by Len Hering, RADM, USN (Ret.), Executive Director, Center for Sustainable Energy
On behalf of the staff and board members of the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE), I would like to welcome you to San Diego. For nearly 20 years, America’s Finest City has been home to CSE’s headquarters. Our region is a leader in the implementation of sustainable energy technologies, which supports CSE’s goal of “accelerating the transition to a sustainable world powered by clean energy.” As an organization and a city, we are proud to host the many thought leaders in this rapidly growing industry who will attend this year’s meeting.
During your visit, please enjoy all San Diego has to offer. Within walking distance of the Wyndham San Diego Bayside you can enjoy the new Waterfront Park with views of the harbor; tour the Maritime Museum; take a short cruise to Coronado Island; board the historic Midway aircraft carrier and Navy museum; enjoy the dining and nightlife of the Gaslamp Quarter; or rent a Car2Go or Decco Bike to visit the world famous Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo. Or, take a short trip see the Celedon apartments (929 9th Ave), which feature both PV and solar thermal technologies as part of the building structural facade.
For those of you who would like to venture a bit further out, take a tour of UCSD to see their microgrid, or visit Stone Brewing. Stone Brewing is actively involved in sustainability including the food they source for their restaurants, the solar panels at their facilities and an onsite waste water treatment plant (located in Escondido and Liberty Station).
Over the past 18 years, CSE has grown into a national nonprofit organization that offers an extensive portfolio of independent and objective solutions to public agencies, businesses and property owners of all sizes looking for assistance with sustainable energy technologies, policy advice, and technical and engineering services. As professionals in the sustainable energy industry we are all engaged in an exciting moment in history. That is why our convening at events like the NASEO Annual Meeting helps us influence market transformation.