A Project of the

Vision &Mission

VisionVisualizing sustainable solutionsto global and local problems so society makes informed choices quicker

MissionAccelerating optimal sustainable solutions for the peace, health and prosperity of all.

Global Energy Network Institute

The SIM Center is a project of GENI - a non-profit organization conducting research and education into the international and inter-regional transmission of electricity, with a specific emphasis on the interconnection of renewable energy resources.

How do we make the world work for 100% of humanity in the shortest possible time through spontaneous cooperation

without ecological damage or disadvantage to anyone?-R. Buckminster Fuller

The foundation for the SIM CENTER and GENI is born from the question posed in the World Game™ simulation:

What we do

The SIM CENTER is an environment designed to enhance exploration and development of strategies for making the world work for all humanity in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The SIM CENTER is an environment designed to enhance exploration and development of strategies for making the world work for all humanity in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The Center brings together leaders and combines powerful information and geo-visual technology with interactive decision support tools, simulation and gaming capabilities that facilitate designs for a sustainable future.

Why is it needed?

Transportation

Population

Water Supply

Food Supply

Climate ChangeDeforestation

Health

Biodiversity

Energy

The Critical global and local issues

are now interconnected and should be studied that way

What's wrong with the current approach?

• Standard conference rooms are linear and all amenities are extra cost

• No capacity to share online content with everyone in real time

• Surround immersion of issues and trends

• Collaborative problem solving environment

• Linked globally for remote experts and live webcasting

How we use the SIM CENTER

•Simulation tools and visualization

software now allows us to layer

information on multiple issues,

test solution scenarios and

compare forecasts.

GIS utilizes complex 3-D visual displays of layered data to analyze interconnected issues.

Current Demonstration Facility

The SIM CENTER is a

visualization facility where we can

literally “see” the critical trends

of global and regional issues,

project options and consequences

of different strategies to allow

policy-makers, business and

academic leaders to make more

sustainable choices quicker

Current facility and functions

•Resource and demand assessment

•Long range forecasting and trend analysis

•Visualization and simulation to facilitate informed decision making

•Education and facilitation for decision makers

• Propose strategies and test implications

• Analyze environmental and human issues

User Groups

• Policymakers and stakeholders at local, national and international levels

• Corporations for strategic planning, training and comparison analysis

• Academics and Subject Matter Experts for research and education

• Training international students

Testimonials“The GRI Certified Sustainability Reporting course that we instruct was taken to a whole other level due to the utility that SIM CENTER utilizes to facilitate deeper interaction and collaborative learning. They have now set the standard for how we would like all our courses in the future to be administered."

“A high-ceiled dome type conference room with 12 screen displays offered us very dynamic interactions among attendees and faculties.  Must visit".

Tetsuya Ohara, Patagonia

Nancy Mancilla, ISOS Co-Founder

“The SIM CENTER has the technological capability to facilitate 21st century meetings. Being able to share information that is both visual and physical in one room allows for a three-dimensional dialogue missing from both a web-based video meeting, and a face-to-face meeting in a singular conference room."

Howard Blackson, Urban Designer

Comprehensive Anticipatory Design Science

requires us to look at the interconnectedness of all issues,

anticipate the trends and future needs of society,

and then, using our best scientific knowledge,

engineer the optimal solutions for society.

Comprehensive Anticipatory Design Science

Image Design Science Lab

• Immersive Projection Systems

• Interactive Displays

• Numerous Workstations

• Stakeholder engagement

• Connected globally

Technologies to accelerate collective understanding

Visualization toolsfor full scale facility

NOAA’s Science on a Sphere uses projectors to display planetary data on a 6’ diameter dome

Leaders immersed in multiple streams of layered resource information make smarter decisions.

Visualization tools used in the context of “benefit-for-all” accelerate understanding of complex issues.

Microsoft Surface is a table top Windows PC that allows users to manipulate digital content with hand gestures.

CNN’s John King uses Jeff Han’s Perceptive Pixel touch screen to analyze election results.

More tools for full-scale facility

Interactive displays make 3-D layers of data comprehensible and usable to decision makers.

History: Project Phases

• Engaged key strategic partners: comprehensive thinkers, IT experts

• Hosted a SIM CENTER prototype event with core supporters – June 2009

Phase I – Test the Prototype & Develop Individual Partnerships

Phase II - Develop Institutional Partnerships & Raise Funds  • Developed support from institutional partners,

received foundation grants and corporate partners• Completed feasibility study and design new

entity set-up• Initiated funding proposal for organizing

SIM CENTER demonstration event

Current Partners

History: Project Phases

• Hosted an in-depth event on real issues to test the process and outcomes

• Developed SIM Center website for ongoing expert participation on global and local issues

• Sought funding of $500,000 to create and staff the ongoing demonstration facility.

Phase III - Month-long Collaborative : Energy & Water Sustainability

Phase IV – Open Ongoing Demonstration Facility

•Moved into current facility in July 2011 using off-the-shelf technology of projectors and computers to demonstrate the capabilities of immersive visualization and collaborative problem solving.•Seek full funding of $8 million and in-kind contributions needed for full scale center

Phase V (The Future)Launch Full Scale SIM CENTERLarge digital floor for global to local mapping of resources and trendsFull digital surround screens to visualize past trends and future projectionsBreak–out rooms for strategic planning and problem solvingShared offices for sustainable organizationsEstimate: $8 million for new building and all technology

or $4 million to build out in existing building

Phases Timeline

Phase I Phase II Phase III Start-UpExp: $29,000 Exp: $81,000 Exp: $80,000

Exp: $1,500,000

Funding Received: $447,000

Center Start-Up and Operating Budget Funding Needed: $8 million

Year 1 Year 2Exp: $3,300,000 Exp: $3,700,000

Phase IVExp: $257,000

Phase V

Completed

Why do we need this now?

Because some of the negative trends are outpacing our ability to cope.

Because we are running out of time on some of these issues

Peak Oil

Contact Us

For inquiries and  more detail contact

 

Peter Meisen

World Resources SimCenter

www.wrsc.org

 

peter@wrsc.org

619-234-1088