Engineering Unplugged- Gov. McDonnell, Environmentalist Ed Nixon, and ODU Pres. Broderick among 'Green' Speakers

Tuesday, April 13, Norfolk, VA – Old Dominion University Hosts
'All Green, All Technology' Conference

NORFOLK, VA, March 22, 2010 — The second annual Engineering Unplugged is slated for Tuesday, April 13 at the Ted Constant Convocation Center at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk. The Virginia Applied Technology and Professional Development Center (VATPDC) of ODU present this statewide initiative.  
 
Engineering Unplugged, Virginia’s 'all green, all technology’ conference, provides a one-day opportunity for environmental leaders to share real-world applications yielding measurable returns on investments in three areas - green buildings, energy conservation/alternative energy, and greenhouse gases. 
 
Attendees will represent architectural and design firms, military and government, construction companies, manufacturers, facilities managers, and others interested in green initiatives.
 
Gov. Bob McDonnell will address his energy plan for the Commonwealth at 3:00 p.m. On March 10, the Governor signed legislation that aligns with his goal of positioning Virginia as the "Energy Capital of the East Coast." This could make Virginia the first state on the east coast to explore for oil and natural gas offshore. 

ODU president John Broderick opens the conference at 8:00 a.m. “Engineering Unplugged is a stellar example of how our faculty, students, corporate and industry partners come together with one goal: to explore, share, and create solutions that will improve individuals’ lives, our communities, and the planet,” Broderick said.  

At noon, the keynote speaker is noted environmentalist Edward “Ed” Nixon, youngest brother of former President Richard Nixon. Currently, he is president of Nixon World Enterprises, Inc. and chair of Pyron Solar Advisory Board in San Diego. He recently published his memoirs, The Nixons: A Family Portrait. He will address “Energy Sources for the Future.”  

The Grow Green Marketplace starts at 3:30 p.m. – green exhibits, food, products, and social hour.

The Engineering Unplugged curriculum will include the following green topics:
  • Lowering Carbon Footprint in the Transportation Industry – Maersk
  • Smart Grid/Green Energy – Dominion Virginia Power
  • Zero Land Fill Status Achieved - Unilever’s Lipton Tea
  • Sustainable Building Solutions – LEED 2009

The educational component of the conference features workshops and demonstrations by recognized leaders in the field of environmental engineering.  Pparticipants will earn 0.8 CEUs/eight PDHs. 
Early registration for Engineering Unplugged is $195 per person through March 30; enroll three and the fourth goes free. As of March 31, the fee is $295. Register to win free admission to the event online.

To register, go to www.engineeringunplugged.com/green or call VATPDC at 757-683-5479.

About VATPDC and ODU
The Virginia Applied Technology Professional Development Center is the continuing education arm of the Batten College of Engineering at ODU, providing non-credit classes and exam prep courses for engineers.  Visit www.vatpdc.com/pdc 
Old Dominion University is Virginia’s forward-focused, public doctoral research university. Its entrepreneurial approach to problem solving drives cutting-edge research, eminent scholarship, and strategic partnerships with government, business, industry, organizations, and the arts. Go to www.odu.edu