, small energy systems and the upfront cost and payoff of such systems.

At The Conservation Foundation, a 1,500-square-foot house-turned-office sits on a 60-acre farm in Naperville. There's a small wind turbine. Some solar panels are on the barn's roof.

“We're producing about 30 percent of all the electricity we use at our office on the farm. It comes from clean electrons from the solar panels and wind turbines,” McDonald said.

“We've cut our costs about one-third. We're saving money, and we're not putting carbon dioxide into the air.”

Many of the vendors at the summit know what rebates and incentives could be available, and they'll be able to explain the process of adding a renewable energy system, he said.

“I think people would be surprised at how simplistic these systems are. They're not real sophisticated, ” McDonald said. “We want people to leave and say ‘You know what? We might be able to do that,' whether it be at their home or their business or in the community.”

The Krasa Center at Benedictine University is located off Maple Avenue on the northwest side of campus, next to the football stadium. Lunch is available for $6. The event is a “no waste, environmentally friendly” one, meaning guests can reduce their carbon footprint by considering carpooling, bringing their own mug or cup for beverages and a reusable bag to take home handouts.

People are encouraged to RSVP to (630) 428-4500, ext. 10, but it's acceptable to walk-in as well.

For details, visit theconservationfoundation.org.

If you go

<b>What:</b> DuPage Environmental Summit

<b>When:</b> 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11

<b>Where:</b> Krasa Center at Benedictine University, 5700 College Ave., Lisle

<b>Cost:</b> Free

<b>Info:</b> (630) 428-4500 or theconservationfoundation.org