AMHERST, N.Y. – The benefits of solar power as a renewable energy and Canalside Buffalo’s unique solar-powered carousel project will be explored by industry experts at the 12^th annual Western New York Environmental Summit scheduled for Sept. 24 at Daemen College.

The summit, “The Power is You: Sustainable Communities Are Here,” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the college’s Wick Campus Center. The environmental-focused event is free and open to the public, and breakfast will be provided to attendees.

“We are pleased to bring together professionals from the solar energy industry who will offer valuable perspective on this renewable energy source and how it is paving the way to a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Cheryl Bird, executive director of the Daemen Center for Sustainable Communities and Civic Engagement.

The solar-powered Hershell-Spillman carousel project planned at Canalside will be discussed at 9 a.m. by keynote speaker Marika Woods-Frankenstein, a board member of Buffalo Heritage Carousel, Inc.  

A panel discussion on the solar industry will immediately follow the keynote address. Panelists will include Dennis Elsenbeck, director of new energy solutions, stakeholder and policy at National Grid; Robert Gauchat, vice president of sales and operations at Solar Liberty; and Ashley Regan, director of business development at Solar by CIR.

Concurrent workshops will cover solar energy in the home, expanding recycling options, and how to use green materials in the home or business.

Exhibitors from more than 25 area organizations will offer information on green businesses, environmental issues and community sustainability efforts.

In conjunction with the Environmental Summit, a community electronics recycling collection will take place outside the back of the Wick Center.

The Environmental Summit is being sponsored by National Grid. Event contributors include the Daemen Center for Sustainable Communities and Civic Engagement, Solar by CIR/CIR Electrical, The Knoer Group, and Western New York Apollo Alliance.

More information is available at daemen.edu/summit.