Grand Junction Energy Expo Demonstration, Education and the Future

Despite the chilly weather, Two Rivers Convention Center was abuzz with the 8th Annual Energy Forum and Expo on Friday. The day featured 63 vendors, as well as several expert speakers, showcasing the future of energy development on the Western Slope. "We provide monitoring for any type of environmental conditions. We do a lot of oil and gas monitoring," explained Zachary Liesenfeld with InterTech Environmental Engineering. "There's any number of things that they're requiring and that's what you're seeing here today," added Brian Ahlberg with Airgas. "The different business that represent the industry are amazing out here today," said Becky Soper with Brady Trucking. Vendors ranged from oil and gas giants like Encana, to accessory providers like Rocky Mountain Hats and Boots. Solar and wind companies were also there, explaining and demonstrating their renewable energies that have a small footprint. The expo didn't just provide a platform to showcase the latest energy developments. It was also a place to educate consumers. "If they have any questions, they can come by and talk to us. We can explain to them what we're doing and if there's any problems, we can address those then," said Travis Dove with Encana. The John McConnell Math & Science Center even offers an energy science and policy class, whose students made demonstrations available to attendees. "You get to learn about the environment and where our energy comes from. [You can weigh] the pros and cons of everything," said Amy Espinoza, a sophomore at Fruita Monument High School. "There's a lot here and a lot to learn," added Liesenfeld. More than 1,000 people attended the Energy Forum and Expo. To see the complete list of vendors and speakers, visit www.EnergyExpoCO.com .

Aspinall federal building in Grand Junction gets an energy overhaul

The 95-year-old Wayne N. Aspinall Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Grand Junction will be rededicated Wednesday after a 23-month renovation to make the historic building energy-efficient and sustainable. The goal of the U.S. General Services Administration's $15 million project was to not only preserve the anchor of the Grand Junction community, but also to convert it into a facility that produces as much energy as it consumes. It would be the first net-zero energy building among the 478 historic buildings managed nationally by the GSA, and it is designed to achieve LEED Platinum status. The three-story building, built in 1918, originally functioned as a post office and courthouse. A large extension was added in 1939, and the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. It currently houses nine federal agencies. The modernization includes installation of 385 solar panels on the roof, as well as a geothermal system of wells and pipes that rely on the constant temperature of the ground in order to heat and cool the building. A private, formal rededication ceremony will be held Feb. 20 at 1:30 p.m., followed by a public open house and self-guided tours at 4 p.m. The building is named after Wayne Aspinall, who served from 1949-73 in the U.S. House of Representatives from Colorado's 4th District. The project was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.