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.

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!

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.