Want to Live in a More Sustainable World?

Join us 2/23/18 at the University of Maryland!

By JANINE FINNELL, JOHN GAFFIGAN, and CAROL MCCAFFREY

Leaders in Energy is a dynamic ecosystem of industry thought leaders and citizens who are actively creating a more sustainable world. February 23 is our annual Energy and Sustainability Extravaganza, this year at the University of Maryland. This annual event (our 4th) will be of direct value to Energy Managers / Facility Managers / VPs of Operations … anyone who cares about optimizing how their respective organizations run. It will also appeal to those interested in electric cars, green building solutions, and solar energy. We provide a venue to network with others related to job opportunities and projects.

This year we are bringing together diverse university departments ─ including Engineering, the Center for Global Sustainability, Innovation and Economic Development, the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute, and the Sustainability Office ─ to present their programs in cleantech innovation and entrepreneurship to accelerate solutions for a more sustainable world. Organizations from the business community will highlight innovative approaches on green building and other clean energy solutions. They include Advanced Biofuels USA, Clean Energy Business NetworkEdison EnergyLockheed MartinMosaic PowerNissan LeafStandard SolarWater Management Inc., and more.

In a moment of synchronicity, a topical new university-focused book recently grabbed my attention. In fact, Leaders in Energy’s mission embodies the core principles outlined in this book.

The New Education: How to Revolutionize the University to Prepare Students for a World In Flux.

Its premise is that the current university model developed in the 19th and 20th century is outdated, and needs to be transformed to meet the needs of a rapidly-changing world. The author, Cathy N. Davidson, who directs the Futures Initiative at the City University of New York, speaks from a position of renowned expertise.

Davidson says the most important thing that universities should do is prepare their students to succeed in an uncertain world.  She says: “The goal of higher education is greater than workforce readiness. It is world readiness.” For example, students need to be able to solve real world problems, like gauging what life will be like in Phoenix when there’s no more water. Indeed, this situation is already being encountered in Capetown, South Africa.

Davidson calls for teaching approaches that use synthesis, and that go beyond individual disciplines to bring in different perspectives and talents offered by people in different fields to tackle complex problems.

The Energy and Sustainability Extravaganza on February 23rd is also fostering a synthesis of ideas to tackle complex challenges! We are bringing together a wealth of resources, from a diverse, yet complimentary coalition from education and industry.

Who should attend?

This annual event is for those already in this field, as well as those looking to transition into the industry for more meaningful work. It begins with a career luncheon panel hosted by the Association of Energy Engineers-National Capital Chapter and Baltimore Chapter. The panel will feature women leaders in cleantech sharing their career perspectives and advice. After lunch there will be two panels and exhibits from education and industry. The Extravaganza will be capped off with a special Evening Reception.

You can attend one, two, or all three events – the Luncheon Career Panel, the University and Entrepreneurs’ Showcase, and/or the Evening Reception.

Convenient location: The Extravaganza will take place at the Stamp Student Union at the University of Maryland-College Park, February 23rd, 11 am – 8 pm. It is Metro accessible via the Green Line and a free University Shuttle. Find out more info here.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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