Sue Mendleson Sue Mendleson and Valerie Coolong of the Knickerbocker Group check out some sustainable energy products. (Photo Kate Kastelein)

For the second year in a row, the Midcoast sustainable energy expo was filled with people looking for economically and environmentally sound choices for their homes and vehicles. The free event held April 18-19 at the CLC YMCA in Damariscotta was organized by the Midcoast Green Collaborative. From plumbers to politicians, the expo hosted a wide variety of organizations and businesses focused on sustainable energy options, while numerous workshops featured topics such as Zero Energy Homes and Micro-hydropower.

In addition to organizing the expo, The Midcoast Green Collaborative is focused on offering cost-effective home energy audits, and is sponsoring The Maine Renewable Energy Sources Act, legislation to promote increased renewable energy in Maine. The Maine Renewable Resources Act, modeled after a similar law in Germany, would require that utilities purchase energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind, and set the rate that they pay for it. Germany has experienced a surge in renewable energy industry growth, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 45 million tons in 2006. Michigan is considering similar legislation.

Energy audit was definitely the phrase of the day and was emphasized repeatedly throughout the expo. An energy audit is an inspection of a home or business, where a professional evaluates the efficiency of the space by checking insulation, determining leakage with a blower door test, and inspecting heating equipment before recommending the most cost-effective upgrades owners can make to increase energy efficiency. Many organizations are recommending customers have an evaluation preformed before purchasing equipment. "It doesn't make much sense to spend thousands of dollars on a system if you only have three or four inches of insulation in your attic," said Richard Fortier, Program Manager of Efficiency Maine.

Among the displays for solar panels, fuel additives, and electric cars, the Knickerbocker Group of Booth-bay displayed four large schematics featuring energy-efficient homes. The drawings showed homes ranging from 2000 to 1400 sq. ft., each designed to maximize passive solar heating, as well as minimizing impact on the planet through the use of reclaimed and sustainable building products. "We want to become the leader in green building in Boothbay" said Valerie Cooling of the Knickerbocker Group. The schematics will be available for public viewing and comment in the near future.

A number of vendors offered items people could purchase and start using immediately to lessen their impact on the planet. Maine Cloth Diaper Company of Damariscotta featured a popular display for parents seeking disposable diaper alternatives. Fred W. Horch, owner of F.W. Horch, a sustainable goods supplier in Brunswick, said that counter-top composting pails were their top selling item, but they had recently seen a surge in reusable stainless steel water bottles. As environmental friendliness becomes more mainstream, there is an increasing trend of "green without compromise" said Horch.

After the vendor stalls are cleared out and the comment cards are collected, Mark Ward of the Midcoast Green Collaborative said "planning for next year's event will begin almost immediately."