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The Northwest Green Building Industry Summit (NWGreenBIS) has become an important annual event held each fall in Central Oregon, and for the first time, registration is free to the public.

With more than 20 workshops and presentations, all focusing on the newest and best innovations in sustainable and energy efficient home and commercial building, this event is not to be missed.

The summit, held this year on Friday, Oct. 10, will provide information about many of the materials and methods in green building, which will be demonstrated during the 14th annual High Desert Green + Solar Tour on Saturday, Oct. 11.

The Central Oregon Builders Association (COBA) and the Building Green Council of Central Oregon have organized this year’s summit to promote a culture of conscious building practices within the community. Leading industry experts will educate members of the community, as well as with other industry professionals, about the newest innovations in green building, while exhibitors will be available to demonstrate and explain some of the newest sustainable and energy-efficient building products on the market.

Mark LaLiberte will be the keynote speaker, kicking off the summit at 8 a.m., with a 45-minute presentation in the cafe. LaLiberte is an expert building scientist and industry leader. He travels across the country to share his passion and educate others on sustainable and energy efficient building practices. LaLiberte is no stranger to NWGreenBIS, as he was the keynote speaker back in 2012 as well. Along with being the keynote speaker this year, LaLiberte will also be teaching a course titled Building Better Homes during the summit. (For more on LaLiberte, see Page 26)

Lindsey Hardy is another not-to-be-missed presenter at NWGreenBIS. Hardy is the leader of The Environmental Center’s Clean Energy Challenge Program and a committee member for the Cascadia Green Building Council. She will be talking about the Georgetown University Energy Prize competition, which Bend will take part in during 2015 and 2016. The community will have a chance to compete, along with 50 other communities nationwide, to win a $5 million prize and become a national leader in energy efficiency.

“The Georgetown University Energy Prize competition has been designed to spur innovation and creative thinking around energy efficiency,” said Hardy. “In order to win, Bend will have to not only substantially reduce the amount of energy consumed, but also prove to be innovative as well as replicable. The community as a whole will have to come together to decrease energy consumption, and as we move forward there will be a role for everyone to play.”

There is really something for everyone at the summit this year.

Because the Georgetown University Energy Prize would have such a big impact on the community, and requires their involvement, it would be beneficial for community members to attend and learn more. Homeowners, contractors, designers and architects can expect to learn about the latest in sustainable and energy-efficient building or remodeling, while realtors and contractors can earn CCB and AIA continuing education credits.

“The Northwest Green Building Industry Summit is geared toward the community as a whole, whether you are a contractor, homeowner, designer, architect, or realtor,” said Hardy. “Attendees can expect to take away the most up-to-date information on topics from the latest in capturing solar energy to sustainable roofing, or drought resistant landscaping. There is something to benefit everyone.”

To register for the 2014 NWGreenBIS, visit www.coba.org.