The 2011 WGES Applauded Drew Attendees from Across the Globe

Online, October 27, 2011 (Newswire.com) - "We applaud the WGES and its efforts to raise awareness and elevate the importance of energy efficiency." DOW ________________________________________
The 2011 World Green Energy Symposium (WGES) was held in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia USA from October 19 to 21, 2011. Its success was based on bringing together the best minds from a multi-disciplined audience to implement innovative thinking, present the latest award winning case studies, unveil upcoming innovations and projects, discuss contracting opportunities, and showcase examples of products that will ensure environmental and economic success in the energy industry today and for the future.

The Symposium began with an International Roundtable, moderated by the United States Department of Commerce Antonio Ceballos, Director, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce. The international panel included Mr. Steven Chan - China, Mr. Michael Choi - Korea; Mr. David Nufrio - India, Mr. Ivan Bragin - Russia, Rui Boavista Marques PhD, Portugal, Mr. Paul Johnson - Brazil.

The NOVA awards ceremony immediately followed at City Hall with the Honorable Mayor A. Nutter in attendance. Professor Robert Gallagher opened the awards ceremony by thanking Mayor Nutter and the City of Philadelphia for serving as host city for the third consecutive year of the WGES. He thanked DOW, the 2011 WGES Global Partner, the WGES partners and participating agencies. He went on to recognize the high level officials and dignitaries in the audience and welcomed the individuals and delegations from many different countries in attendance which included, Australia, Brazil, Portugal, Korea, India, China, Russia, England, Canada and South Africa. Many of the individuals and delegations were visiting the United States and/or the City of Philadelphia for the very first time in order to attend the 2011 WGES.

He then spoke about the NOVA award which is presented annually at the World Green Energy Symposium to those who have made outstanding contributions in the area of energy innovations and technologies based on actual case studies.

"The honorees have showcased their significant contribution via actual case studies," said Gallagher, "each have set an example through their leadership, innovation and commitment making both an environmental and economic impact and are worthy recipients of the NOVA award."

Professor Gallagher introduced Ms. Carol Eicher, Business Vice President, DOW Building & Construction representing DOW. In her remarks, she thanked Professor Gallagher and focused on the critical role innovation is playing in driving solutions to meet the world's energy and climate needs. "Creating a sustainable energy future will catalyze global economic growth and prosperity. At Dow we are directing significant research and development investment toward energy solutions that are economically and environmentally effective," said Eicher. "Dow has been recognized as a pioneer in industrial energy and we are committed to continuing to reduce our impact on the environment and to helping our customers, communities and society to do the same. She then presented the first NOVA AWARD of the evening on behalf of the 2011 WGES to Mayor Michael A. Nutter for the City of Philadelphia GREENWORKS program which focuses on energy, the environment, equity, economy and engagement.

Mayor Nutter addressed the audience, thanking Carol Eicher, Professor Gallagher and the WGES for the NOVA recognition. "This is the most unusual and most beautiful award I have ever received," he said as he held up the NOVA award which is a large sculpture of recycled green glass with veins of different colors of glass running through it. In art form symbolizing there is "no one solution," that improvements and stewardship in existing energy combined with new alternatives & innovation are the solution. Mayor Nutter acknowledged his Office of Sustainability and his staff, in particular Katherine Gajewski, the Director of the Office of Sustainability. The Mayor spoke about the City's specific goals of lowering its government energy consumption by 30 percent, purchasing and generating 20 percent of electricity from alternative energy sources, increase in tree coverage toward 30 percent in all neighborhoods, a diversion of 70 percent of solid waste from landfills. Weatherization and green jobs are also an integral part of this program.

Professor Gallagher thanked Mayor Nutter and then continued the program presenting the next NOVA Award to the Country of Brazil for their climate change sustainable development plan, a project with global impact. This project is a global case study which incorporates regulatory framework for climate change policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourages use of clean technologies and new model of public transportation, installation of the operations center which focuses on actions for climate change adaptation, accepting the award was Mr. Paul Johnson, Honorary Consul of Brazil in Philadelphia.

And the final award of the evening was presented by Professor Gallagher on behalf of the WGES to DREXEL Smart House, a student-led, multidisciplinary project serving as a "living laboratory" for exploring cutting edge design and technology. Participants conduct research and develop designs in the areas of environment, energy, interaction, health and lifestyle with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life in the urban residential setting, accepting the award was Mr. Kevin Malawski, President of Drexel Smart House.

The next morning program began with a flag ceremony by Temple University ROTC and the United States National Anthem performed by Daniel J. Taylor, Temple University.
The 2011 WGES Global Partner DOW was represented by Mr. Michael Kontranowski, DOW, Strategic Market Director stated in his opening remarks that energy efficiency needs to be a global priority, and addressing the building envelope is one of the best ways to reduce energy consumption and increase building performance and sustainability. "We (DOW) applaud the WGES and its efforts to raise awareness and elevate the importance of energy efficiency." Said Kontranowski.

His case study focused on INVISION ZERO HOME - Dow Chemical's Net-Zero Home Educates on Energy Efficiency Solutions to energy and climate change aren't created for just one company, one building or one home;" stated Kontranowski, "but must be available to the public and ultimately inspire more innovation and better solutions." In 2011, Dow partnered with a local homebuilder to construct the first net-zero energy home at the price of an average new home, the InVision Zero Home, but the goal wasn't just to build one home - it was to educate the public and homebuilders regarding the possibilities of energy efficiency. More than 5,000 people toured the home and discovered the products available today, from sealants to insulation to solar shingles, that can make energy efficient home a reality.

Ms. Katherine Gajewski - Director, City of Philadelphia Mayor's Office of Sustainability, presented GREENWORKS in the City of Philadelphia which focuses on energy, the environment, equity, economy and engagement. With specific goals of lowering the city government energy consumption by 30 percent, purchasing and generating 20 percent of electricity from alternative energy sources, increase in tree coverage toward 30 percent in all neighborhoods, a diversion of 70 percent of solid waste from landfills. Weatherization and green jobs are also an integral part of this program. Mr. Paul Johnson - Honorary Consul of Brazil in Philadelphia presented on the CLIMATE CHANGE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PLAN is a project with global impact of Brazil. This project is a global case study which incorporates regulatory framework for climate change policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourages use of clean technologies. In addition to a new model of public transportation, installation of the operations center which focuses on actions for climate change adaptation.

Ms. Donna Murasko, Dean of College of Arts & Sciences Drexel University & Mr. Kevin Malawski, President of Drexel Smart House presented DREXEL SMARTHOUSE case study. It is a student-led, multidisciplinary project serving as a "living laboratory" for exploring cutting edge design and technology. Participants conduct research and develop designs in the areas of environment, energy, interaction, health and lifestyle with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life in the urban residential setting.

The next portion of the WGES program consisted of presentations conducted by United States of America Federal Agency Officials who presented an overview on ways their federal agency is meeting energy and sustainability requirements in order to promote energy security and environmental stewardship. A Keynote Speech by Mr. Richard Kidd IV, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Energy & Sustainability) Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army Installations, Energy & Environment, addressed the Executive Order 13514, which sets federal goals for energy & water conservation, renewable energy, fleet vehicles, green buildings, pollution prevention and requires federal agencies to prepare an annual Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan.

Mr. Kidd, highlighted the Army's Energy Program's initiatives and addressed four specific areas; Change the Culture: Every Soldier a Power Manager, established Senior Energy & Sustainability Council (SESC) / Senior Energy Executive (SEE), energy & sustainability must be a consideration in all Army activities, System-wide approach for designing base camps to capture efficiencies; Drive Efficiency across the Enterprise, incorporate technology/policies that will reduce energy footprint, leverage public/private financing to accelerate efficiency projects, implement technologies to significantly reduce energy footprint in the field; Build Resilience through Renewable / Alternative Energy; diversify sources of energy to allow for continued operations during energy disruptions, attract private investment to develop large-scale renewable energy projects, provide flexibility & resiliency by developing alternatives & adaptable capabilities and use of Science & Technology, "The Army's future efforts" said Kidd, "depend on Science & Technology investments."

He also spoke about the EITF (energy initiative task force) which is a one-stop shop for collaboration with the private sector to invest in cost-effective large-scale renewable energy projects on Army Installations. His presentation also addressed the Whitehouse Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), the March 2011 'Implementing Instructions' require federal agencies to assess likely affect of climate change on agency's ability to meet its mission & strategic goals, identify priority adaptation actions to be implemented and submit publically-available agency climate change adaptation plan.

Afterward, Ms. Carol Ann Beda, Director of Energy Policy in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy presented on the United States Air Force Energy Plan and a 3-PART STRATEGY which is set to Reduce Demand, Increase Supply and Change the Culture. Ms. Beda addressed the Air Force ENERGY VISION "Make Energy a Consideration in All We Do" The Air Force is working to instill fuel efficiency in day-to-day operations. Since 2003, the Air Force has reduced energy intensity by 14.8% and water consumption by 11% and fuel consumption across vehicle fleet has reduced by 4% (1.1M gals) since FY 08. Air Force plans to acquire 50% of domestic aviation fuel requirements via an alternative blend by 2016. The Air Force has flown the first transcontinental flight, first supersonic flight, and conducted the first aerial refueling using the synthetic fuel blend. In 2010, 6.4% of all facility energy used by the Air Force came from renewable energy sources, surpassing federal renewable energy goals.

The Air Force operates more than 80 on-base renewable energy projects on 43 bases with many more planned or underway and will increase total on-site renewable power by 1000 MW through 40 projects by FY14. It is targeting 25% of all domestic energy needs from renewables by 2025. Ms. Beda concluded her presentation by providing an overview on steps the Air Force is taking to promote a culture change, such as; instituting a comprehensive outreach effort to educate Airmen on why the Air Force is concerned about energy, highlighting actions the Air Force is taking to more effectively manage energy and by identifying how Airmen and their families can improve Air Force energy security and support national energy goals. "The Air Force is fostering a culture where Airmen consider energy in everything that they do" stated Beda, "every month is Energy Awareness Month - not just October."

The final presenter of the master class was Dr. Winslow Sergeant, Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the U. S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy. The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government. The presidentially appointed Chief Counsel for Advocacy advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policymakers.

Dr. Sargeant opened his address by stating that "when it comes to green technology innovation, U.S. small business is leading the way." He said. This is according to a report released today by the SBA Office of Advocacy. The report titled "Analysis of Small Business Innovation" in Green Technologies was released by Dr. Sargeant during his presentation at the WGES. The study was designed to highlight differences in the patent activity of small and large firms in green technologies and industries. "Small businesses are leading the way in green technology innovation as they have with innovation over all," said Sargeant. "It is important that government help foster innovation which leads to commercialization. At Advocacy, we support this process by helping to reduce the regulatory burden on small business." In his address he pointed out that the report found that while small firms account for about 8 percent of all U.S. patents, they account for 14 percent of green technology patents. Small firms account for more than 32 percent of the patents in both smart grids and solar energy, and 15 percent of patents in batteries and fuel cells. Also eighty percent of the "prolific" inventors-those with five or more recent green patents with a citation index of 1 or more-from small green technology firms had previously worked at large companies, or large government or university labs.

Small innovative firms in this study are even more productive, measured in terms of patents per employee, than was shown in previous studies. The current study finds that small innovative firms are 16 times more productive than large innovative firms in terms of patents per employee. Small firms' green technology patents are cited 2.5 times as often as large firms in other patent applications, indicating that small firms patents are more original and influential. In green technologies, while four times as many large as small innovative firms have at least one green patent, small firms are more likely than larger firms to have green technology as a core part of their business.

Previous Advocacy-funded studies of small business patenting activity established the existence of a cohort of independent, for-profit innovative small firms with 15 or more patents over a five-year period. The studies also showed that innovative small firms had a higher percentage of emerging technology patents in their portfolios than their larger counterparts. A recent focus on "green" jobs, businesses, and technology led to this study of a subset of these innovative patent holders. The report and research summary is available at http://www.sba.gov/advocacy/7540/28811.
The WGES afternoon classes were conducted by lecturers who were selected based on their extensive experience and involvement in the area pertaining to the field. The audience consisted of academia, business, government, innovation, technological, manufacturing or distribution.

The afternoon included the following speakers and sessions; How to Do Business With The Government conducted by U.S Small Business Administration which was an abbreviated course that will familiarize you with the concepts of how to do business with the Federal government. Learn how to properly market to the procuring agencies, Meet the Lenders, John Fleming, US SBA, David Light. Agex Financial (Milestone Bank), Sherwood Robbins, SEED Company of PA, discussed the status of lending opportunities, and updates on the WOB Contracting with Paula Watts, USSBA. A session on Reducing the Carbon Footprint, was moderated by Skip Petitt, International Training Center with Jason B. Kindt, Johnson Controls and Rich Zaccaro, Stacco Energy presented. Another concurrent session was on Green Communications & Technologies presenters were Ngozi Bell, US Office of Advocacy and Joe Barron, Investment and Innovation & Technologies moderated by Ms. Natalia Olsen-Utrecho of EG Sustainability with Rami Mikhail, Siemens and Erika Diamond of Think Eco as presenters. Stephen D. Eule, VP Climate & Technology US Chamber of Commerce and former director of Office of Climate Change Policy & Technology U.S. Department of Energy presented on the index of US Energy Security Risk. A session on Geothermal Technologies Advances & Applications was held with presentations by John P. Deanna, Jr. Executive Director Geothermal National & International Initiative (GEO-NII), and Jim Shih-Jiun Chen, PhD, Professor of mechanical engineering Temple University was also held. A discussion on Green Building & Urban Planning presented by Tim Haahs, P.E. AIA and John Heon,PhD, Executive Board Member China Partnership of Greater Philadelphia and Programming Director Penn International Sustainability Association. Another concurrent session entitled Transportation, Vehicles & Fuels, Impact on Infrastructure session was held with presentations by Sarah Wu - Policy & Outreach, City of Philadelphia and Terry Penny - National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

The main ballroom afternoon classes were sponsored by UGI Performance with a special presentation entitled "It isn't Easy Being Green" by Chuck Miller, General Manager, UGI Performance Solutions. It was followed by a session entitled Cold Fusion - A Discussion, presented by Peter Hagelstein, PhD, Professor of Electrical Engineering, MIT, Dr. Geore H. Miley - Professor Emeritus Nuclear & Electrical Engineering University of Illinois, Senior NATO Fellow NSF, Mr. Keith Owens of the Cold Fusion Community.

"This is one of the main reasons for the Symposium's continued success." States Professor Gallagher referring to the caliber of the topics and presenters, "We believe our lecture style educational class setting which is inclusive of leading scientists, professors, renowned subject matters speakers from industry, government and organizations works well in the successful outcome".

"Specifically there is business taking place at the symposium, whether it be B2B, G2G or B2G." states Professor Gallagher, "Our co-hosts include universities who exhibit and participate in the classes and outreach, our partners are from across all disciplines, and our industry sponsors are top leaders in the new energy and sustainable economic arena. Our exhibitors are carefully selected so they have the products, services, innovations to showcase which will attract the attendee and vice versa" Concludes Professor Gallagher, "

A major portion of our 2011 WGES Global Partner DOW partnership helped to subsidize university student's admission including Drexel University, Penn International Sustainability Club and Hagerstown College students in addition to supporting several student exhibit displays as well as lowering entry cost to accommodate 30 students from People for People, a nonprofit organization which trains unemployed in Philadelphia to find new careers in the new energy industry. They were able to attend the lectures and this completes the cycle of job creators for present and future workforce in this industry." added Gallagher.

The agenda continued with afternoon classes which ranged from global green initiatives, innovations & products to latest updates on sustainability and security to reducing the carbon footprint and contracting opportunities from government and industry experts. The 2011 World Green Energy Symposium participants heard from world renowned subject matter experts in the field of new & sustainable energy, learned about new initiatives, careers and current renewable energy costs, jobs, exporting, lending opportunities, government contracting and the case studies of successful projects, while discovering new policies, new technologies and much more.

The last day concluded with tours; including the back tour of the Pennsylvania Convention Center new LEED Gold Certified expansion, the Philadelphia Navy Yard and the back tour of historic City Hall.

For more information on becoming a partner, exhibiting and participating at the 2012 WGES, contact Professor Robert Gallagher, [email protected]

About the WGES:
The WGES brings together the best minds from a multi-disciplined audience for a unified symposium that is designed to implement innovative thinking and showcase examples of products that will ensure environmental and economic success in the energy industry today and for the future. The WGES program invites leaders in the energy industry to present the latest case studies, unveil upcoming innovations and projects, discuss contracting opportunities and provide updates on the latest policy to the global audience and media.

Media Contact:
Professor Robert J. Gallagher, WGES Executive Chairman
202-465-0009 or email [email protected]