California's "cleantech capital" lands green building conference

San Jose has attracted yet another ally in its drive to become the navel of global cleantech. West Coast Green, an annual residential green building conference, is relocating to San Jose for its September event and adding a strong “cleantech” focus to its agenda.

In October 2007, San Jose adopted a 15-year “Green Vision” that set ambitious targets: Create 25,000 cleantech jobs; cut energy use by 50 percent; source 100 percent renewable energy; build or retrofit 50 million square feet of green buildings; and recycle 100 percent of the city’s wastewater output, among others.

“When we looked, we realized we could help put them on track to accomplish those goals,” says Karen Jackson, chief innovations officer and program director for West Coast Green. She also says she saw an opportunity to connect emerging, hightech green building products with both the investor and builder communities.

This year’s West Coast Green includes a focus on “Funding Innovation.” Selected entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to present one-minute elevator pitches to investors and get critical feedback. Venture and angel investors will also host a session for entrepreneurs describing what they’re looking for in the space. This year’s homeowner day will also target employees from South Bay high-tech companies, says Jackson.

While the conference hasn’t yet turned a profit, Jackson says it’s a goal for this year. Producing the conference costs about $1,000 per attendee, and the organization is heavily dependent on sponsorship to both subsidize ticket prices and meet revenue goals. Jackson declined to provide specific revenue or sponsorship targets.