In general this SXSW conference had great content, but was lacking in a few other areas. Below I grade the sessions and events I attended, and then list some of the significant "take-away" messages for me.

 

Evaluation

 

Overall "GPA": 3.2/4.0

 

General comments: Overall great content with a good mix of attendees from many different professions and interests. A couple of things might add to the "eco-vibe": 1.) require attendees to request/decline a print program at the time of registration; 2.) offer local/organic fresh fruit and compost collection bins for the coffee breaks.

 

* I only didn't give these a grade of "F" because it's only the second year for this event. Compared to other environmental professional or trade shows these aspects of the event offered very little. There were only 10 exhibitors and maybe 16 organizations/companies in the "Eco-Connect". Only of the organizations offered any concrete business or job opportunities.

 

Take-Away Messages

Here are some of the "take-away" messages I gleaned from the panel and keynote sessions I attended.

 

Day 1 – October 3

Big Data: Changing the Energy Efficiency Game

Decentralized clean energy and smart grid technology will generate large amounts of information. Well-presented energy-use data will allow the average person to put themselves in the big picture and then change their behavior based on actual trends. Imagine being able to compare your electric usage to other houses in your neighborhood. 

 

Filmmakers Clean Energy Confab

Seated in armchairs on a low stage independent documentary filmmakers, Peter Byck and Josh Tickell, offered kernels of wisdom. They view themselves as educators and strive to show people how they already agree on most environmental issues despite divisive politics. Based on their experience they believe clean energy needs two things to go mainstream 1.) competitive price, and 2.) favorable government regulations and mandates. The U.S. Department of Defense is an ally in the fight for renewable energy and fuel. After all many military personnel die hauling fuel in places like Afghanistan. 

 

Keynote: Beauty, Ecology and Design

Architectural firm CSO, Lance Hosey, asserted that making green buildings perform and look great is good for people's health and well-being. The principles of Conservation, Attraction and Connection to place make a building great for the natural world and people. And these concepts can be applied not just to our buildings! In both our overall economy and construction we should strive to maximizes well-being while minimizing consumption.

 

Day 2 – October 4

Startup Showcase Semifinals

In this round of the venture capital pitch competition, 15 semifinalists competed before a panel of judges to be named the most fundable clean-tech startup. The field of competitors included an on-site graywater reclamation system, military/event tents with flexible solar cells, software to help resale stores and local farmers put inventory online, modular "green" homes and nano-materials to store gases.

 

Creating Significant Change at the System Level

Complex problems encountered when tackling sustainability issues often require looking at a system greater than one business unit or organization. System mapping is one tool people can use to wrap their brains around complex systemic relationships. This means creating a broad picture of relationships including influences beyond the immediate business/organization of concern. These maps move people into creative thinking instead of problem-solving mode. Engaging creatively leads to real transformation of organizations. Systems mapping helps with the important storytelling element of systems change.

 

Keynote: Is America Sleepwalking on Clean Energy?

Venture capitalist/consultant, Jigar Shaw, and former U.S. senator, Byron Dorgan, made an excellent combination of perspectives. Two things stand out. Sen. Dorgan declared oil prices aren't set by a free market, but controlled by a cartel. Shaw emphatically challenged the audience to 1.) find some "g.d. inspiration" and 2.) bring the outrage!

 

Day 3 – October 5

Behind E-Waste: The Good, Green & Shocking Truths

First, some words that jumped out for me in this moderated panel Q&A: creating jobs, exciting and dynamic industry, opportunities. I was pleased to see that a Houston-based e-recycler, CompuCycle, was represented on the panel. Two of the three panelists include refurbishing/re-use of electronics as part of their e-waste processing businesses. Challenges lie in getting manufacturers to produce more recyclable electronics and in finding markets for materials harvested from electronics like leaded glass.

 

Organizational Innovation Inspired by Nature

The concept of biomimicry can help us both better organize society and design products. Observing the natural world and how it works offers insights and solutions to many of our current problems. Fish and birds have been useful models to make bullet trains and cars more fuel efficient. Taking concepts from social insects has helped human organizations. For example, ants and termites build highly complex structures and societies based on three, or four simple rules that many individuals follow. This concept allowed a large, fast-growing company, Capital One, several years ago to maintain order, sanity and quality service. We can also look to nature to inform us about when one or the other of the following is appropriate for an organization in a given situation: hierarchical v. dynamic structure, optimization v. maximization, efficiency v. resilience, feedback v. measurement.