Sponsors: University of Pittsburgh
Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation
Carnegie Mellon University
Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research
Engineering Sustainability 20 09 Innovations that Span Boundaries April 19–21, 2009 David L. Lawrence Convention Center Pittsburgh, Pa.
F i r s t C a l l f o r Pa p e r s
University of Pittsburgh
mascaro center
for sustainable innovation
Welcome On behalf of the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation at the University of Pittsburgh and the Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research at Carnegie Mellon University, we are pleased to announce this first call for papers for Engineering Sustainability 2009: Innovations that Span Boundaries, to be held Eric J. Beckman David A. Dzombak April 19–21, 2009, in Pittsburgh, Pa. Faculty Director, Faculty Director, As with our 2005 and 2007 events, this Mascaro Center for Steinbrenner Institute for Sustainable Innovation, Environmental Education focused conference will bring together University of Pittsburgh and Research, Carnegie engineers and scientists from academia, Mellon University government, industry, and nonprofits to share results of cutting-edge research and practice directed at the development of environmentally sustainable buildings and infrastructure. The built environment—which includes buildings, the transportation grid, and water collection and treatment systems—helps to sustain our economy and way of life, but at the cost of heavy resource use and waste generation. Buildings alone consume a substantial percentage of the materials produced globally each year and require significant amounts of energy for operation. Transportation grids are material intensive, and the maintenance requirements of aging infrastructure in the developed world are stressing the abilities of municipalities to maintain viable systems. Renewal of urban water infrastructure with new, more sustainable systems delivering higher performance is a critical need, as failing infrastructure systems in many cities impact economic vitality and quality of life for residents. Stormwater management systems in many cities are inadequate and based on old paradigms, exacerbating flooding problems and leading to sewer overflows. Water also is linked with energy production and use, as significant amounts of water are required for energy generation, and production of high-purity water with current membrane technologies requires significant amounts of energy. The theme of the conference is Innovations that Span Boundaries; hence, we particularly are interested in contributions that demonstrate cross-disciplinary and/or cross-cultural collaboration. We look forward to seeing you in Pittsburgh in 2009! Sincerely,
Conference topical areas We are interested in contributions (papers and posters) in the following focus areas: 1. Green building design and construction; Greening the indoor environment Design of more sustainable construction materials and building systems (HVAC, lighting, plumbing) Design of a more sustainable construction process Toward the zero-operating cost building Impact of green construction on learning (schools), patient outcomes (hospitals), or worker productivity Comparative analysis of green consumer product design for buildings Rendering existing buildings more sustainable 2. Sustainable distributed power for the built environment More cost-effective wind energy and solar power; technologies for individual buildings Fuel cells for sustaining the built environment 3. Sustainable urban drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater infrastructure Sustainable water collection and treatment systems Strategies for water use reduction for the built environment Urban stormwater management planning and technology 4. Design of more sustainable transportation grids Sustainable maintenance materials and strategies Biofuel distribution infrastructure 5. Using principles of sustainability to foster innovation and economic development Ecological “footprinting�: measurement, evaluation, and use in decision making Green manufacturing technology
CONFERENCE COSPONSORS The Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation at the University of Pittsburgh is a center of excellence in sustainable engineering, specifically focusing on the design of sustainable neighborhoods. The Mascaro Center was created to encourage and nurture new collaborative projects based on strong and innovative research helping to translate the fundamental science of sustainability into real products and processes. Research conducted under the auspices of the Mascaro Center includes projects on greening the built environment, more sustainable use of water, and the design of distributed power systems. www.engr.pitt.edu/msi The Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research champions Carnegie Mellon University’s commitment to making a difference in the way the world thinks and acts about the environment. In keeping with Carnegie Mellon’s distinguished track record in interdisciplinary approaches to education and research, the Steinbrenner Institute facilitates connections between faculty, students, and the outside community; promotes Carnegie Mellon’s core academic strengths housed in 18 research centers; and advances emerging and interdisciplinary interests in critical issues related to environmental sustainability. www.cmu.edu/steinbrenner
Submission of Abstracts Due October 24, 2008 Authors may contribute papers in all subject areas related to the development of environmentally sustainable buildings and infrastructure. The conference welcomes submissions from academia, industry, nonprofit organizations, government institutions, and other interested parties. To qualify for acceptance, please submit a one-page abstract via e-mail to msi@engr.pitt.edu (with authorlastnameES09abstract as the subject line) on or before October 24, 2008. Abstracts must include sufficient content and information for adequate evaluation by the program committee. The program committee will inform all submitting authors by November 21, 2008, whether their papers have been accepted for an oral or poster presentation. Each abstract should include the following: “authorlastnameES09abstract” as e-mail subject line abstract title general topical area(s) list of authors’ names and contact information (full name, affiliation, address, phone number, fax, and e-mail) abstract text (200-word maximum)
Accommodations A block of rooms has been reserved at the Westin Convention Center, Pittsburgh. The Westin is within walking distance of commercial, cultural, and shopping districts; PNC Park; and Heinz Field and is connected to the Convention Center via pedestrian walkway. Mention Engineering Sustainability 2009 to receive the conference rate of $159 per night. The conference rate cutoff date is March 20, 2009. The Westin Convention Center, Pittsburgh 1000 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Phone: 412-281-3700 Fax: 412-227-4500 Web site: www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/pittsburgh
Contact Information University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation 1140 Benedum Hall 3700 O’Hara Street Pittsburgh, PA 15261 Phone: 412-624-9698 Fax: 412-624-7820 Email: msi@engr.pitt.edu For more information or to register online, visit www.engr.pitt.edu/msi/2009conference/confmain.htm. Scholarship Opportunities Scholarship opportunities are available for students and junior faculty. Check the Second Call for Papers for more details on how to apply.
Conference Highlights Welcome Reception Sunday, April 19, 2009, Westin Convention Center, Pittsburgh
Technical Sessions Monday and Tuesday, April 20 and 21, 2009 David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Poster Session and Social
Poster Session sponsored by:
Monday, April 20, 2009, David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Sponsorship Opportunities Government and industry will play a major part in engineering solutions for a sustainable future. Organizations with an interest are actively encouraged to take part in the conference. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Gena Kovalcik at 412-624-9698 or gmk9@pitt.edu.
critical dates Call for Papers April and September 2008 Abstracts Due October 24, 2008 Confirmation of Accepted Abstracts November 21, 2008 Early Registration Ends March 20, 2009 Conference April 19–21, 2009 Registration fees Early* Standard Participant $375 $475 One-Day Registration $200 $250 Student $50 $75 One-Day Registration $25 $40 *Deadline for early registration is March 20, 2009 For more information or to register online, visit www.engr.pitt.edu/msi/2009conference/confmain.htm. The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution. Published in cooperation with the Department of University Marketing Communications. UMC62489-0408
Printed on Recycled Paper
Plenary Speakers
G. Tracy Mehan III Principal The Cadmus Group, Inc. Former Assistant Administrator for Water U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Sandra Mendler Principal Mithun
David T. Allen Melvin H. Gertz Regents Chair in Chemical Engineering University of Texas at Austin
Pittsburgh Cultural and ethnic diversity, renowned educational institutions, world-class medical facilities, short commutes, and a low cost of living abound in Pittsburgh, named America’s Most Livable City in 2007 by Places Rated Almanac. Add to this mix the region’s breathtaking urban and rural landscapes, an abundance of outdoor activities, and thriving nightlife, and you can see why Southwestern Pennsylvania is such a desirable place to live, work, and play. Pittsburgh is one of the greenest cities in America based on the number of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)rated commercial/industrial buildings and square footage within the city limits. More than 5 million square feet of green development have been completed or are under way in the region, more than anywhere else in the country. Pittsburgh is within 500 miles of more than half of the U.S. population, and the city is less than 90 minutes’ flying time from 20 states and Canada. The average temperature in April is 61 degrees.
3 Rivers Wet Weather Carnegie Science Center Conservation Consultants Inc. Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania The Green Building Alliance International Union of Operating Engineers Powdermill Nature Reserve U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development
Partners
Carbon offset sponsor
SILVER SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
PLATINUM Sponsors
www.engr.pitt.edu/msi
Swanson School of Engineering Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation 1140 Benedum Hall 3700 O’Hara Street Pittsburgh, PA 15261
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