Geothermal heating and cooling technology

By Charles Lazin, President
Altren, an Alternative Renewable Energy Consulting Group.

Wednesday, April 14th, from 4-6pm

Charles Lazin is the president of Altren, an Alternative Renewable Energy Consulting Group. His long term focus is on the development and popularization of alternative and renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and conservation technologies used in residential and commercial buildings. Altren_s goal is to install a large number of residential and commercial geothermal systems in the years to come. The installations will significantly preserve and improve the quality of the environment, substantially reduce fossil fuel dependence and at the same time cut customer_s heating and cooling energy bills by up to 50%. Eight years ago he designed and installed his first geothermal heat pump system in his own house.

Since 1996 Charles has been consulting and installing residential geothermal systems. Recently he managed the 300 Ton geothermal installation for the 96,000 square foot dorms at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and an Master of Arts in Communications. He has earned: the Environmental Protection Agency_s Certification in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration; a Geothermal Designer, Installer and Service certifications by several geothermal heat pump manufacturers. His company has an exclusive regional sales representation and a dealership for the ECONAR cold climate geo-source heat pumps.

He is in the process of earning a BPI (Building Performance Institute / Heating/Cooling) certification and also preparing for his nationally recognized CGD (Certified GeoExchange Designer) Certification. (fall 2004) Since 2000, Charles has attended NYSERDA seminars on energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable technologies. He submitted two product proposals for potential funding by NYSERDA.

Charles recently published an article on geothermal energy used in heating and cooling in The Hudson Valley Green Times. He is producing an educational interactive DVD featuring current and future trends in alternative and renewable energy resources and their use in our homes and work places.

Charles is an active member of several local groups: Green Building & Renewables Working Group, Hudson Valley Green Times Magazine, writer and webmaster, Sierra Club Mid Hudson Valley Chapter; lecturer and webmaster, Minnewaska Distance Swimmers Association; a webmaster, leader in Boy Scouts of America. He is an avid outdoorsman. He has been a PADI certified scuba diver for over 20 years. He is in the process of getting a glider pilot license. He is fluent in several languages. He lives in the Hudson Valley with his wife and two sons.

There will be opportunity for networking, questions and answers after the presentation, and light snacks will be served. Admission is free for members of Hudson Valley Technology and Commerce; $5 for non-members. Admission is waived for those who become new HVT&C members ($25) at this meeting, or who bring a person who joins at this meeting. To make reservations call 845-679-9868 as seating is limited.