Progressive Energy & Environment Congress 2008 – Jacksonville
The 2008 Progressive Energy & Environment Congress brought together sustainability executives, engineers, government agencies, technology innovators and corporate leaders to share practical strategies for reducing energy consumption, lowering emissions and building resilient operations. This congress focused on cutting energy costs, implementing next-generation environmental practices and turning sustainability into a competitive advantage.
About this event
Hosted at the Hyatt Regency in Jacksonville, the 2008 congress was the second Progressive Energy & Environment event produced by FMA. Delegates from manufacturing, utilities, government, aerospace, chemicals and consumer products gathered to learn from their peers and discover emerging technologies. The program combined keynote presentations, technical case studies and panel discussions, creating an interactive forum where attendees could exchange ideas and forge strategic partnerships.
Keynote addresses from environmental leaders and industry executives framed the energy and sustainability challenges of the day. Presenters shared how they were cutting energy use, managing risk and aligning environmental initiatives with business strategy. From solar energy systems and microturbines to by-product management, corporate responsibility roadmaps and climate-change strategies, the congress offered actionable insights and real-world success stories.
Key themes
Speakers showcased solar PV laminates, solar concentrators and microturbine co-generation systems that deliver clean electricity and reduce carbon footprints. Carbon project developers discussed greenhouse-gas reduction projects and emerging carbon markets.
Case studies demonstrated how enterprise-wide by-product management programs and waste-reduction initiatives turn waste into revenue, reduce landfill use and contribute to corporate sustainability goals.
Energy procurement leaders explained how centralized and local strategies can lower energy costs, mitigate pricing volatility and integrate renewable supply, with examples from paper manufacturing and national energy portfolios.
Executives from manufacturing and transportation firms presented corporate responsibility roadmaps, award-winning zero-landfill programs and plans to reduce emissions, conserve energy and balance stakeholder expectations.
Climate experts reviewed evolving climate policies, carbon trading mechanisms and strategies to transform global challenges into competitive advantage. Sustainability consultants shared how companies can embed sustainability into their culture.
Engineering leaders highlighted combined cooling, heating and power projects, high-efficiency HVAC systems and integrated facilities management approaches that drive measurable energy savings and reliability.
Featured speakers & sessions
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Solar systems & renewable energy case studiesYann BrandtAdvanced Green Technologies
Presented two solar case studies—FlexLight photovoltaic laminates installed at a grocery chain and Power-Spar solar concentrators paired with evaporative cooling at a big-box retailer—to demonstrate cost-effective renewable energy options:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
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Enterprise by-product management for waste reductionGina C. RodgersAllegiant Global Services
Explained how Fortune 500 firms use enterprise-wide by-product programs to avoid landfill, reduce environmental footprint and generate value from waste streams:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
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Corporate responsibility roadmapLorraine Rouisse, Ph.D.Bombardier Inc.
Outlined Bombardier’s corporate responsibility vision and described initiatives across the organization; discussed lessons learned and areas for improvement in environmental management:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
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Leveraging software to improve environmental performanceGary RobinsonBSI Management Systems
Demonstrated how BSI’s Entropy Software™ helps large enterprises manage environmental data and improve performance through case studies and management systems certification:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
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Combined cooling, heating & power projectsEd Mardiat, DBIABurns & McDonnell / Barton Malow
Shared a case study of the Gainesville Regional Utilities South Energy Center serving Shands Cancer Hospital—highlighting reliability, efficiency and emissions reductions achieved through a teamed approach:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
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Microturbine co-generation case studyMark GilbrethCapstone Turbine Corporation
Highlighted how a cogeneration system using Capstone microturbines provided 95 % of the electricity for the Ronald Reagan Library and the Air Force One Pavilion:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
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Energy procurement strategies & risk managementBenoit GrattonCascades Inc.
Discussed how a global company coordinates local resources and centralized procurement to manage electricity and natural-gas risk, integrate renewable energies and support sustainable development in paper manufacturing:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
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Energy risk mitigation & dynamic procurementAndrew R. Fellon & Andrew M. SingerConstellation NewEnergy / Fellon-McCord
The Constellation team explained how corporate energy buyers can mitigate price volatility and implement dynamic energy management programs; they offered examples of companies achieving sustainability and cost savings:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
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Energy strategy for the road aheadElizabeth DutrowU.S. EPA ENERGY STAR
Described how ENERGY STAR partners plan for volatile energy prices and climate change; reviewed collaborative work with Global Business Network to produce the Energy Strategy for the Road Ahead report:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
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Corporate climate programs & carbon marketsLisa M. Campbell, P.E.Environmental Resources Management (ERM)
Reviewed domestic and international climate policies and illustrated how corporations manage greenhouse-gas inventories, emission reductions, offset trading and climate risks to create competitive advantage:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
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Turning sustainability into a competitive advantageJim HartzfeldInterfaceRAISE
Shared lessons from Interface’s sustainability journey—how leadership, technology and culture reforms helped the company avoid $336 million of costs, reduce energy use by 45 % and accelerate the sustainability learning curve:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
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Data-centre efficiency & best-known methodsBrently DavisIntel Corporation
Explained Intel’s data-centre efficiency program, including power-saving initiatives, industry collaboration and best-known methods that attendees could adopt:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
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Carbon markets & project developmentMarco MonroyMGM International
Outlined how MGM International develops greenhouse-gas emission reduction projects and commercializes emission reductions in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Joint Implementation (JI) and voluntary markets:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
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Performance & responsibility at MichelinDavid L. GriffinMichelin North America
Presented the Michelin Performance and Responsibility approach to sustainable development; highlighted how the company’s culture drives long-term responsibility and balanced growth:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
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Energy management case study – Sunoco ChemicalsMichael S. Pappas & Art RoyalsModular Process Control / Sunoco Chemicals
Explored how partnering with outside experts helped the chemicals division improve energy management, implement measurement systems and embed continuous improvement into operations:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
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Integrated facilities management & energy planningTony FreemanRoy Jorgensen Associates
Demonstrated how an integrated enterprise approach—planning, programming, implementation and sustainment—helps facilities like Toyota achieve energy and operational goals:contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
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Environmental best practices & ranking second greenestKirsty HallidaySCA Americas
Detailed SCA’s environmental programs, including ISO 14001 certification, energy and waste management, renewable energy production and ambitious CO2 reduction targets:contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
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Landfill gas to energy & renewable supplyChad Leatherwood, P.E.SCS Engineers
Explained how companies can use landfill gas to replace conventional fuels, outlining project fundamentals, U.S. activity and the support available through EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program:contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
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CAO energy cost reduction programCalvin Wohlert, P.E.Solution Dynamics
Introduced a continuous assessment and optimization (CAO) program that blends tools and expertise to reduce energy costs, ensure sustainable solutions and optimize energy asset operations:contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
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Zero-landfill manufacturing & wildlife habitatTom EasterdaySubaru of Indiana Automotive
Shared how Subaru of Indiana became the first U.S. automobile assembly plant to achieve ISO 14001 certification and zero-landfill status, turning its site into a certified wildlife habitat while reducing energy use and CO2 emissions:contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
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Aligning environmental programs with stakeholder expectationsDavid McCabeTextron Inc.
Described how Textron applies a rigorous, data-driven approach to benchmark environmental programs, align them with stakeholder expectations and ensure proper measurement and continuous improvement:contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
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Sustainable mobility & manufacturingKevin M. ButtToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Outlined Toyota’s plans for addressing climate change through hybrid vehicles, zero-landfill manufacturing, VOC reductions and other initiatives to lead the industry toward sustainable mobility:contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
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Integrated HVAC energy solutions for industryPatrick ArchambaultTrane Commercial Systems
Explained integrated energy-saving strategies for industrial HVAC systems, including process and operational improvements that deliver bottom-line value:contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
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Environmental stewardship in steel manufacturingJames T. Volanski, P.E.United States Steel Corporation
Discussed U.S. Steel’s environmental responsibilities and programs, drawing on Volanski’s decades of experience overseeing environmental efforts and leading industry committees:contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
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Environmental liability & risk managementLindene Patton, Esq., C.I.H.Zurich Environmental
Reviewed Zurich’s environmental impairment liability programs and shared insights on managing emerging environmental risks and insurance solutions:contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
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Panel: Energy management across multiple facilitiesSteve Fugarazzo (Chair), Laurie Wiegand-Jackson, Reese BrentzelRaytheon & North America Power Partners
A panel exploring strategies for enterprise-wide energy management across multiple facilities, featuring Raytheon’s energy team leader and a demand-response services provider:contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
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Panel: Moving forward – getting corporate buy-inSusan Wood (Chair), Mark A. Miller, Tom Easterday, Paul VitelloSCC Americas, Cornerstone, Subaru, UTC
Panelists discussed how to secure executive commitment for environmental and energy initiatives, drawing on experiences in emissions trading, sustainability consulting and corporate EH&S leadership:contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.
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Panel: Industrial technologies & energy efficiencyDouglas E. Kaempf (Chair), Victor Korzen, Jim Crouse, Calvin WohlertU.S. DOE, U.S.WAY Building Systems, Capstone Turbine, Solution Dynamics
An interactive session hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Technologies Program discussing R&D, best practices and distributed generation for improving industrial energy efficiency:contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.
Note: This event summary is based on the official 2008 program. See the original PDF for complete details.
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