Download the 2008 PASS Eco-Summit Program (pdf)

PASS Eco-Summit  
Practical Advances in Southwestern Sustainability

Friday-Sunday, October 10, 11 & 12, 2008

 FRIDAY
October 10

Pre-Conference Lectures and Workshops
All Pre-conference lectures and workshops are free and open to the public. 

11:45 am
Climate Change Solutions: Our New Energy Economy
William M. (Bill) Brown was one of 1000 people worldwide selected by Al Gore and The Climate Project to learn and present the global warming story in 2007, and now offers this continuously updated presentation on solutions to the climate crisis free of charge to all communities throughout the American Southwest. More Info...
WILLIAM M. BROWN  
1:30 pm   

Up-close and Personal With Desert Native Plants
Get acquainted with uses and unique qualities of our Mojave Desert native plants during this informal outdoor gathering with local plant expert Robin Kobaly.  Experience the amazing gifts that our desert native plants offer to enhance our daily lives.
ROBIN KOBALY

2:30 pm   
Green Finance Workshop: How to get your utility company to help pay off your mortgage
This fun workshop examines energy efficiency and green building from a financial perspective.  Learn how to protect your home’s long term value and how to finance it with the NEW Energy Efficient Mortgage and other programs. More Info...
JEFF BRICMONT, ModernEarth.
4:00 pm
On-site Tour
Join some of Saturday’s speakers as they tour the grounds and discuss how the Joshua Tree Retreat Center can be made more sustainable.  This will be an evaluative walkthrough, in which Dr. Bill Roley will lead a dialogue between various speakers and conference participants. 
5:00 pm
Roundtable Discussions
This is an opportunity for all PASS Eco-Summit participants, including exhibitors, speakers, and attendees, to combine minds and discuss specific topics such as water use, planning, and alternative energy.  Preceded by an opening talk, this event will be the official commencement of the PASS Eco-Summit.
6:00 pm
Opening Reception/Studio Art Tour Kickoff
Join the artists and participants of the 2008 Open Studio Art Tours as we continue to discuss Green concepts over wine and light fare.
8:00 pm

Under the Stars
Beautiful, clear nights are a major attraction for visitors to the Morongo Basin. Join the amateur astronomers of SKY'S THE LIMIT for an introduction to the planned Observatory and Nature Center in Twenty-nine Palms, and experience first-hand the importance of strong, enforceable lighting ordinances to preserve dark skies. Telescopes will be available to view the evening's special Attractions: Jupiter and a 3/4 illuminated moon.
www.skysthelimit29.org

   

SATURDAY
October 11

PASS Eco-Summit Conference
This packed Conference Day features a variety of breakout sessions where attendees can explore their individual interests while addressing modern issues facing desert communities such as energy, water, and development. View Topics and Speaker Biographies.

7:30 - 3:00 pm

Eco-Fair
Right outside the conference, peruse numerous green products and services available in Southern California.

7:30 - 8:15 am

Registration

8:15 - 8:30 am

Welcome and Overview

8:30 - 9:00 am

Desert Resources, Desert Challenges:  A Bioregional Overview
(See Topic)
BILL BROWN

9:00 - 9:30 am

The Built Environment
(See Topic)
ROBERT NOBLE

9:30 - 9:45 am

Introduction to Breakout Sessions

Breakout Sessions (15 minute breaks between each session)
10:00 - 10:30 am Green Building 101 and Integrated Design
(See Topic)
ALAN LOCKE
10:00 - 10:30 am

Passive Solar Design: What’s More Critical, Energy, Water, or Thermal Comfort?
(See Topic)
MARTIN YOKLIC

10:45 - 11:30 am

Green Buildings Are Beautiful: The Versatility of Green Building Supplies and Techniques
(See Topic)
WALTER SCOTT PERRY
TRACY STONE

10:45 - 11:30 am
Retrofit: How to Green Existing Buildings
(See Topic)

DOUG POFFINBARGER

11:45 - 12:15 am

Beyond the Green Home: Optimal Sustainability for Larger Areas
(See Topic)

SUSAN DAVISON

12:15 - 1:15 pm

Lunch

1:15 - 1:45 pm

The Benefits of Locally Generated Renewable Energy
(See Topic)

BILL POWERS

Breakout Sessions (15 minute breaks between each session)
2:00 - 3:00 pm
Local Governments: The Cornerstone of Green Progress and Development
(See Topics)

BILL BROWN
PATRICK CONLON
2:00 - 3:00 pm
Conservation Planning for Open Space Preservation
(See Topic)

Organized by STEPHANIE WEIGEL
JIM SULLIVAN

2:00 - 5:30 pm

GREEN LIVING WORKSHOP
(See Topic)

3:15 - 4:15 pm

Help is Out There: The Green Toolkit for Governments and Businesses
(See Topics)
CYNTHIA KURTS
DAVID JACOT
3:15 - 4:15 pm
Certification Programs and Financing for Green Building (See Topics)
Organized by USGBC
JEFF BRICMONT
JON DOUGAL
4:30 - 5:30 pm

The Outdoor Environment: Opening Our Doors to Natural and Edible Landscapes
(See Topic)

ROBIN KOBALY
DR. BILL ROLEY

4:30 - 5:30 pm
Rethinking our Relationship with Water
(See Topic)

MARTIN YOKLIC
SUSAN LONGVILLE
DAVE MAHAFFEY
5:45 - 6:15 pm Closing Session

8:00 pm

Outdoor Concert with MoJoW and the Vibration Army
More info...
   
SUNDAY
October 12
10:00 - 3:00 pm

Eco-Home Tours
Where the true beauty of sustainable architecture and the arts converge. Visit homes in the beautiful high desert that demonstrate green building practices.  Meet the residents, and in some cases, the builders of these homes.

This is a great opportunity to get practical insight into building sustainable single family homes in desert areas.  PASS encourages local developers, city planners, government officials, and local do-it-yourselfers to take advantage of this educational opportunity.

Tour Info

Eco-homes will be open to the public from 10 am to 3 pm on Sunday, October 12th, 2008.

Mass transportation and carpooling will be available.

 

 

 

Sign Up Now...

GREEN LIVING WORKSHOP
Saturday, 2:00-5:30

For those interested in learning how to incorporate fundamental green concepts and processes in their daily lives, the Conference will include a three hour intensive workshop in practical, hands-on applications.  Conference registrants have the option of attending this workshop in lieu of the other afternoon breakout sessions at no additional cost.  The Green Living Workshop is also available separately for a fee of $35.  Please call to register.

 

Special Event!

Start the Conference Weekend with the 2008 Morongo Basin Water Symposium
October 9, 8:00am – 1:15pm
At the Joshua Tree Retreat Center

The Symposium is designed to further educate participants on the crucial need to share resources and experiences that are crucial to effective water management in our desert areas.

Registration is $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
Please reserve a space by October 2nd, 2008.

Download the Symposium flier here
or call 760-946-7001

Mojave Water Agency
22450 Headquarters Drive
Apple Valley , CA 92307



Special Event!

Special Demonstrations Friday and Saturday at the Eco-Fair!

Learn about:

Atmospheric Water Generators: A device that collects and conserves water from the surrounding environment.

KVAR Energy Controllers: An affordable “box” that can save 10% or more of your energy bills by eliminating energy waste in your home.