CONTACT: Ana Helman
(916) 677-5717 ext. 2751
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Roseville, CA) April 25, 2008 – The North State Building Industry Association (NSBIA) is thrilled to announce that its first annual Green Home Expo will be 100% carbon free in its inaugural year. This all day trade show, to take place at the Sacramento Convention Center on May 8th, 2008, has taken every measure to minimize the environmental impact of staging a large event.  Some of the steps taken to reduce the footprint of the gathering include:

• Eliminating the use of carpeting in trade show aisles
• Use of china service to replace all disposable beverage containers and bottled water
• Use of electronic documents whenever possible
• All printed marketing materials printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with soy-based ink

“This is the first BIA event ever to be completely carbon-free,” announced Bob Walter, Chairman of the Sacramento Green Expo Committee and owner of RJ Walter Homes. “One of the reasons we chose the Sacramento Convention Center as a venue was because of its dedication to energy conservation.”

In addition to the efforts by the NSBIA, the Sacramento Convention Center features energy efficient light bulbs and sensory light switches throughout the complex, has committed to recycling any left over conference materials and has partnered with the City of Sacramento to recycle and dispose of all leftover wood pallets, metals and light bulbs used for conventions like the Green Home Expo. 

For the energy use that cannot be avoided, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) has graciously purchased carbon offset credits through its carbon offset program to bring the balance to zero. This financial contribution will mitigate the greenhouse gas emissions from predicted transportation, electricity use, and other sources of energy consumption related to the Green Home Expo.

“SMUD provided these carbon offsets because as leaders in the Green community it is important for us to walk the talk,” said Wade Hughes, manager for SMUD’s SolarSmart Homes program. “Energy efficient and solar homes are vital to our commitment to the environment and we are proud to support the North State Building Industry Association’s Sacramento Green Home Expo in its inaugural year.”

Headlining the day’s events will be a keynote address by State Senator Darrell Steinberg at noon. The event will feature more than 100 exhibitors and 13 educational courses geared towards homeowners, homebuilding industry professionals and anyone interested in building green or living green. Entrance to the trade show floor is free. There is a nominal charge of $30 for educational seminars.

The expo is a community event for individuals to explore the newest innovations in sustainable products and services used in and for the home.  In addition, the extensive education program addresses issues ranging from greening your garden to developing a green workforce and everything in between. 

The Green Home Expo is supported by several organizations and companies dedicated to ensuring the health and vitality of the Sacramento region, they include:

• Energy level: SMUD and City of Elk Grove
• Efficiency level: SunPower, Inc. and City of Rancho Cordova
• Sunlight level: Milgard Windows
• Wave level: PG&E
• Climate level: Comstock’s Business Magazine, Premier New Homes and Sacramento Air Quality Management District
• Earth level: OCR Solar & Roofing
• Solar level: Roseville Electric, Standard Pacific Homes, News10, Wells Fargo
• Wind level: Home Depot, Louisiana Pacific and Whirlpool
• Geothermal level: RCH Group and City of West Sacramento

The North State Building Industry Association (BIA) is a community-based organization of builders and associates committed to leading the industry and ensuring its integrity by working together to: Provide education and resources for its members and the public; promote well planned, growing communities through responsible development, and to give back to the community through the collective strengths and talents of its members.

Admission to the trade show is free and all-day education passes can be purchased online for $30.00 per person.  For more information or to purchase education passes, please visit www.SacGreenHomeExpo.com or contact the BIA at (916) 677-5717.