Among the many new facets and features of the 2010 MACo Summer Conference will be a greater focus on sustainability and conservation, reflecting the increased focus from MACo members, county governments, and Maryland citizens.

Constellation NewEnergy, a subsidiary of MACo’s Corporate Partner Constellation Energy, is matching electricity that MACo uses during the conference with Green-e certified renewable energy certificates (RECs). RECs represent the clean-air benefits from electricity generated from wind, solar or other renewable power facilities, and help support the development of sources of clean, renewable energy.

“MACo’s use of renewable energy certificates from Constellation NewEnergy to match the electricity used at the annual conference underscores the critical role that county governments play in the growth of clean, emission-free renewable energy,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president of green initiatives for Constellation NewEnergy. “We are very pleased to help green this conference and to expand the use of solar, wind and other renewable technologies in Maryland.”

In addition, MACo has continued its efforts to provide recycling facilities throughout the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, to conserve on the use of materials and packaging for events and refreshments during the conference. “We’re responding to our own members,” said MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson, “when we can take steps to make this conference more sustainable and responsible, we’re just backing up what our members look for at this event — good practices and ideas that they can take home to improve their own counties.”