Feb 25, 2008 - Claremont, Calif. - Harvey Mudd College (HMC) and the Orange County/Inland Empire Council of AeA have partnered to create the Green Engineering Award, which will be presented for the first time at AeA’s 15th Annual High-Tech Innovation Awards, to be held April 29, at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.

The winner of the Harvey Mudd College Green Engineering Award will have made a significant contribution in the area of green engineering or sustainability in one of several areas as determined by an evaluation committee composed of HMC engineering faculty and alumni:

1. Design and production of a specific new device, system or technology that conserves energy or natural resources, reduces the production and emission of pollutants, or reduces the organization’s carbon footprint significantly below current levels
2. Adoption and implementation of new and innovative production technologies for current products that significantly improve the environment
3. Support for community-based initiatives to address environmental issues related to the design, production and use of electrical and electronic technologies

“Sustainability has traditionally been approached from a discipline-specific perspective with minimal attention toward critical system linkages and interdependencies,” said Patrick Little, J. Stanley and Mary Wig Johnson Professor of Engineering and Director of HMC’s Engineering Clinic Program. “However, our world is complex, inter-disciplinary, and interconnected. As we come to recognize the interconnectedness of the ecosystem, it has become increasing apparent that a more holistic approach to sustainability must include the high-technology industry.”

The award will recognize an organization that has demonstrated a commitment to the environment. It is hoped that honoring such organizations will encourage others to follow their lead. Sustainability is an important component of the HMC strategic vision, which is supported by the college’s recently adopted a comprehensive sustainability policy.

“AeA is excited about its partnership with Harvey Mudd College and the creation of the HMC Green Engineering Award,” said Don Hicks, executive director, AeA Orange County/Inland Empire Council. “HMC is one of the country’s elite undergraduate science and engineering colleges. It’s participation in the 15th Annual AeA High-Tech Innovation Awards furthers the vision of AeA to advance innovation and technical education in the U.S., including the areas of green engineering and sustainability.”

Nominations for the award are being accepted through Fri., Feb 29, for companies or individuals based in Orange, San Bernardino or Riverside counties. Nominations can be submitted on the AeA Web site: http://www.aeanet.org/Events/ocjl_techawards0408.asp

Aout Harvey Mudd College
Harvey Mudd College is a national leader in undergraduate education in engineering, science and mathematics, with a strong emphasis on humanities and the social sciences. The college’s mission is to produce citizens sensitive to the impact of their work on society. Harvey Mudd College is a member of The Claremont Colleges Consortium, which also includes Claremont Graduate University, Claremont McKenna College, Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Science, Pitzer College, Pomona College and Scripps College.

About AeA
AeA, the nation’s largest technology trade association representing all segments of the high-tech industry, is dedicated solely to helping our members’ top line and bottom line. We do this in partnership with our small, medium, and large member companies by lobbying governments at the state, federal, and international levels, providing access to capital and business opportunities, and offering select business services and networking programs. For more information, please visit http://www.aeanet.org/.