Electrifying Change: Discover the Future of Sustainability at the Bainbridge Island Conference

The Bainbridge Island Environmental Conference is an annual event that focuses on educating and engaging the community in discussions about environmental sustainability and conservation. The conference aims to inspire participants to take individual and collective action to address environmental issues that affect Bainbridge Island and the broader Puget Sound region. It is a collaborative effort involving multiple local organizations, including Sustainable Bainbridge, EcoAdapt, the Bainbridge Island Land Trust, IslandWood, and the Bainbridge Parks & Trails Foundation.

BETTER BUILDING COACH

The Better Building Coach by Small Planet Supply is a mobile showroom designed to showcase high-performance building products and systems. It operates as a traveling educational platform to bring energy-efficient building solutions directly to communities across the western United States and Canada, particularly those who cannot visit Small Planet Supply’s warehouse locations​.

KEY FEATURES

Product Showcase:
The Coach features a variety of products, including Zehnder ventilation systems, SpacePak air-to-water heat pump systems, ThermaCork natural cork insulation, and SANCO2 heat pump water heaters​.

It serves as a destination for architects, builders, and other professionals interested in sustainable building technologies​.

Educational Outreach:
The Coach provides hands-on demonstrations and educational sessions on how these products contribute to building energy-efficient and environmentally friendly homes​ .
It acts as a mobile workshop that allows professionals to interact with the products and ask questions directly to knowledgeable staff members​.

Regional Tours:
The Better Building Coach tours various cities, with stops in places like Portland, Seattle, and Bellingham, and it has also visited California to engage with local communities and promote innovative building practices​.

By using a mobile platform, Small Planet Supply aims to make advanced building technologies more accessible, educate stakeholders about sustainable practices, and foster community engagement in energy-efficient building solutions​.

You can learn more about the Better Building Coach and schedule a visit by visiting Small Planet Supply’s website​ Better Building Coach scheduling page.

History of the Conference

The conference has a rich history dating back to the early 2000s, initially hosted by the Association of Bainbridge Communities. Each year, it features a specific theme focusing on various aspects of environmental conservation and sustainability. Past conference themes include:

  • 2023:"Our Island Home on an Unruly Planet," focusing on resilience in the face of climate change

  • 2022: "We All Get Dressed: Garb, Gear, and Growing a Sustainable Fashion Economy," exploring sustainable fashion

  • 2019:"Wells to Whales: Protecting our Waters," addressing water quality and sustainability

The 2024 conference will feature an Electrification and Conservation Expo, focusing on how electrification can reduce carbon footprints and improve public health.

This Year’s Bainbridge Island Environmental Conference Keynote Speaker

The 2024 Keynote Speaker for this year’s conference is Brian Stewart. He is the co-founder of Electrify Now, a volunteer-driven organization focused on promoting the benefits of electrification as a strategy to combat climate change. With over 30 years of experience in product design, engineering, manufacturing, and sustainability, Stewart began his career as an industrial designer at IDEO. He later held senior leadership roles at Nike Inc., including Vice President of Sustainable Innovation, where he led projects to achieve corporate sustainability goals.

Electrify Now educates consumers and homeowners about transitioning to clean energy by replacing fossil fuel-based systems with electric alternatives. Stewart has delivered presentations on electrification and sustainability to various organizations, including Nike, Google, and Bank of America. His work emphasizes the importance of moving towards a sustainable future through individual and collective action 

Small Planet Supply’s Better Building Coach at the Electrification Expo

In addition to giving attendees the opportunity for a hands-on experience with our featured products, Eric Fenno will be giving short presentations. The first one will be on building science and the second will be on ventilation.  Learning will take place right at the Better Building Coach, so your “classroom” will be easy to find!

Learn about electric transportation alternatives at the Electrification expo |

There will also be a SANCO2 system training for installers held before the conference.  Installers will get all the ins-and-outs of installing these environmentally friendly, energy-efficient heat pump water heaters.  Space is limited for this session.  To register, click here.

The Bainbridge Island Environmental Expo is a fun and exciting way to learn about new technology and get ideas for how you can lesson your carbon footprint.  Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance.  You can purchase your tickets by clicking the button below.

WHAT IS AN ELECTRIFICATION EXPO?

Electrification Expos are events dedicated to showcasing the latest advancements in electrical and energy-efficient technologies. The exhibits at Electrification Expos are a showcase of innovation, featuring the latest in renewable energy technologies, energy-efficient building materials, and electric transportation. Electrification Expos bring together innovators, homeowners, and enthusiasts from around the world to discuss trends, share knowledge, and foster collaborations that drive the global transition toward sustainable energy solutions. Attendees can explore cutting-edge products and solutions for their home or business.   

Key Trends in Electrification that Can Be Explored at an Electrification Expo:

Renewable Energy Integration: Electrification Expos highlight the growing trend of integrating renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power into existing energy grids. This transition is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and achieving global sustainability goals.

 Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure: With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), expos showcase advancements in EV technology and infrastructure, including fast-charging networks and battery innovations that are making electric transportation more accessible and convenient.

Smart Grids and Energy Storage: As energy demands fluctuate, smart grid technology and advanced energy storage solutions are becoming increasingly important. Electrification Expos provide insights into how these technologies are optimizing energy distribution and ensuring a stable and efficient energy supply.