April 16, 2013

More than 25 years ago, noted environmentalist and author Dr. David Orr organized studies of energy, water, and materials use on several college campuses that helped to launch the green campus movement. In 1996, he organized the effort to design the first substantially green building on a U.S. college campus. Oberlin’s Adam Joseph Lewis Center is the first college building in the U.S. powered entirely by sunlight. 

This week, the Westphal College, along with the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and Drexel Smart House will welcome Dr. Orr to the Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building for a discussion focusing on a range of topics, including: the Drexel Smart House interdisciplinary initiatives; Drexel’s urban environment; community engagement; and sustainability. 

The event, “Sustainable Urban Revitalization: A Conversation with David Orr,” will take place April 18, 1 p.m. at the Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building on 33rd and Chestnut Streets and is free and open to the public. Dr. Orr also will be appearing at the Academy of Natural Sciences (1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway) later that evening for a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by a discussion of green building at 6:30 p.m. 

A Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics at Ohio’s Oberlin College and a James Marsh Professor at the University of Vermont, Dr. Orr’s advocacy work for sustainable and responsible community development is highly respected. Oberlin College has received national and international recognition for the Oberlin Project – A joint venture between Oberlin’s municipal government and the college that features Dr. Orr’s vision for creating full-spectrum sustainability and environmental consciousness.