2027 Sustainability Symposium
Overview
The Center for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering at East Carolina University is proud to host the 2027 Sustainability Symposium: Powering Manufacturing Communities: Energy, Growth, and Innovation. The event will bring together manufacturers, utilities, energy providers, solar developers, economic development leaders, public-sector partners, developers, construction professionals, faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders interested in sustainable manufacturing and regional growth.
Discussions will focus on sustainable energy solutions for competitive manufacturing, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, utility partnerships, and resilience; emerging technologies and strategies such as AI-driven energy management, smart manufacturing, water conservation, circular economy practices, and environmental innovation; and the development of sustainable, resource-efficient, and resilient built environments through green buildings, net-zero strategies, infrastructure investment, and regional collaboration.
Event Details
2027 Guest Speakers
Jennifer R.F. Mundt
Keynote Speaker
Assistant Secretary for Energy & Infrastructure
Department of Commerce
Symposium Panels
The 2027 Sustainability Symposium will feature three dynamic panel discussions exploring how energy, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration can strengthen manufacturing competitiveness and support thriving communities.
Panel 1 – Sustainable Energy solutions for competitive Manufacturing Communities
This panel will explore how manufacturers are leveraging energy efficiency, renewable energy, utility partnerships, and sustainability strategies to reduce operating costs, strengthen resilience, and remain competitive. Industry leaders will share practical experiences and successful approaches to integrating sustainable energy solutions into manufacturing operations.
Art Samberg
Moderator
Program Director, Clean Power and Industrial Efficiency
NC Clean Energy Technology Center
Panel 2 – Innovation for Sustainable Growth
This discussion will highlight emerging technologies and innovative strategies transforming modern manufacturing. Topics include AI-driven energy management, smart manufacturing, environmental technologies, water conservation, circular economy practices, and operational improvements that support sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness.
Dr. Ranjeet Agarwala
Moderator
Associate Professor
Department of Technology Systems
College of Engineering and Technology
David Auge
Speaker
Senior Environmental Manager at Grifols Therapeutics LCC
Panel 3 – Creating Sustainable, Lean, and Resilient Built Environments
This panel will focus on how infrastructure, utilities, buildings and regional collaboration can support sustainable, lean and resilient industrial growth. Topics will include green and net-zero buildings, energy efficiency, and resource-efficient communities and facilities.
HR Parsons
Speaker
Pre Fabrication Division Manager
Advanced Exterior Systems
Alan Kinder
Speaker
Director of Demand Creation – North America
Guardian Glass
Sponsor the Sustainability Symposium
Sponsorship opportunities for the 2027 Sustainability Symposium are now available! Visit our Sponsorship Opportunities page to learn more.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Silver Sponsor
