ABC  Delaware  hosted “The Power of Green Conference” October 24 & 25 at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall.

The Green Conference Planning Committee (left to right):Bobbie Brooks, SSD TechnologiesJohn J. Barone, Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Marlene O'Reilly, Clear Channel Radio, Jon Lavin, ABC Delaware, Bob Opila, Professor, University of Delaware, Sterling Minter, PTM Manufacturing 

“The two-day seminar provided members, users, educators and green proponents the opportunity to discover the economic opportunities available in green building and design as well as the educational and economic programs available” said ABC Delaware President Ed Capodanno. “Over the past 5 years, our industry has seen a shift in mindset towards more green efficient construction. Some of our ABC contractors as well as others in the industry are now performing solar installations, green roofs, solar thermal systems and weatherization. That shift in mindset has not been limited just to construction but also the design community and more importantly the user community. We are now seeing many projects showcasing green initiatives.”

A few of these projects include:  The Girls Scouts of Delaware receiving the first Platnuim Award in Delaware for the Lynn Williams Sceince and Technology Lodge in Hockessin, a project was built by ABC member SC&A Construction. The Brandywine School District is completing the new Hanby Elementary School, the first LEED School in the State of Delaware, and it, too, is being built by ABC member, Bancroft Construction. 

“Besides projects that are moving towards green, ABC both locally and nationally are taking the lead in preparing the construction and design community for these changes,” said Capodanno.  “Locally, we are credentialing contractors through our Green Advantage classes and also offering LEED certification for individuals. Our national office has developed an ABC Green Contractor Certification program that is designed to document the merit shop construction community’s efforts to develop a sustainable workplace environment—both on and off the jobsite—as well as recognize ABC member firms that are green industry leaders. The first contractor certified in Delaware is ABC member EDiS Company.”

The program included speakers, break out sessions and trade show exhibits.

Thanks to the planning committee for this event:

Jon Lavin, Director Education, ABC Delaware
Sterling Minter, PTM Manufacturing
Bobbie Brooks, SSD Technolgy
John Barone, Delaware Manufacturing Extension Program
Carolyn Synder, Director of Climate and Energy, DNREC
Robert Opila, University of Delaware, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Jonathan Lake, Green Delaware
Marlene O’Reilly, Clear Channel Delaware

"And a special thanks to all those companies who were sponsors and exhibitors of this event.,” said Capodanno. “Their commitment helped make this event possible.”

CLEAR CHANNEL - Media Sponsor
EDIS (Tote Bags)
DuPont (Corporate Sponsor)
DiSabatino Construction - (Corporate Sponsor) 

Siemens Industry, Inc. Building Technology Division
PTM Manufacturing  •  United Rentals
Advanced Power Control  •  Tri-M Group, LLC
Dorset Connects  •  George & Lynch, Inc.
Kerins and Associates  •  SSD Technolgy Partners
Santora CPA Group  •  Graybar
Herman Miller & Premier Office Solutions
GE Appliances and Lighting  •  Delaware Skills Center
Drexel University  •  Tenmat, Inc.  •  Northend Barriers
Delaware Technical and Community College
Tremco  •  Cadapult, Ltd.  •  Advanced Power
Lutron Electronic  •  Kerrins and Associates
NRB USA  •  Motech - americas  •  Energy Reconsidered