2016 WGES NOVA Honorees Recognized For Excellence in Sustainable Practices, US GSA, UDC Student Center and the Advocate of the Year Announced At WGES Forum, Washington DC

    WASHINGTON, DC, April 19, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- For the ninth consecutive year, the WGES brought together top experts, leading decision makers, buyers, investors, innovators, global industry and local, state and federal agencies and students along with delegates in a platform conducive for information exchange, opportunities, networking and actionable solutions. The program was moderated by Ms. Jan Fox, Recipient of 4 Emmy Awards and former Anchor WUSA-TV9 Washington DC.

Professor Robert Gallagher, Executive Chairman WGES Council welcomed the attendees and announced the WGES 2016 Nova Award Recipients. Professor Gallagher thanked the Host Ambassadors, Partners, Sponsors, Presenters and in particular the District of Columbia and the University of the District of Columbia College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) for serving as Host and Sponsors. He acknowledged the beautiful 96,000 square foot Student Center Sustainable Facility where the program was being held and thanked all those who made the event possible. He then proceeded to announce the recipients. "The WGES is proud to announce the WGES 2016 NOVA Award Recipients are; the U.S. General Services Administration Public Building Services, the University of the District of Columbia Student Center, and 2016 Advocate of the Year, Mr. Ron Uba."

Past WGES Nova Award recipients include; Drexel University for their SMART House, City of Philadelphia for the Greenworks Program, The District of Columbia for Sustainable DC, DOW for its leadership in combining the power of science & innovative technology and the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) for its urban sustainable program.

In recognizing the first recipient, Professor Gallagher stated; "The GSA Central Office Building, also referred to as 1800 F Street, occupies an entire city block in northwest DC. Built in 1917, the building became the GSA's headquarters when it was formed in 1949. The existing building is approximately 710,000 square feet and was added to the National Register of Historic Places." He added "GSA's vision was to showcase a project for GSA nationwide that includes multiple high performance green building initiatives. The modernization has improved building circulation, maximized flexibility of the space, utilizes smart building technology, and utilize an open office plan with the latest improvements in design, technology and construction. It is a leading example and a model for others in both private and public sector to follow." Mr. Kevin Kampschroer, GSA Chief Sustainability Officer and Director of the Office of Federal High Performance Green Buildings, accepted the award on behalf of GSA. He manages all sustainability work at the GSA, Mr. Kampschroer was also the project manager for the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center.

He then recognized The University of the District of Columbia Student Center for its creative sustainable design. In presenting the award, Professor Gallagher said, "This is a combined new and retrofit 96,000 Square Foot sustainable facility. The building is set to become one of the "greenest" student unions in the country." he added "Sustainable design features are interwoven throughout the student center, including a 14,000 SF green roof; photovoltaic panels; expansive rain garden; toilets that flush with captured rain water; and locally sourced, reclaimed and recycled fabrics. The building is positioned to be the first LEED Platinum student union on the east coast and only one of two in the entire country." Accepting the award on behalf of the Student Center was Mr. Eric Thompson, University of the District of Columbia.

Professor Gallagher also announced The Advocate of the Year NOVA AWARD recipient as Mr. Ron Uba. "He is the National Business Development Specialist at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency headquarters. He is responsible for Access to Federal Government Procurement & Contracting Specialist Assigned to Office of Business Development / Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, Tech-Transfer, Pharmaceuticals / Health, Cyber IT, Integrated Construction, High Speed Rail Transportation, Innovation Commercialization& Global Joint Ventures." Professor Gallagher then turned the podium over to Mr. Michael Jones Bey, Director of Supplier Diversity Program, Con Edison who presented the award to Ron Uba on behalf of the WGES and its Board and Host Ambassadors. "Everyone who knows Ron knows he is passionate about his work in public service and he fully understands the needs of the businesses he serves." Stated Jones Bey. "His efforts have helped companies connect with potential clients and partners and he knows how to keep long term partnerships and connect others."

The WGES is known for attracting the top experts and best minds offering opportunities and solutions and this year was no exception. The WGES jam packed program agenda focused on how to tap into this $7 trillion dollar market as an economic generator and where the latest cost savings energy efficiency, sustainable, and water solutions opportunities are located. This year's speakers included; Mr. Kevin Kampschroer, Deputy Senior Sustainability Official, U.S. General Services Administration, Federal Director, Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings. He moderated a roundtable on the 1800 F Modernization Project. The panel included the following GSA Program Managers, Jim Wyatt, Bob Stafford, Dean Smith and Lou Williams. GSA oversees $66 billion of procurement annually. It contributes to the management of about $500 billion in U.S. federal property, divided chiefly among 8,300 owned and leased buildings and 210,000 vehicles.

Mr. Tommy Wells, Acting Director of District Department of Environment. His team is comprised of approximately 300 environmental professionals collectively working to improve the quality of life for residents and the natural inhabitants of the Nation's Capital. DDOE is comprised of several agencies; The Energy Administration (EA) is a single resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, products and services for residential, commercial, institutional, and government sectors in the District of Columbia. The EA develops energy-related policies and plans, and coordinates and facilitates the overall effort of the District Government to achieve reliable, clean and affordable energy.

Ms. Joann Hill, Chief of the Office of Business Development for the United States Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) was another presenter. Ms. Hill spoke about the nationwide network of more than 40 Minority Business Centers overseen by the MBDA who generate $6 billion in performance goals annually. The strategies for business development are in the areas of access to capital, access to contracts, access to emerging domestic and international markets and global supply chains.

In addition Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy, Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), United States Department of Agriculture also presented. He highlighted funding opportunities from NIFA provided to catalyze transformative discoveries, education, and engagement to solve societal challenges.

Dr. Sabine O'Hara, Dean of Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, University of the District of Columbia (UDC) highlighted the University's efforts to building a cutting edge model for urban agriculture that improves the quality of life and economic opportunity for urban populations.

Mr. Paul Puckorius, subject matter expert on water and waste water spoke on identifying the potential for Legionnaires Disease and its control, water protection, use of reuse water, and water conservation. In addition, Ms. Virginia Gibson, also a subject matter expert in the water and waste water spoke about her personal experience in contracting Legionella.

Mr. Ron Uba, U. S. Department of Commerce MBDA and Michael Jones-Bey, Director, Con Edison presented on methods for optimizing procurement opportunities in the energy and sustainable industry both in private and public sectors. In particular, emphasis was placed on opportunities available to Minority and Women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs), detailing how this also promotes economic growth within the communities at large.

Mr. Wayne Saya, from Association for Facilities Engineering, provided a demonstration on ECAM+ the Microsoft Excel-based tool that facilitates the examination of energy information from buildings, and ultimately reduces the time spent analyzing utility meter data and system operational data. Starting from simple time-series data, ECAM+ automates a wide array of charting and analysis functionality.

The DC Archangels Board Members and Board of Advisors held an open workshop meeting at the WGES Forum. This is usually a by invitation only meeting. The DC Archangels members include high-energy private investors and investment leaders who work almost exclusively with enterprises with exceptional growth potential in the global marketplace. Their investments span a wide range of funding levels and include most industries, but all focus on "best-of-the-best" companies with multiple revenue streams. The WGES participants had an opportunity to meet these investors as well as learn the steps required to engage power investors and investment leaders.

Professor Gallagher closed the program by adding "All of us who are involved in the WGES are proud of its footprint and its ability to attract some of the best minds, top decision makers and thought leaders who are seeking energy usage savings and sustainable solutions or looking to increase economic vitality through use of sustainable technologies and products discussed at the WGES. The WGES testimonials from today's forum as well as those from past participants on its positive outcome reaffirms its value. WGES presents the opportunity to meet the game changers and some of the most innovative and advanced technologies in the industry helping fulfill current and future demands." he concluded, "Whether an innovator, investor, purchaser or decision maker being here today puts you in the forefront of this 7 trillion dollar space. This is an industry we may all be proud of to be a part of; it is an economic implicator, it is a 21st century job creator and most importantly it is a vantage point for a healthier planet."

About the World Green Energy Symposium (WGES)

The WGES takes place annually in the United States of America and has a global footprint. The WGES is well known for its exceptional quality driven programs and its ability for outcome based results for its participants. WGES brings together government agencies, global industry, academia, investors, innovators, delegates, together under one roof. Working in collaboration with universities, government agencies, businesses, environmental organizations, chambers of commerce, economic development and other for profit and nonprofit organizations, the WGES has earned its mark for providing a world stage as a platform for the education, information exchange and implementation of sustainability efforts through its master lectures, case studies, and audience interaction. Since its inception, WGES One Day Forums and 3 Day Conferences have always been held at the invitation of - and hosted by - a City, State and/or Institution of Higher Learning that has a sustainable plan and/or programs in place as part of their framework supporting incentives, jobs and contracting opportunities as a vantage point for economic vitality and a healthier planet.

Media Contact - On behalf of WGES

Mary Michaels, WGES Administration

[email protected] / ph: 570-994-5222

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