SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Jul 16, 2008 -- Office buildings account for almost 40 percent of the nation's total energy consumption, but existing technologies can immediately reduce that load. In the near future, technology advancements could cut energy consumption by more than 75 percent.

The Clean Tech Open Energy Efficiency Symposium will attract clean tech enthusiasts, industry experts, venture capitalists and Clean Tech Open (CTO) contestants and alumni to San Francisco on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 to address energy efficiency, especially for office buildings. Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), the Clean Tech Open's Energy Efficiency category co-sponsors, will host the event.

The evening will include introductory remarks from Dian Grueneich, commissioner of the California Public Utilities Commission, and Roland Risser, director for Customer Energy Efficiency, PG&E.

"PG&E is committed to helping our customers reduce their energy use through world class energy efficiency programs," said Roland Risser, director of Customer Energy Efficiency. "Our work with the Clean Tech Open exemplifies this commitment, as we partner to bring the future of energy-efficient technologies into the homes and businesses of our customers."

PG&E, SDG&E and SCE will present their energy saving initiatives during a panel moderated by Joel Makower, founder of Clean Edge and Greener World Media, Inc. The "Offices of the Future" discussion will also include Ahmed Abdullah, Sempra Utilities; Gregg Ander, director of "Office of the Future" Initiative, SCE; Rodrigo Prudencio, partner, Nth Power venture capital firm; George Denise, general manager, Cushman & Wakefield for Adobe Systems, Inc.; and Frank P. Paniagua, Jr., founder and CEO of Greenplug, a company that reduces plug load.

"One of the big challenges to fostering the growth of clean technology companies is the need to instill knowledge and skills related to business and sustainability," said Joel Makower, founder of Clean Edge and Greener World Media, Inc. "Having a green and clean product or service isn't enough. You also have to walk your talk."

There will be a poster session from CTO Energy Efficiency Alumni and current contestants, as well as plenty of networking opportunities.

The event will be held Wednesday, July 30, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at PG&E offices, 77 Beale Street, in San Francisco. The cost is $20 for online registration and $30 at the door (cash only). Space is limited, so please RSVP online to ensure a seat. Visit www.CleanTechOpen.com for more information, directions, and to RSVP.

About the Clean Tech Open:

The Clean Tech Open is an organization dedicated to helping great ideas become viable businesses that will drive the new green economy. Driven by a network of sponsors, mentors, partners, judges, and over 360 volunteers, CTO has built resources to accelerate innovation. The goal is to foster innovative and sustainable new businesses focused on energy efficiency, smart power, renewable energy, transportation, green building technologies, pollution control and resource management. To learn more, please visit: www.CleanTechOpen.com.

The Clean Tech Open is under the fiscal and administrative sponsorship of Acterra: Action for a Sustainable Earth, a California 501(c)3 non-profit public benefit corporation. Acterra is located at 3921 East Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303-4303.

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