Sat., 11:30-12:30, Room 1

Cordwood masonry building is an ingenious, low-cost method using mostly renewable forest resources abundantly available in the North Country. Stack up dry lengths of wood, seal them with cement, fill them with insulation and you have a well-insulated wall. Well-known expert Rob Roy from Earthwood Building School will show you how you can use this simple, inexpensive method on anything from a sauna to a house, and will explore the different styles of construction and cordwood “special effects”.

Sat., 11:30-12:30, Room 2

Learn the basics you’ll need to know to consider using solar electricity at your home site. This workshop will discuss components, costs, pitfalls and how to size and site a solar electric photovoltaic or solar/wind hybrid system. Come with all your questions.

Sat., 11:30-12:30, Room 3

Ethanol, biodiesel and other alternative transportation fuels are getting bad press lately as people question the lofty goals for using them to replace imported oil. Do you wonder how to interpret the hotly debated science in the news? This workshop will present an overview of the potential environmental impacts and benefits of biofuels. Some background will be included about overall greenhouse gas emissions associated with the development of ethanol. Water and soil quality problems from the use of corn and other crops grown specifically for ethanol and biodiesel can have substantial negative impacts, but other feedstocks, such as switchgrass or waste materials, are much better for the environment.

Sat., 11:30-12:30, Room 4

Since humans discovered that stones around an open fire retained heat, there has been a steady development of masonry heating. Designs differ, but the operating principle remains the same: fuel is burned rapidly and the resulting heat is stored in a masonry mass. The heat then radiates evenly into the space over the next 12-24 hours. The workshop will describe and compare various wood burning stoves and systems with regard to efficiency, cost and environmental impacts. A properly designed masonry heater is safe, extremely efficient, does not produce creosote and generates almost no wood smoke emissions.

Sat., 11:30-12:30, Room 5, (Beginners)

The workshop will cover how the average home or small business owner can get involved in using solar, wind, geo-thermal, fuel cells, biomass and micro-hydro generation of energy. It will provide a basic understanding of these energy sources and give an idea of where people can start, what equipment is needed and where to get more information in order to become a green energy consumer.

Sat., 11:30-12:30, Sunday, 10-10:45, Demo Tent 1 in the Plaza (Beginners and Intermediate)

This hands-on workshop and display is for the homeowner and will focus on the basics of weatherizing buildings. The first step is to identify the sources of air leaks and other heat loss. Second step is to prioritize where to invest time and money to correct problems. A variety of weatherization products will be on display, including weather stripping, caulk, foam sealant, plastic storm windows and insulation. Proper use of appropriate tools for weatherization will be demonstrated and those who have not used caulking guns and foam sealants successfully will have a chance to apply them to displays. Removal and reinstallation of door and window trim with tools and tips will be demonstrated.

SATURDAY, 1:30-2:45 and 1:30 – 4:30 Theater

Sustainability is a big word these days. What does it really mean? Buying a Prius, installing compact fluorescent light bulbs or donating $500 to the Sierra Club are all good things, but will they cure the world’s problems? What will really be necessary for us to survive as a species? Population, food, energy, resources and pollution all have limits within the confines of our planet. The truth we must face is learning to live on an energy diet far less than we use now, and our new lifestyles don’t have to be traumatic, and in fact, can be truly enjoyable. Jim and Richard will recount their personal journeys toward lower tech solutions, and discuss the upcoming paradigm shift necessary for American society to reach a sustainable future.

Sat., 1:30-2:45, Room 1

Climate Change is on everyone’s mind whether you’re Al Gore or work at the local supermarket. What do we actually know about the Earth’s climate and how it is changing? There are many facts, but also many conjectures presented as facts. This presentation will try to unravel this knot to inform people what we’re fairly sure of and what goes into claims made on both sides of the debate. The informative presentation is always dynamic and clear and often funny, and past fairgoers have begged us to leave more time, which we’ve done this year.

Sat., 1-2:45, Room 2

The typical American family spends $1,300 a year on home utility bills, often more in the North Country. A large portion of that energy is wasted. By using a few low and no cost energy efficiency measures, your energy use can be reduced by as much as 50%. You can achieve this by being aware of and managing the energy systems in your home. This interactive workshop will introduce you to a whole-house approach to saving energy. You will learn how to invest wisely and make your home safer and more comfortable.

Sat., 1:30-2:45, Room 3

Solar has arrived with plug and play grid-connected systems where an overage of sun power can run your electric meter in reverse. It’s an idea whose time has come. Net metering provides the process and NYSERDA incentives and state and federal tax breaks provide the financial support.

Sat.,1:30-2:45, Room 4

New York State has 1.5 million acres of unused or underutilized agricultural land, most of which is already growing grass and here is a startling fact: one 800 lb. round bale of hay used for pellets can produce heat equal to 20 barrels of oil! Sales of pellet stoves and furnaces are soaring. We can keep our heating dollars at home when we grow grass (and wood) for pellets and produce pellets to promote a local economy, healthy environment and energy independence. A Missouri cooperative has been formed which will produce up to 100,000 tons of biomass pellets annually. Key components of this system will be discussed. Also covered, a variety of new appliances that are capable of burning grass pellets, including indoor and outdoor pellet boilers. After the presentation, anyone interested in discussing the possibility of creating a prototype portable pelleting operation is invited to join a discussion.

Sat., 1:30-2:45, Room 5

The Union of Concerned Scientists’ latest report on climate change predicts more prolonged droughts during the warm weather for the Northeast, so finding a way to collect water may become important. This workshop will give a survey of the spectrum of rainwater harvesting systems from a simple rain barrel to household and larger applications. Included: calculating available resources based on local rainfall data, rooftop catchment areas, filtering and storage options. We will conclude with a short discussion of the impact climate change may have on rainfall resources and strategies to cope with variations in rainfall and drought conditions.

Sat., 1:30-2:45, Demo Tent 1 in Plaza

Many new options are available besides the traditional gasoline cars and trucks most of us drive. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to own and drive these new alternative vehicles or to use non-fossil fuels for transportation, this is the place to find out. A round-robin of users will be frank about the day-to-day and overall changes these vehicles require and the mistakes they’ve made that you can avoid. They will answer questions about cost, mechanics, availability of fuels or making your own and what inspires them most about their new choices. Represented: hybrids (Insight and Prius), biodiesel and veggie oil vehicles, a converted biodiesel motorcycle, electric bicycles and more. Some vehicles will be parked in the Plaza next to the tent so that you can examine them and talk to their owners after the workshop.

Steve Meyer

HANDS-ON WORKSHOP: Make Your Own Biodiesel

Sat., 1:30-4:30, Nevaldine Hall, $30, Limited enrollment

Pre-registration required, call 315-379-9466, orFair@ncenergy.organd give us your name, email, address and phone. Make check payable to CES-Energy Fair and send to: CES, 101 Main St., Canton, NY 13617.

Looking for relief from high gas and heating costs? Wanting to be more self-sufficient? Concerned about peak oil and climate change? Making and using biodiesel can be one solution to explore. In this workshop you will learn how to make your own inexpensive 5-gallon production system, how to get vegetable oil and brew biodiesel from scratch, how to produce and make minor adjustments to your formulas and how to make minor adjustments to run your diesel car or other vehicle successfully on biodiesel in the North Country. In addition you’ll watch a biodiesel powerpoint, have your questions answered and get to network with others interested in fuel self-sufficiency. CD and hand outs will be available to take home.

Sat., 1:30-4:30, Nevaldine Hall, $30, Limited enrollment

Pre-registration required, call 315-379-9466 orFair@ncenergy.organd give us your name, email, address and phone. Make check payable to CES-Energy Fair and send to: CES, 101 Main St., Canton, NY 13617.

Are you ready to go solar? The first stop should be energy conservation, then renewable resources. This workshop will involve easy hands-on calculations of your home heating load, sizing a solar hot water system and determining the potential for photovoltaic. You will calculate R-values and determine air infiltration of your home and what size heating system you need. Next we will determine your solar potential for both hot water and electricity, so please bring copies of several recent electric bills and a heating bill that you can use for your calculations. Also, come with a rough idea of your home’s square footage-length, width and height of floor to ceiling. A hand calculator will be useful.

Sat., 3-3:45, Theater, and Sun.10-10:45 Room 4

By popular demand, we’ve scheduled this workshop in larger rooms. How much heat gain can you expect from orienting your house to the sun? How much glazing is optimal and how much is too much? What about thermal mass? This workshop will give an introduction to the concepts behind passive solar design, with an emphasis on a simple and inexpensive approach to heating and cooling with the sun. Even in our harsh northern climate, you can gain a tremendous amount of warmth and comfort by including passive solar features in your home. This year Erik has many new photos and will also talk about orientation for solar gain, insulation and thermal mass.

Sat., 3-3:45, Room 1

Timber framing of houses with finely crafted wooden joints is admirable, but most owner-builders haven’t got the time or skills for it. Rob shows how excellent frames can be made quickly and easily with commonly available fasteners.

Sat., 3-3:45, Room 2

There is a huge untapped ‘energy reserve’ in US homes, businesses and vehicles in wasted electricity and gasoline. The quickest, least costly way to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels is by recovering that wasted energy. New York State has mandated reductions in electricity and natural gas consumption by 2015. What does this really mean for us? Climate Change and escalating oil prices due to the approach of Peak Oil obligate us to reduce fossil fuel consumption. This presentation will look at local and global developments that compel us to reduce energy consumption and discuss measures to achieve that goal. It will also provide an overview of NYSERDA Programs that provide technical and financial assistance to help home and building owners.

Sat., 3-3:45, Room 3

Permaculture is a set of ideas for creating permanent human culture. It teaches the conscious design of “cultivated” ecosystems can have the diversity, stability and resilience of natural ecosystems. Learn how permaculture design can help anyone who wants to create regenerative systems to implement their dreams. This workshop will introduce principles that empower people to create productive and ecologically sound landscapes, gardens, homes and communities.

Sat. 3-3:45, Room 4

What can be done with an old North Country home? Crazy Jerry, the mad tinkerer, is back at the Fair again! His presentation this year will focus on a nuts-and-bolts approach to off-gridding your home with a slide show of his own place in Colton (you won’t want to miss it on the Home Tours Sunday morning!) You’ll see his bicycle and biodiesel generators, a unique moveable solar system, wind system, DC fridge, water and energy saving washer and amazing wring dryer and creative wood hot water system, as well as his biodiesel vehicles. His enthusiasm may set you on the trail to an endeavor within your skills and budget. Jerry promises a surprise: “those who attend will experience something new never before seen at the Energy Fair!” Also showcasing is Jerry’s biodiesel powered, 115 mpg motorcycle!

Sat., 3-3:45, Room 5

Commercial dairy farms can spend up to 40% of their energy usage heating and pumping water to clean equipment. Poultry farms and greenhouses must maintain temperatures during cold North Country winters. There are many places your farm can save energy and money and help available in grants and low cost loans for Energy Audits and implementation. Solar energy can supply and supplement many farm energy requirements. Solar hot water systems, solar dryers, solar greenhouses, solar water pumps and solar electric systems may be a good choice. Assistance is available on feasibility studies to let you know whether a renewable energy system will work, plus rebates of up to 50% on the cost of installation.

Sat., 3-3:45, Demo Tent in Courtyard

All over the North Country, pioneers are joyfully experimenting with appropriate technology: new, and often “old”, technologies and with ways of doing things with less. Come and hear about water pumping windmills, pit greenhouses, resurrecting the horse and buggy for transportation, using horses for farming, ice houses for non-electric summer cooling, new homemade fuels for lighting, handmade windmills, natural and recycled ways to build houses, preserving the harvest, root cellars, and so much more.

Sat., 4-4:45, Theater

Mention solar hot water and often the first response is that it’s too cold or there’s not enough sun in the North Country. Don’t believe it. Solar hot water heating can be used cost-effectively here and throughout the U.S. to provide a large amount of hot water needs. This talk gives an overview of system technology, performance, design and installation with emphasis on application to the North Country. Current efforts to provide incentives, training and certification of installers will also be discussed.

Sat., 4-4:45, Room 1(Beginners)

Just starting to think about conserving energy? The presenters for this workshop have cut their electricity use by half over the past two years. They will show and tell you how, and include suggestions of how to use the upcoming stimulus package checks to cut energy use and save money month after month.

Sat., 4-4:45, Room 2

Wind power is the fastest growing renewable energy source in the world. Do you have a good site? Want to know how to measure wind velocity there? What kind of grid connect equipment will you need? How can you select the best turbine and size it correctly? What will it cost? How much battery backup will you need? What are possible snags, problems and failures with the wind equipment available now? These questions and more will be answered in this workshop.

Sat., 4-4:45, Room 3

Clean burning and wood are unfortunately not concepts that are always linked as we see the smoke pouring from outdoor furnaces. The new gasification boilers burn off what often otherwise goes into the air. This presentation will cover the differences between typical wood boilers and gasification wood boilers. Actual case studies will be presented showing the fuel savings and payback period, and using these boilers as an add-on to propane or fuel oil boilers from home heat and hot water.

Sat., 4-4:45, Room 4

Last year this was one of our most popular workshops, so we’ve moved it to a bigger room! The concept of living mortgage-free and off-grid is alive and well, and you can do it! Jim will discuss the strategies he and others have used. Finding land, alternative and recycled dwellings, salvaging and scrounging for materials to reduce costs, dealing with building codes and getting along with your family and friends while you build will be covered. Learn what you need to know about composting toilets, water supply, permits, wiring, plumbing, framing, etc? The basics and costs of alternative power systems will be examined, as well as what you have to learn to set one up yourself safely, efficiently and cheaply. Included will be inexpensive or even free food, energy and transportation.

Sat., 4-4:45, Room 5

Using photos of his beautiful cordwood masonry and stone homestead in Michigan as an example, Tom will explore how we can design ecologically harmonious and agriculturally productive small-scale human habitats. A return-to-the-land ethic as lifestyle choice will be investigated as a personal response in the age of global climate change. Appropriate technology (utilizing renewable sources of energy), natural building methods and sustainable agricultural traditions and practices will be explored as viable means in designing modern, sustainable and functional homesteads.

Sat. 4-4:45, Demo Tent 1 in the Plaza

Did you know that diesel engines were originally designed to be run on vegetable oil? In this workshop you will get the benefit of years of experimenting with veggie oil in both on-road and farm vehicles. You will learn about conversion components for engines, the heat and switch method, see examples of good and bad oil, learn the pitfalls such as oil that is too thick or getting dirt in your fuel, fuel conditioners and thinners, collecting used oil, the filtering and settling process, plus the equipment and vehicles you run it in. They will have several of their farm machines and their oil seed press for you to examine.

Sunday, 10-10:45 Theater

Presented by GardenShare, this panel will address a new way to eat local. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a program where households buy share in a farm at the start of the growing season in exchange for receiving harvested food throughout the season. CSAs help make our community more sustainable by conserving energy used to truck in food long distances, by developing the local economy and by empowering people to use their purchasing to help restructure the food system. This session will include an overview of the CSA model with video and a discussion by farmers from two CSA farms and a CSA member of community food security advocate.

Sunday, 10-10:45, Room 1

England’s Stonehenge is the most famous example of over 3,000 stone circles built in the British Isles from 3,200 to 1,500 BC. Today, stone circles are being created in greater number than during those ancient times. Green building author and stone mover Rob Roy discusses and illustrates the design and construction of stone circles, large and small. He will explain the various motivations for building them and link megalithic building to the modern green building movement.

Sunday, 10-10:45, Room 2

Mel has recently built a net-zero energy home in the North Country. This quite ordinary looking, experimental home burns no fossil fuels, burns no carbon at all (so is also a zero emission house), generates all energy needs for heating, hot water and other electrical needs from the sun and wind. It is also relatively affordable and cost effective. Details of how it was designed and how it performs will be presented.

Sunday, 10-10:45, Room 3

Explore the history of wood pellets, the practicality and benefits locally of using them as fuel, how they are sustainable, market restrictions and stigmas, the bulk market, New York market areas and pellet plants, including the large new Schuyler, New York plant. How can we grow and advance the pellet market in New York so that we can have a carbon neutral, renewable, local fuel source for everything from home heating to co-generation plants.

Sat., 3-3:45, Theater, and Sun.10-10:45 Room 4

By popular demand, we’ve scheduled this workshop in larger rooms. How much heat gain can you expect from orienting your house to the sun? How much glazing is optimal and how much is too much? What about thermal mass? This workshop will give an introduction to the concepts behind passive solar design, with an emphasis on a simple and inexpensive approach to heating and cooling with the sun. Even in our harsh northern climate, you can gain a tremendous amount of warmth and comfort by including passive solar features in your home. This year Erik has many new photos and will also talk about orientation for solar gain, insulation and thermal mass.

Sunday, 10-10:45, Room 5

From exploding stars to melting glaciers, discover the many ways that energy has changed on its journey through space and time. Join this Adirondack author and Clarkson graduate as he unlocks the secret of sunshine and describes how everyday Americans can solve Global Warming through political pressure. An entertaining mix of science, history, and hope.

Sunday, 10-10:45, Demo Tent 1 in the Plaza (Beginners and Intermediate)

This hands-on workshop and display is for the homeowner and will focus on the basics of weatherizing buildings. The first step is to identify the sources of air leaks and other heat loss. Second step is to prioritize where to invest time and money to correct problems. A variety of weatherization products will be on display, including weather stripping, caulk, foam sealant, plastic storm windows and insulation. Proper use of appropriate tools for weatherization will be demonstrated and those who have not used caulking guns and foam sealants successfully will have a chance to apply them to displays. Removal and reinstallation of door and window trim with tools and tips will be demonstrated.

Sunday, 10-1, Nevaldine Hall, $30

Pre-registration is required. Call 315-379-9466 orFair@ncenergy.organd tell us your name, email, address and phone. Send check made out to CES-Energy Fair to: CES, 101 Main St., Canton, NY 13617.

Topics covered will be various PV cell technologies and their potential applications, the unique electrical characteristics of solar PV and applying the National Electric Code to PV systems installations. We will have our movable demonstration equipment set up outside (if there’s sun). We will perform a shading analysis with the Solar Pathfinder Assistant software, work with various module racking options (pole top, ground mount and roof mount), use electrical test equipment to observe the effects of shading and tilt angle on power production, and work with batteries, charge controllers and other system components. Lots of time for questions and experimenting with the equipment and software.

Sunday, 10-1, Nevaldine Hall, $30

Pre-registration is required. Call 315-379-9466 orFair@ncenergy.organd tell us your name, email, address and phone. Send check made out to CES-Energy Fair to: CES, 101 Main St., Canton, NY 13617.

Jim and Steve were recently featured on the Science Channel program “Invention Nation” where they showed the hosts how to build a homemade axial flux wind turbine. They will be bringing the parts they use to build this machine. All of the major systems will be discussed and a sample wind turbine will be built during this demonstration.

Sunday,11-12:30, Theater

Technological fundamentalists love to boast about the rapid growth of computer memory and speed, but there are other more important exponential curves on which to concentrate and worry about. Human population, energy consumption, soil loss, species extinction and global temperatures are all increasing at exponential rates. As the data continue to come in, it appears that the processes driving our exponential growth on all fronts may be at their peaks. And what goes up exponentially, usually comes down that way, too. Our parents generation rode the wave to the top and we will be the first to be riding down the other side to usher in the age of rapid depletion. Just as in other historical periods of dramatic change, revolutionary thinking and action are required.

Sunday, 11-12:30, Room 1

Ever wonder what’s really involved in living off-grid? Come and learn from the experts: your neighbors who are doing it! Off-grid is a term that means electric power is generated and stored on-site as opposed to being purchased from or connected to a central utility company, as in grid-tied solar or wind. Panelists will show and tell about their unique homes, their power systems and the required changes in lifestyle it takes to live off-grid. Systems represented are solar photovoltaics for home and workshop and micro-hydro with passive solar, super insulation and green building.

Sun. 11-12:30, Room 2

Massena fought hard in the early and mid-90s for their Municipal Electric Department (MED) and are now reaping the benefits of their victory. People outside the MED are green with envy at Massena’s low electric bills. Nineteen towns and three villages in St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties have formed the Alliance for Municipal Power (AMP) to municipalize electrical distribution as Massena has done. What is municipal power and why do municipal power companies charge such low and stable rates? What are the challenges AMP is facing today in trying to form a municipal power district? It must create the legal entity that will operate the electrical system. Any utility must have one face to attract financing and to operate efficiently. How do we create on face for an entity with 22 partners? The answer: it takes an act of the NY State Legislature

Sunday, 11-12:30, Room 3

Taking a break from installing composting toilets in the Thousand Islands provincial parks this spring, Michael will talk from his perspective of broad knowledge of the subject. In the 70s he formed a close friendship with the manufacturer and designer of the Clivus Multrum. Aware of the shortcomings of that system, he worked with others to develop the Phoenix system in 1986. Since then he’s personally undertaken hundreds of installations. He will review the basics of composting and various designs that have been developed to facilitate the process within the home environment. He will freely discuss the limitations and shortcomings of such systems, as well as the benefits and opportunities. He will be delighted to be guided in his chat by the heckling and prodding of those who attend. By the way, “Where is the bathroom anyway and where does it go?”

Sunday, 11-12:30, Room 4

Yes, we live in a rural area, and yes, it seems that cars are still king right now. But with gasoline at $3.50-3.70 or more a gallon and climate change breathing down our necks, many of us are looking at new ways to transport ourselves. The rumor of the “rooftop highway” has haunted the North Country for years, but what if we got creative and decided instead that a “rooftop railway” would be better for our development. Like the idea of regular train service from Syracuse up to Montreal and beyond? Bill Serafin has been thinking a lot about implementing this idea and train travel in general and will present his ideas. Ann Heidenreich, who bought an electric bicycle and has been riding to work will talk about her experiences. Nancy Robert, new Transportation Coordinator for St. Lawrence County, will present her ideas on how public transportation can expand and begin to serve us all. The public Energy Fair bus will be transporting people all day Saturday, April 26th from Ogdensburg, the P&C parking lot in Canton, the SLU Bookstore, and the Mid-Town Plaza to the Energy Fair at the SUNY Canton Campus Center and back. Leave your car and avoid crowded parking and the long walk. To get a schedule, call 393-5200 or 386-3276, ex. 125. We will post the schedule on the website soon.

Sun., 11-12:30, Room 5

In order to stabilize the climate, we need 80 percent greenhouse gas reductions from 1990 levels. So what is the best way forward? Many good proposals have been developed by interested parties, including governments, environmental groups, industry and even clergy. The United Nations policy does not match the expert scientific consensus of the International Panel on Climate Change and the expert advice of the IPCC does not include equity and ethics, which are critical in order to have global participation. A solution to both of these problems will be presented, with time for discussion.

Sun., 1:30-2:45, Theater

Home heating is typically 50 percent of an average home’s energy usage in the North Country. Burning oil is fast becoming a losing proposition, but you no longer have to rely on fossil fuels to heat your home. Many people are experimenting successfully with B-5 and B-20 mixtures of biodiesel in oil furnaces. The more adventurous homeowner can burn 70 or 100 percent biodiesel and save much more. Steve has been burning 100% for 5 years. He will tell you everything you need to know to get started: tank location, storage, upgrades and maintenance.

Sunday, 1:30 to 2:15, Room 1

Do-it-yourself underground housing is extremely energy efficient. This workshop will explore how to do it with an accent on low-cost techniques such as plank-and-beam roofing and surface-bonded block wall construction. New developments in living sod roofs are covered.

Sunday, 4-4:45, Room 1

One of the answers to breaking our addiction to foreign oil is blowing in the wind and it has a clean future in New York State where wind energy is plentiful. Wind energy is the fastest-growing electricity generating technology in the world and its US capacity has tripled in the last five years. The North Country is already the site of the largest wind farm east of the Mississippi, and Noble Environmental Power is constructing, developing or operating nine wind farms in five towns in the eastern part of the North Country. Wind power provides electricity at a stable cost, creates jobs and generates revenue for farmers and rural communities. Come and learn about the possibilities of this new indigenous clean energy source.

3-3:45, Room 3

Do you think solar systems too expensive for you? Based on his experiments as an off-gridder for the last twenty years, Steve will show you how simple it can be to save money by installing your own solar power system to produce free electricity. He will cover solar panel mounting, battery charging and turning low voltage dc to house current.

Sunday, 11:30-12:30, Room 2

Learn the basics you’ll need to know to consider using solar electricity at your home site. This workshop will discuss components, costs, pitfalls and how to size and site a solar electric photovoltaic or solar/wind hybrid system. Come with all your questions.

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Sunday, 1:30-2:15, Room 5

Dean, who has been designing and building solar homes and renovations since the late 70s, will focus on affordable solar for both new construction and existing homes. Topics will include passive solar design, super-insulation, air tightness and indoor air quality, natural design, permaculture, Energy Star standards and modern building science. It is especially oriented to retirees, empty nesters, owner-builders, new home-builders and homeowners.

Sunday, 1:30-4:30, Nevaldine Hall, $30

Pre-registration required. Call 315-379-9466 orFair@ncenergy.organd give us your name, email, phone and address. Make checks to CES-Energy Fair and send to: CES, 101 Main St., Canton, NY 13617.

The workshop will cover basic bicycle maintenance, trouble-shooting and problem diagnosis, including repairing a flat tire and adjusting the brakes and shifting mechanisms, riding tips for getting the most out of your bike and more. Also discussed will be riding safety tips for both cyclists and motorists. Look at how we can form alliance with fellow bicycle enthusiasts for planning group rides and advocating for more bike-friendly roadways. Participants should bring their own bicycles as well as the following tools: 8, 9 and 10mm open-end wrenches or a small adjustable wrench, 8, 9 and 10 mm Allen wrenches, a small Philips head screw driver, and two tire levers.

Sunday, 1:30-4:30, Nevaldine Hall, $30

Pre-registration required. Call 315-379-9466 orFair@ncenergy.organd give us your name, email, phone and address. Make checks to CES-Energy Fair and send to: CES, 101 Main St., Canton, NY 13617.

From angles to glycol, hot water to storage, thermistors to zenith, this workshop is geared towards people who are considering a solar thermal system for their home hot water, pool, or space heating. In this interactive workshop, you will learn the basics of how solar thermal collectors really work and are constructed and what various systems can and cannot do for you. You’ll assemble a system in the lab and learn to use various tools and software to assess your site for a solar thermal system. Aspects of system plumbing, collector mounting, safety, incentives and certification will be covered . You will know the terminology and what to expect from your installer and system.

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Sunday, 1:30-4:30, Nevaldine Hall, $30

Pre-registration required. Call 315-379-9466 orFair@ncenergy.organd give us your name, email, phone and address. Make checks to CES-Energy Fair and send to: CES, 101 Main St., Canton, NY 13617.

Permaculture, a set of ideas for creating permanent human culture, was first introduced by Bill Mollison in the 70s and has since swept round the world, transforming the way people think about their surroundings. Learn in more detail how permaculture design can help you to create regenerative systems based on nature. Bring your dreams to assess and implement. This workshop will introduce design principles that empower people to create ecologically sound and productive landscapes, homes, gardens and communities. Participants will collaborate and discuss how these principles can help them create and design a new environment.

Sunday, 2:30-3:15, Theater

This workshop talks about mortgages and why to avoid them, raising the grubstake for the owner-built home and for finding reasonably priced land. It will cover the four benefits of the temporary shelter and strategies for designing and building a quality green home at the lowest possible cost.

Sunday, 2:30-3:15, Room 1

Where can you get biodiesel locally if you don’t want to make it yourself? Are there possibilities of producing it? Scott is familiar with small-scale biodiesel production at his company Green Technologies in Vermont. He will share his experiences with using it as well and solving all the problems that may come up. Bring questions and expect to learn all you need to know to run it successfully in your vehicles.

Sunday, 2:30-3:15, Room 3

Wind power is the fastest growing renewable energy source in the world. Do you have a good site? Want to know how to measure wind velocity there? What kind of grid connect equipment will you need? How can you select the best turbine and size it correctly? What will it cost? How much battery backup will you need? What are possible snags, problems and failures with the wind equipment available now? These questions and more will be answered in this workshop.

Sun., 2:30-3:15, Room 4

Woodgas is a nickname for a range of highly flammable gases that can be produced from the gasification of wood, charcoal, coal or other woody biomass. It has a long and proven history dating back to the industrial revolution. It was used for gas-lighting in major cities before the invention of electricity and during World War II to run over a million trucks, cars and buses. Gasification is the process of converting solid fuels, such as wood, into a gas composed primarily of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This gas can be used for a range of applications, including powering gas engines, heating water for boilers and indoor wood cooking. This workshop will focus on the use of woodgas to power mobile and stationary gas engines. There will also be a simple wood powered generator in the demonstration tent.