GovEnergy's Technical Tours

Sunday, August 7, 2011

GovEnergy's technical tours are a great way to view local facilities in an educational setting. Choose from a variety of energy-related project sites. Registration is required for all tours. Separate fees apply; tour fees are not included with registration. All tours are scheduled to depart from the main entrance of the Duke Energy Convention Center on Elm Street. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the listed time of departure.  

Tour Registration Information 
Registration is required for all tours. Onsite registration will be based upon space availability. Attendees are encouraged to register online. 

New GovEnergy Attendees: To register for a technical tour, complete either the federal employee online registration form or the non-federal employee online registration form as part of your GovEnergy registration. Tour payments must be received by July 25, 2011 or you will be removed from the tour.

Previously Registered GovEnergy Attendees: If you have already registered to attend GovEnergy, you may update your existing registration to include a technical tour. To do so, follow the steps listed below:

  • Visit the GovEnergy registration page
  • Sign into the appropriate GovEnergy registration form (either the federal employee online registration form or the non-federal employee online registration form) by using your email address and login password (if you have forgotten your password, click the link that says, "send password to my email address").
  • Select "edit order"
  • Select "edit item"
  • Select the tour(s) that you wish to attend (***IMPORTANT*** Do not adjust any of the other previously selected registration details, as this will delete all your entire registration record)
  • Select "update" at the bottom of the page
  • You will be redirected to the registration payment page. If you have already paid for your GovEnergy registration, you will only be charged for your tour selection.  If you have not paid for your GovEnergy registration, your new balance will be visible.
  • The payment options for GovEnergy's optional technical tours are the same payment options as they are for GovEnergy registration. Payment options for the tours include either "pay now" or "be billed later" (an invoice along with payment information will be sent through email).
  • Tour payments must be received by July 25, 2011 or you will be removed from the tour.

 
If you are having trouble accessing online registration, please call 800-343-2171 for online registration help. 
 

Technical Tours

Cincinnati Zoo
Time: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Cost: $48.00 

The Cincinnati Zoo currently works to retrofit existing buildings with green features whenever possible. It is the first zoo in America to pledge their pursuit of LEED certification for all new construction projects. Tour participants will observe a variety of operational practices, such as:

  • Water consumption reduction efforts
  • Extensive solar panel operations and a 1.2kW wind turbine
  • Integrating building materials such as bamboo, strawboard (made of sunflower seed shells and wheat straw), and composite wood (made of recycled plastic and wood waste).
  • Use of recycled construction materials (carpeting, steel, and drywall) and low-emitting construction-related products, such as adhesives, sealants, and paints.

Duke Energy Envision Center
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Cost: $25.00 

At Duke Energy's Envision Center, you can discover how new energy technologies are transforming today's power delivery system into tomorrow's smart grid. The Envision Center is the first interactive exhibit to demonstrate integrated smart grid technologies. Designed to model a Hollywood-style studio, it features modernized power equipment, a "smart" home – complete with solar panels and an electric vehicle, an apartment complex with advanced meters, and a power delivery work center with real-time monitoring capabilities.

 

AWBERC & University of Cincinnati Tour
Time: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Cost: $35.00

This is a unique opportunity to tour the Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center (AWBERC); an EPA facility, and the University of Cincinnati's green campus and cogeneration plant.

AWBERC, the second largest R&D facility owned and operated by the U.S. EPA, added a new LEED Gold annex and is in the midst of replacing its 35 year old HVAC system with state-of-the-art equipment and controls. Learn about the variable air volume, heat recovery, high-performance fume hoods, water conservation, storm water management and other features associated with this project.

In addition to being home to six LEED certified buildings (including new construction and renovations), the University of Cincinnati campus runs a state-of-the-art 48 MW combined cycle cogeneration facility. Come learn about green roofs, storm water management systems, and cogen plant operations.

 

Duke Energy Convention Center 
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Cost: $20.00

Convention Center staff will provide a comprehensive tour of the Duke Energy Convention Center. Highlights include a first-hand look at operations and maintenance, energy improvements, and renewable energy initiatives. The tour will cover the center's lighting controls and upgrades, heating system operations, building automation controls, recycling initiatives, and the rooftop solar panel system.

 

Great American Ball Park
Time:  2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Cost: $40.00 

The Great American Ballpark, in addition to being the home to the Cincinnati Reds, is an EPA Energy Star Partner, and a member of EPA's Waste Wise program. Led by Declan Mullin, Vice President of Ballpark Operations, this facility tour will show how a variety of energy saving methods have been put into practice.   

Tour areas will include: 

  • Scoreboard and Control Room
  • Ballpark Command Center
  • The Fox Sports Ohio Champions Club
  • Press Box
  • Dugouts
  • Locker Rooms, training and exercise facilities
  • The Reds Hall of Fame and Museum (self guided)