Smart House wins NOVA Award

The home of the future Smart House

The Drexel Smart House has been selected by the World Green Energy Symposium (WGES) to receive a 2011 NOVA Award during the third annual symposium from October 19 – 21 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. The Smart House was nominated in the Educational Case Study category for its student-led, multidisciplinary approach to developing a sustainable model for urban residential living and entrepreneurial innovation.

The WGES NOVA Award is presented annually to those who have made outstanding contributions in the area of new and green energy alternatives and/or sustainable innovations in existing energy technologies. The City of Philadelphia also will be recognized with a NOVA Award for its Greenworks program, as will the country of Brazil for its sustainable strategic plan in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The awards will be presented at an invitation-only reception at Philadelphia City Hall on October 19 at 6 pm.

The Drexel Smart House project will transform a late 19th century Powelton Village residence into 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 goal of improving quality of life in the urban residential setting.

“We are pleased to recognize the Drexel Smart House as one of the 2011 NOVA Award recipients,” said Robert Gallagher, executive chair of the WGES Organizing Committee. “The three recipients have set the standard in sustainable leadership. Their case studies showcase their impact both economically and environmentally.”

WGES brings together manufacturers of alternative and renewable energy technology products, academia, venture capitalists, lending institutions, government bodies and more from across the world. The WGES serves as an important platform for the leading minds in the energy industry to come together to exchange ideas, producing actionable solutions for our energy future.

Drexel alumni and faculty will receive discounted registration with promo code WGES2011. Drexel students and other currently enrolled university students are qualified to attend for $25.00 (limited number available). For more information about the 2011 WGES and to register, visit www.worldgreenenergysymposium.us.

About the World Green Energy Symposium (WGES)
With the understanding that implementation of new, green energy alternatives is the responsibility of all humankind, the World Green Energy Symposium brings together government agencies and their leaders, businesses, institutions of higher education, students, venture capitalists and consumers in a platform of education and information exchange. The symposium showcases new, alternative, sustainable and innovative product development and green energy opportunities. For more information, visit www.2011wges.us.

About the Drexel Smart House
Drexel Smart House (DSH) is a student-led, faculty-supported, multidisciplinary initiative to develop a sustainable model for urban residential living and entrepreneurial innovation. Founded in 2006, DSH has since procured a 4,900-square-foot, 19th century Victorian twin home in Powelton Village, which will be renovated to redefine urban living through the use of sustainable technologies and dynamic environments. Founded within the Pennoni Honors College, the project now engages students, faculty and staff from seven of Drexel's colleges. Two student-developed technologies which will be implemented in the house have already received provisional patent protection, and two spin-off companies were created from DSH research projects. DSH has raised more than $300,000 in research funding through grants and awards for student proposed research, including a recent $75,000 Federal EPA P3 Grant (Fourth Year). The project has also been awarded a $25,000 NCIIA grant to establish a seed fund in order to disperse micro-grants to students in the prototyping phase. For more information, visit www.drexelsmarthouse.com.