The annual Momentum Is Building conference, sponsored by Iowa’s electric cooperatives, was recently held in West Des Moines. The two-day conference focused on energy-efficient building practices and materials, green building, and best practices in the industry and was partially funded by a grant from the Iowa Energy Center.
Topics and speakers included:
- Building science, Keith Williams, Wisconsin energy consultant involved with the Wisconsin Energy Center energy efficiency training
- Ventilation systems, Mike Wilson, Dakota Supply Group, St. Paul, Minnesota
- Electric code updates, Larry Smith, National Electrical Seminars, Omaha, Nebraska
- Best practices for heat pumps, Greg Jourdan, Wenatchee Community College, Wenatchee, Washington
- Plumbing for energy efficiency, Gary Klein, Affiliated International Management, Newport Beach, California
- Top 10 ways to make a home more energy efficient, Bill McAnally, Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge
- Home ratings, Erin Wiggins, Cenergy, Waukee, Iowa
- Planning a remodeling project for energy efficiency, Chaden Halfhill, Silent Rivers + Design, Des Moines, Iowa
- Legislative update, Chuck Soderberg, Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative and state representative, Le Mars, Iowa
In addition, there were 21 exhibitors at the conference, featuring a wide range of building materials, services and techniques.
The sessions were well attended, with more than 200 home building professionals and cooperative staff from across Iowa present.
“Energy efficiency is a critical factor in the success of builders in today’s market,” says Jim Sayers, Corn Belt Power Cooperative. “Building trades professionals know that the consumers they serve want the most energy-efficient home possible. We support the Momentum Is Building Conference as a way to help our local trades professionals and the consumers in our area.”