Sept. 28, 2009 --- “Green” was the word on everyone’s lips at Friday’s 13th Annual Softec Symposium.
The conference featured speakers and panels discussing, among other topics, this year’s theme: “Green Technology and How It Affects Business.”
“Green branding is virtually a necessity today to appeal to consumers,” said RRM Design Group CEO Erik Justesen, who was this year’s keynote speaker. “The green revolution is honest, and I couldn’t be happier about that.”
The event was hosted on Sept. 25 by the Central Coast's nonprofit software and technology association Softec at the Embassy Suites Hotel in San Luis Obispo. Vendors from various industries presided over booths in the symposium's vendor area where they presented industry innovations and useful information.
During his speech, Justesen discussed the various ways green and energy-efficient construction methods can save businesses money in the future.
“With great building efficiency, businesses can save as much as 85 percent in energy consumption,” Justesen said.
He went on to explain how his company saved thousands of dollars by engaging its employees to become more sustainable. By using 100 percent recycled paper, the company saved $1,300, he said. And by installing a water cooler instead of using water bottles, the company saved about $1,000.
“It’s a way to engage employees and to let customers known this is a commitment we’re willing to make,” Justesen said. “Even Wal-Mart is rebranding to be green.” In addition to Justesen as keynote speaker, the conference featured iFixIt’s Kyle Wiens dusicussing an overview of cloud and elastic computing, TekTegrity Inc. CEO Russ Levanway explaining the changing cost model of IT, and two expert-led discussion panels on the business benefits of different green technology trends. Softec is a nonprofit trade association that works to promote and facilitate networking, resource sharing, advocacy, and economic development for software and technology industries on the Central Coast. Event sponsors included Morris & Garritano, DigitalWest Networks, CallAmerica, and tw telecom.
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