Energy Works Michigan

Energy Works Michigan update

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:02:58 -0400

Posted by Kelly Weger on 28 Oct 2009
It has been 6 months since the start of a grant from the State of Michigan for the Renewable Schools Program , and Energy Works Michigan has hit the ground running. We are a new Michigan based not-for-profit working to build foundational capacities in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries.

Energy Works is a joint venture between Recycle Ann Arbor, The Ecology Center, and Conservation Services Group. Our efforts focus on K-12 schools, providing: educational materials, demonstration renewable energy equipment , energy audits, technical resources, and information on energy efficiency and renewable energy.

To meet our goals, we have been busy working in our new office on Washington Street in Ann Arbor. We have settled into our office, furnished from the Re-Use Center, run by our parent organization, Recycle Ann Arbor. Our staff has grown to six members, plus six interns. Our interns are working hard to support the program. One of our interns, Theresa, is a sophomore at University of Michigan and is part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). She is doing research with Laura and Courtney on evaluating the educational materials for the Renewable Schools Program Curriculum Development.

Currently, the office is buzzing with activity launching the Renewable Schools Program. Enjoy the website - and learn more about how your school can participate!

Fall 2009 Newsletter

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:01:02 -0400

Posted by Kelly Weger on 28 Oct 2009
Energy Works has sent out our Fall Newsletter. Take a look and see what we've been up to!

Future lesson plans currently in development

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:56:09 -0400

Posted by Kelly Weger on 28 Oct 2009
Our educational development team is working on custom lesson plans for Michigan schools. These lessons will provide region-specific lessons to educate students on fundamental energy concepts. While the final lesson plans are still being developed, you can now check out our Guiding Principles.

Now accepting school applications!

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:40:10 -0400

Posted by Kelly Weger on 28 Oct 2009

The Michigan Renewable school Program is now accepting applications for both the Energy Efficiency (EE) Program and Renewable Energy (RE) Program. Interested schools can find Guidelines and Applications online.

Solar Fund Raising Efforts are Catching On in Chicago

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:42:01 -0400

Posted by Kelly Weger on 28 Apr 2010
Climate Cycle's May 15th, 2010 Solar Schools Ride is a family and fan friendly fundraiser in which riders garner pledges in advance of the ride. Proceeds go to install solar energy systems in local public schools. Last year cyclists raised nearly $70,000 for six solar schools, and this year the goal is to triple our impact.

Global warming caused by global CO2 emissions is one of the most urgent issues facing humanity. Global CO2 emissions reached 6.5 billion tons in 2000, with 75% being caused by the combustion of fossil fuels. We are the cause of global warming; but also possess the tools and ingenuity to combat it.

Did you know that buildings contribute more CO2 emissions than cars? For this reason, solar energy systems can dramatically reduce the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide that are byproducts of energy use. For example, a 15-panel solar hot water system can prevent 15 tons of CO2 emissions every year.

Most solar energy systems are designed to last more than 30 years, thus the CO2 emission savings over the life of this system is easily 450 tons. While solar energy is a solution to environmental issues that threaten our planet, it also provides additional benefits that are more visible and practical in our local communities, expanding well beyond the walls of the building. Conserving tax money, keeping energy dollars close to home and making Chicagoland a model for renewable energy education are just a few of the benefits of installing solar energy systems in our schools.

Illinois imports tens of billions of dollars in energy each year. The Solar Schools Program utilizes local solar contractors and U.S. manufactured equipment whenever possible, helping to strengthen the local economy.

ShowGreenTV Student Film Challenge Winners Announced!

nospam@nospam.corp (Kendal Kuneman) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Posted by Kendal Kuneman on 23 Jun 2010

Students were asked to answer the question: What Does GREEN Mean to You?

Energy Works received 33 short films for the ShowGreenTV Student Film Challenge. Students from across the state of Michigan told us what it means to be GREEN in 90 seconds or less! The goals of this challenge are to showcase student green initiatives, connect students across the state, and activate students to be GREEN!

Judges selected the winning films that best demonstrated a green message, acting, editing, writing, and creativity.

Thank you Judges!

Christine Battiste, Policy Analyst
Department of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth

Graham Meriwether, Documentary Journalist
Leave it Better

Ian Tran, Intern
Engineering Society of Detroit

Jayni Chase, Board Member
GREEN Community Schools

Jonathan Hoard, Owner
Logan 6

John Sarver, Manager Technical Assistance
Bureau of Energy Systems, Department of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth

Kerry Birmingham, Media Relations Specialist
Michigan Education Association

Ron Liscombe, Policy Counsel
Office of Governor Granholm

Samantha Frick, Energy Intern
Bureau of Energy Systems, Department of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth

Scott Little, Associate Executive Director
Michigan School Business Officials

Thomas Stanton, Manager, Renewable Energy Section
Bureau of Energy Systems, Department of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth

8 student films have been awarded cash prizes and/or new Flip cameras, for two age groups: 12 & under and 13-19. Scroll down to see winning films.

Congratulations to the following winning students:

Austin Chamberlin
Cheyenne Kniffen
Chole Moore
Dominik Kinlaw
Jayla Dunlap
Jazzy Boyd, Camryn Turner, & Chantalice Hicks
Marie Asselin
Mike Lucci

We would like to thank all of the students that submitted a short film. We applaud your creativity and commitment to being green! List of all contestants.

We hope that students enjoyed making the short films as much as we enjoyed watching them! Stay tuned to Energy Works for future contests during the 2010-2011 school year!

Click on the Show Green TV Channel to see all film entries!

Winning Films:

First Place (ages 13-19)
Mike Lucci, age 16 “Water Conservation” Lahser High School, Bloomfield Hills, MI

Second Place (ages 13-19)
Marie Asselin, age 14 “DrySmart-Life Couldn’t be Greener” Berkshire Middle School, Birmingham, MI

Runner-Up (ages 13-19)
Cheyenne Kniffen, age 16 “Spread the Word” Marine City High School, Marine City, MI

Runner-Up (ages 13-19)
Jayla Dunlap, age 13 "The Climate Rap" Pleasant View, Lansing, MI

First Place (ages 12 & Under)
Jazzy Boyd, Camryn Turner, & Chantalice Hicks, ages 10 “Light Bulb Audit” Pleasant View, Lansing, MI

Second Place (ages 12 & Under)
Chole Moore, age 10 “Look Out For Mother Earth” Detroit Edison Public School Academy, Detroit, MI

Runner-Up (ages 12 & Under)
Dominik Kinlaw, age 12 “A Dream for the Future” Burt Township School, Grand Marais, MI

>

Runner-Up (ages 12 & Under)
Austin Chamberlin, age 12 “Recycled Drumming” Burt Township School, Grand Marais, MI

Become an Energy Superhero!

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:09:18 -0400

Posted by Kelly Weger on 18 Nov 2009
This fun cartoon shows that actions are stronger than words when it comes to saving energy. The cartoon family realizes that they've been wasteful and they become energy superheros, showing us all the easy ways to reduce energy use at home and work.

Saving Energy cartoon video

Energy Cartoon from School House Rocks

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Posted by Kelly Weger on 17 Nov 2009
This School House Rocks cartoon is from decades ago. It's amazing to see how applicable the lessons still are today. The message is simple and fun- let's work together to save energy!

School House Rocks- Energy video

Sesame Street Goes Green

nospam@nospam.corp (Nick Gaydos) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Posted by Nick Gaydos on 17 Nov 2009
Sesame Street, a beloved children's program, uses singing puppets to make saving energy fun! Listen to "Polly Darton" singing "Save Your Energy for Me."

Sesame Street energy video

July 2010 Newsletter

nospam@nospam.corp (Kendal Kuneman) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Posted by Kendal Kuneman on 14 Jul 2010

Click here to check out the following stories in the July 2010 Newsletter:

Show Green! Student Film Challenge Winners Announced!
Michigan Renewable Schools Program
Energy Works visits Schools in the U.P.
Green Across America Grant opportunity for K-12 Teachers

April 2010 Newsletter

nospam@nospam.corp (Kendal Kuneman) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Posted by Kendal Kuneman on 14 Apr 2010
Click here to check out the following stories in the April 2010 Newsletter:

Tell us about your School’s Green Team!
“Show Green” Student Film Challenge
Schools Participating in the Michigan Renewable Schools Program
Planning Solar for Schools in Guatemala
We’re still accepting Applications from Schools!

Welcome Summer Interns!

nospam@nospam.corp (Kendal Kuneman) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:00:30 -0400

Posted by Kendal Kuneman on 09 Jun 2010
Energy Works is delighted to have five new summer interns join the team! Each intern will be assisting Energy Works staff with a component of the Michigan Renewable Schools Program, including the Energy Efficiency Program, Educational Curriculum, and Green Team Resource Guide.

Jennifer Chronis, Amy Langhorst, and Courtney Williams are part of the Community Based Research Fellowship program at the University of Michigan.

Jennifer and Amy are assisting Energy Works Project manager, Jason Bing, with the Energy Efficiency Program. Over the next ten weeks, Jennifer will be researching studies on the link between improved energy efficiency at schools and the achievement impacts of students and staff. She will compile her research into a final report.

Amy will be establishing a database of energy companies that provide energy to the schools, and will examine the energy bills to identify inconsistencies and opportunities for schools to save money.

Courtney is assisting Laura Holladay and Courtney Peterson with the Educational Curriculum. Courtney will be assisting with the development of lesson plans pertaining to energy efficiency and renewable energy, and will be helping with professional development sessions for teachers in order to educate the younger generation in sustainability.

Mikki Burger and Caitlin Goodwin are volunteering their time assist Energy Works this summer. Mikki is a senior at Albion College and Caitlin is a recent graduate from Ball State.

Mikki and Caitlin are assisting Energy Works Project Associate, Kelly Weger. Their role is to analyze types of information resources provided to the public by other green teams statewide. Sources of data range from calendars with how-to tips on green projects, to website blogs and multimedia. After researching a wide variety of these resources, they will create an interactive communication resource for teachers all over Michigan in the form of a website. They will create a list of successful projects completed by K-12 students, develop a Green Team Guide, and help pilot the process for several weeks. In addition, they will revise the Green Team Guide and help to implement it in other schools.

Read Intern bios...

Clockwise from left: Jennifer Chronis, Caitlin Goodwin, Courtney Williams, Mikki Burger, and Amy Langhorst.

Energy Kids Games and Activities

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:22:57 -0400

Posted by Kelly Weger on 04 Nov 2009
Q: How are renewable power plants like people who enjoy going to the beach?

There are tons of great riddles, quizzes, games and more at websites teaching students about energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Find out the answer to the riddle at Energy Kids! This website offers a host of riddles, puzzles, quizzes, and experiments for students. Check it out here! (A: They both enjoy sun, wind and water!)
Want to play the Energy Hog game?
Learn how to save energy with Tinkerbell and her friends.
Check out Climate Change Animations and more.
Go on an Energy Quest!
Become a NASA Climate Kid!
Build your own green city at Electrocity!

The Story of Stuff

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:21:32 -0400

Posted by Kelly Weger on 02 Dec 2009
This 20 minute video by Annie Leonard strives to explain all the things that go into the products we buy, the environmental ramifications, and why we might want to be more selective with how we spend our money.

Create a stellar home recycling system

nospam@nospam.corp (Andrea Austin) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:20:24 -0400

Posted by Andrea Austin on 27 Oct 2009
This article from CNN offers 5 quick tips for household recycling including:

Set up a two-part system: one for everyday disposal, another for storing
Do research, study your trash, create convenience, pick a storage space
Get a divided container that lets you separate as you dispose
Consider hanging sturdy shopping bags on the inside of a pantry door

By Jennifer Pigott Moeller
October 27, 2009 7:17 a.m. EDT

Website Offers Tips to Kids for Saving Energy

nospam@nospam.corp (Andrea Austin) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:03:47 -0400

Posted by Andrea Austin on 27 Oct 2009
This fun website from the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy offers games and tips for kids and resources for consumers:

Moving Windmills: The William Kamkwamba story

nospam@nospam.corp (Andrea Austin) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:55:57 -0400

Posted by Andrea Austin on 27 Oct 2009
Inspiring story of an African teenager who built his own windmill and changed a city:

Teen’s DIY Energy Hacking Gives African Village New Hope

nospam@nospam.corp (Andrea Austin) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:52:22 -0400

Posted by Andrea Austin on 27 Oct 2009
By Kim Zetter - Wired - October 2, 2009 1:32 pm

Some people see lemons and make lemonade. William Kamkwamba saw wind and made a windmill.

This might not seem like a mighty feat. But Kamkwamba, who grew up in Masitala, a tiny rural farming village off the grid in Malawi, was 14 years old in 2001 when he spotted a photo of a windmill in a U.S. textbook one day. He decided to make one, hacking together a contraption from strips of PVC pipe, rusty car and bicycle parts and blue gum trees.

Though he ultimately had big designs for his creation, all he really wanted to do initially was power a small bulb in his bedroom so he could stay up and read past sunset. read the full article...

Recycle Ann Arbor Announces Winners of the 4th Annual Earth Day Essay Contest

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:26:50 -0400

Posted by Kelly Weger on 27 Apr 2010
Recycle Ann Arbor, a national leader in recycling and waste programs, announces that Holden Mass, a student at Tappan Middle School in Ann Arbor, is the grand prize winner of its fourth annual essay contest in celebration of Earth Day (April 22). The contest was open to Washtenaw County students in 5th and 6th grades. More than 75 entries were received. The topic was “How I practice the three Rs: Reduce, reuse and recycle.”

As the grand prize winner, Mass received a $500 U.S. savings bond, given during a special ceremony at his school on April 21. In addition, his classroom will receive a free recycling workshop, and his winning essay is posted on Recycle Ann Arbor’s Web site (www.recycleannarbor.org).

Due to the number of excellent essays received, Recycle Ann Arbor also selected five runner-up winners. Each receives a $50 gift certificate to a local book store. Runner-up winners include: Austin Choi, King Elementary School (Ann Arbor); Noah Dean, Wines Elementary School (Ann Arbor); Brian Guo, Slauson Middle School (Ann Arbor); Zoya Gurm, Tappan Middle School (Ann Arbor); and Seungwon Hur, Logan Elementary School (Ann Arbor).

“The Earth Day essay contest provided a great opportunity for students to think about the future of the planet, and about how conserving resources plays a critical role in saving the environment,” said Recycle Ann Arbor CEO Melinda Uerling.

Uerling added, “There were so many good entries that it was very difficult for the judging panel to select this year’s winners. We were impressed by the students’ creative thinking, and plan to offer the essay contest again next year.”

Founded in 1977, Recycle Ann Arbor is a leader in the recycling industry, offering easy and convenient recycling for the home and workplace. As a private nonprofit organization, Recycle Ann Arbor is dedicated to providing education and innovative services in the collection, processing and distribution of recyclable materials.

Recycle Ann Arbor started Michigan’s first curbside recycling program in 1978, and currently operates the state’s largest community drop-off center, The ReUse Center, the Environmental House green building resource center, the Ann Arbor curbside recycling program, Calvert’s Roll-Off Containers, and Energy Works Michigan.

For more information about Recycle Ann Arbor, please call (734) 662-6288 or visit Recycle Ann Arbor on the Web at: www.recycleannarbor.org.

Building bridges for high school grads to green jobs training

nospam@nospam.corp (Kendal Kuneman) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:00:00 -0400

Posted by Kendal Kuneman on 19 Jan 2010
Energy Works is pleased to announce partnerships with the following Michigan institutions that offer green jobs training: Michigan Technological University, Montcalm Community College, Bay de Noc Community College, Muskegon Community College, and Oakland Community College. Energy Works will award grant funds totaling $60,000 to the institutions for program development, including the purchase of equipment for training, to fund current projects, and/or other program improvements. Some institutions will use the grant award to fund hands-on projects that will be showcased to high school students.

The Post-Secondary Program will link 30 high schools participating in the Michigan Renewable Schools Program to green jobs training - to improve the economic condition in Michigan and maximize job creation. Energy Works has partnered with institutions that have demonstrated a strong commitment to energy efficiency and renewable energy education and have the ability to provide job-ready graduates. Students and faculty at the post-secondary institutions will actively engage with high school students to raise awareness and provide guidance about pursuing careers in Michigan’s green economy, thus growing the pool of Michigan green-collar job candidates. Presentations held by the institutions at area high schools are intended to inform and inspire high school students about prospects for careers in clean energy, and encourage students to seek post-high school training opportunities in their region.

Learn more...