ODU TO RECEIVE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD NOV. 6
Old Dominion University will receive an award for its environmental efforts at The Norfolk Environmental Commission's "Trashy" Dinner Dance and 25th Anniversary Event.
The dinner will take place from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at Nauticus. Bob Batcher, host of "Norfolk Perspectives," will serve as emcee and guests will enjoy dinner and dancing. Tickets cost $50 for the dinner and show or $25 for the show only and can be purchased by calling 441-1347 or e-mailing nec@norfolkbeautiful.org. Proceeds benefit environmental education in Norfolk.
Old Dominion will be presented with the Most Outstanding Friend of Norfolk's Environment by Norfolk Environmental Commission Chairman A. James English, chair and professor of environmental health and safety at Old Dominion, and Friends of Norfolk's Environment President Charles Fleetwood. Old Dominion President Rosann Runte will accept on behalf of the University.
According to the group, Old Dominion is receiving the award because of numerous initiatives including:
*The Engineering and Computational Sciences Building is the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified higher education building in Virginia. The new building meets certification requirements by using various techniques to be a sustainable site, exemplifying water efficiency, saving energy, using renewable building materials, and ensuring indoor environmental quality.
*The University is involved in a wetland restoration project with The Elizabeth River Project at the mouth of a storm water drainage canal on campus.
*The University is taking steps to reduce the discharge of pollutants from its small municipal separate storm sewer system to protect water quality and satisfy water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act and the State Water Control Law.
*All incoming freshmen will be required to take a new global environmental course, titled, "New Portal to Appreciating our Global Environment (NewPAGE).
The benefit will culminate with a performance by national Eco-Illusionist, Steve Trash. "Garbage is pretty fascinating to me," he says. "It's anything you've decided isn't valuable any more, even though it was worthwhile to you 20 minutes ago� 60 percent of my props are still stuff I've found in the garbage." (New York Times)
Attendees should wear their best consignment chic. Prizes will be awarded for the most imaginative and ingenious "retro reuse" outfits!
To add to the evening, the planning process for the expanding the Ernie Morgan Environmental Action Center, to be designed by the Richmond group Watershed, will be presented for the first time. The expansion project will increase and enhance environmental education, community partnerships, and demonstrate green building stewardship.