Key Technologies and Systems

The Key Technologies and Systems that our group incorporated into this Norfolk 2030 plan included:

• Photovoltaic solar panels
• Rain water catchment systems
• Compost Facilities
• Waste water treatment

The photovoltaic solar panels worked best in our plan because they generate electricity directly from sunlight. They are large industrial panels that conform well to the spaces on rooftops, optimizing the space to its fullest capabilities. What's awesome about these panels is that they can be rotated to catch the sun at different hours of the day as it moves across the sky. We have many buildings downtown that are capable of facilitating the technology of these photovoltaic solar panels, and it seems like a great investment for the future of sustainable energy.

One of the other technologies implemented into our plan, is the city-wide use of rainwater catchment systems. This technology is exciting and an provides an optimistic outlook for the future of water conservation. The rain catchment system is affordable and easy to instal and maintain. The cisterns, which can be made of recycled material, that hold the water can either be located on the outside of the buildings or stored underground. The water is directed into the cisterns by gutter systems running off the buildings and through a filter system that sifts out debris, dust and other contaminates. The benefits outweigh the cost here; water can be collected and redistributed where needed, saving money on water bills from the city.

 One of the greater issue today, is the control of waste management. Currently the majority of out trash is stored away in landfills. To eliminate, or at least minimize, the amount of trash headed into landfills; a major composting facility and many other smaller, local compost bins, will be installed. Organic material is in the top percent of waste that is produced, organic material being biodegradable makes it optimal for recycling. Other top contributes to trash are paper and plastic, both very recyclable and reusable materials.

Waste is a matter of opinion

Old Dominion Currently sends its waste water to a plant in a different location of Norfolk. Imagen our very own waste water treatment facility. Now many people are hesitant because of the word waste. But in fact these waste water treatment facilities are what makes this countries water supply semi-sustainable. If ODU was to build our very own waste water treatment facility then all of our waste water would be cleaned and purified right here by campus removing our impact on the city of Norfolk. The ability to have our own waste water treatment facility would create a recyclable system that we could call our very own. By treating and cleaning all of our own water we would have our own system of sustainable water usage. In doing so, there would become a conservation of water because every gallon of water we use would, we would be able to call it our very own since it was treated and cleaned right here at Old Dominion.

We believe that our technology proved here in this proposal is properly listed as being Appropriate Technology. All of these technologies are needed for a sustainable future in the city, if not for the world. With the amount of fresh water in the world reducing, it is of most importance to conserve and take advantage of what resources we have, while we still do.There are many opportunities for jobs in this economy for the technologies being introduced here. Someone will have to take care and maintain the photovoltaic solar panels and there with have to be workers to also monitor the rainwater catchment systems. There is not a lot training that needs to be done to maintain these technologies, the technology transfer here should be fairly smooth and worth the effort.
Some positive unintended consequences here would be the creation of jobs to maintain the new facilities, as mentioned above, there are some great opportunities here. An example of a negative unintended consequence would be that maybe, certain buildings around Norfolk, would not be able to support the weight of the solar panels.


Solar energy: Photovoltaic Panels

    Biomass:

Wind Energy










                   Hearst Tower in Midtown Manhattan

                 

Green buildings are designed as "Building constructed in a way that minimizes waste and includes recycled, renewable, and reused resources to the maximum extent possible". These homes and buildings were built to give back to the environment. Through solar energy, reduction of air pollution, reconditioned and recycled building materials.



Modern green built home                                                            The Kandalama Hotel in Sri Lanka



















Technology Development in Norfolk:

The former Ford Norfolk Assembly Plant location is now the Virginia Renaissance Center. The property was purchased in March 2011 by the Atlanta-based Jacoby Group. Norfolk is a member of the Virginia’s Offshore Wind Coalition, which are chain resources that will be needed to make offshore wind energy a reality. The wind power 12 miles or beyond Virginia's coast believe the giant turbines could ultimately provide 10 percent of the state's annual electricity demand and operate without incident in the military's busy seas. In addition the city’s Manager of Environmental Protection Programs leads efforts to incorporate sustainability into municipal operations. The City is also recycling in buildings owned by the city which brings in many volunteers each year in programs to reduce litter and waste.

http://www.norfolkdevelopment.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=168&Itemid=214