A home in Scottsdale without air conditioning?
While many may say that is crazy, Bryan Beaulieu is building such a "green" home that uses environmentally friendly principles such as water-filled cooling tubes in the roof that are powered by solar energy.
"The technology exists for solar power. It has all been invented," he said. "But no one uses it."
Beaulieu will speak about his prototype home at 1 p.m. today during SolFest Southwest, an environmental festival featuring 150 exhibitors, 60 workshops, bands and dance performances.
The event, which began Saturday, concludes today at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
"SolFest is a celebration of education through inspiration," said Andrea Tintle, event co-producer. "When people leave here, we want them to be inspired on changing the way they look at the environment."
Seminars include environmentally responsible building and remodeling, water conservation, hydrogen energy, solar electric energy, solar water heating, eco-friendly products and social change issues.
Actor Ed Begley Jr., a spokesman for the Solar Living Institute and Environmental Media Association, will speak, as well as L. Hunter Lovins, named by Time magazine as a "Hero of the Planet" for her ideas on environmentally friendly economic development.
SolFest, which began in 1996 in northern California, draws about 10,000 people each year.
SolFest Southwest
Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today
Cost: $10 adults, $5 seniors and students, children 12 and younger free
Info: (928) 649-8180 or visit www.solfestsouthwest.org
