The Center for Sustainable Energy (ND Energy) at the University of Notre Dame has announced the 15th annual Notre Dame Energy Week Plus. Since 2007, Energy Week has offered a broad range of events for the Notre Dame and surrounding communities to help raise awareness about current topics and issues in energy.
“It is our distinct privilege to coordinate this week-long event for the Notre Dame and surrounding communities,” said Peter C. Burns, Massman Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences and director of ND Energy. “This year especially, it seems more important than ever to discuss energy issues and topics related to climate change as many of us have experienced firsthand or seen on national television the devastating results of extreme weather conditions and natural disasters on our energy system. It is for these reasons that energy resilience is at the top of our list and I’m sure many other global discussions.”
Energy Week is typically a week-long series of events. Yet this year, it will be held over a two-week period, starting September 17 through September 30, 2021. The extension allows for more presentations involving leading experts in industry, career development, and academia, tours of various on- and off-campus facilities for the Notre Dame community, and an Electric Vehicle (EV) Expo with the City of South Bend, Michiana Area Council of Governments, and South Shore Clean Cities to showcase various makes and models and discuss the environmental and economic benefits of driving an EV.
“We are delighted to host the EV expo with local area partners, including Notre Dame’s Office of Sustainability,” said Ginger E. Sigmon, managing director of ND Energy. “This event kicks off National Drive Electric Week, so we hope to convince visitors that now is the right time to make a switch. Since the event is on Saturday, we will also have a Notre Dame Smart car on display for photo ops for our Irish fans!”
Owners who wish to display their vehicles and share their personal experiences with visitors are welcome to register for the expo.
The expo and presentations are free and open to the general public, while tours are limited to Notre Dame students, faculty and staff with registration required. All attendees are expected to adhere to University safety protocols and mask policy.
The Energy Week schedule-at-a-glance is below with links to more information. For a complete view of the week’s events, visit Energy Week 2021.
Fri., Sept. 17, 3:30-4:45 p.m., B01 McCourtney Hall
Teaming Up Off the Field: Notre Dame and Purdue Research Collaborations
Mon., Sept. 20, 7:00-8:00 p.m., 101 DeBartolo Hall
Building a Healthy Economy from the Bottom Up
Tues., Sept. 21, 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
East Plant Tour, Notre Dame Campus
Wed., Sept. 22, 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
East Plant Tour, Notre Dame Campus
Thurs., Sept. 23, 5:00-5:45 p.m.
Hydroelectric Plant Tour, Downtown South Bend (students only)
Fri., Sept. 24, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Solar Farm Tour, St. Joseph County
Sat., Sept. 25, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Innovation Park, 1400 E. Angela Blvd., South Bend
Electric Vehicle Expo
Mon., Sept. 27, 4:15-5:15 p.m.
Homestead Dairy Tour, Plymouth
Tues., Sept. 28, 7:00-8:00 p.m., 129 DeBartolo Hall
Energy and Emissions: Notre Dame’s Sustainability Goals
Wed., Sept. 29, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Portage Midtown Project Tour, South Bend
Wed., Sept. 29, 7:00-8:00 p.m., 129 DeBartolo Hall
My Major, My Path: How to Break into the Renewable Energy Industry
Thurs., Sept. 30, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Crossroads Solar Tour, South Bend
For questions or additional information regarding Energy Week Plus, contact Anne Berges Pillai.
About ND Energy
ND Energy is a University Center whose mission is to build a better world by creating new energy technologies and systems and educating individuals to help solve the most critical energy challenges facing the world today. For more information, visit the ND Energy website at energy.nd.edu or contact Barbara Villarosa, Business and Communications Program Director, at bvillaro@nd.edu or 574-631-4776.