Remember when "green" was the color of money ... and then it became a marketing buzzword. But have you noticed that it has finally emerged as a game-changing approach toward indoor environmental systems? From small homes to large buildings, "green contracting" is becoming a fact of life, driven by cultural and political shifts. No matter your personal opinions about the "green" movement, the fact is that green contracting is bringing new opportunities for HVACR contractors -- and new competitors have emerged to snatch them up. What do these new opportunities and new competitors mean to the contracting industry? Will we shape the future or be shaped by it?

These are the issues we will explore at the first-ever, one-of-a-kind Green Contracting Summit. This unique forum will bring together leading contractors, outside experts, and you -- in a day and a half conversation on the issues that each contracting business must face in the modern world.

Read below to learn more about the special topics and panels being assembled for the Green Contracting Summit. You can also check out the full schedule of events. Don't forget to sign up today (the sooner you register, the more you save) and make your hotel reservations.

Panels & Topics

HVACR IS NOT ENOUGH
Contractors Break Free of the Box
Larry Taylor, AirRite; Ellis Guiles, TAG Mechanical; Steve Saunders, Tempo Mechanical
Visionary contractors have already broken outside of the “box” and thrown it away. Three contractors will share the stories of how they have adopted new business models aimed toward a “whole house” or “building science” approach, and the lessons their trailblazing have taught them.

THE FUTURE IS HERE, IT'S JUST NOT EVENLY DISTRIBUTED
How New Codes and Regulations Will Drive Your Business Decisions
Stan Johnson, Stan's Air Conditioning; Don Langston, Aire Rite; Bob Guenther, International Code Council
New codes and regulations in certain “outlier” areas – such as the state of California, and the city of Austin, Texas – have dramatically impacted business decisions being made by contractors who operate there. These regions are being held up as models by other states and municipalities all over the country, New energy codes are being put into place that will change HVACR in every region, sooner than you think. Contractors from forward-thinking regions will tell you exactly how they have had to change their practices, and an expert in energy codes will show you what’s ahead for your business, in your area.

WHAT’S IN YOUR TOOLBOX?
How to Go “Green” Right Now
Eric Knaak, Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning; Matt Todd, Entek
Contractors who have moved into performance contracting and energy services explain the steps and tools your company needs in order to move into the same direction, today.

WHEN YOU SAY GREEN BUT THEY SEE GREED
The Legal Ramifications of Green Contracting
David Toney, Adams & Reese
Products pitched as “environmentally friendly” and "green" are spurring rising numbers of lawsuits by consumers, as well as regulatory and enforcement actions. As the public is bombarded with claims of energy efficiency, sustainability and most notably "cost savings,” enhanced consumer expectations for green building products may create a host of liability issues. Legal expert David Toney of Adams & Reese, a leader in this emerging field, will provide practical examples of ways to reduce exposure to claims and legal disputes, and show you how to manage your risks by managing expectations through literature and contracts.

WE HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY – OR DO WE?
The Promise and Peril of Emerging Technologies
Sam Weaver, Cool Energy; Alan Niles, WaterFurnace; Harvey Sachs, ACEEE
There’s a lot of talk and hype about new technologies that promise to make HVACR more efficient. Some of these technologies are not really new, but have gained in visibility due to recent incentives and consumer interest in all things green. Other technologies are so new that they can only be called “beta” at best. We’ll hear from representatives of both kinds of technology – those that can be used right now, and those that show promise for the future – and learn more about recent research in a wide variety of different HVACR technologies that shows which ones are the most (or least) practical.

EVERYBODY'S GOT AN AGENDA - WHAT'S YOURS?
From Washington to 50 State Capitals and Beyond
The public policy agenda that is driving “green contracting” is itself being driven and shaped by other agendas. We bring together the legislative and policy experts who are deeply involved in this evolving arena and will have a candid conversation with each other and the audience on what’s really going on, and what contractors can and should be doing.