Erie Students Launch Energy Initiative

Collegiate Academy Energy Initiative

The AP Environmental Science students, facilitated by teacher Doreen Petri and supported by the PA Department of Environmental Protection, conducted an energy audit of the Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy in Erie, PA.

After researching global warming, energy efficiency and studying Governor Rendell’s Energy Independence Strategy, the Earth Force students outlined ways to make their school more energy efficient. Short and long term goals were developed to reduce energy use in the school. These include: reducing lighting usage and purchasing more efficient light bulbs; purchasing desk lamps for teachers; replacing exit lights with LED lights; replacing windows that are not energy efficient; and tracking energy usage for years to come, ultimately reducing the school’s carbon footprint.

They met with administrators and maintenance staff, made presentations at faculty meetings, planned school wide assemblies and presentations for Parent Teacher Meetings.

Three years of electric bills have been documented to compare the electrical consumption since the energy audit began in March of 2007. With 6 months of data collected, from March 2007 to September 2007, the school has saved 151,750 kilowatt hours and $7859.36, well beyond projected results. This was accomplished by increasing the use of natural lighting and reducing the use of electrical lighting. Grants from Wal-Mart and Youth Service America provided funds for the purchase of LED lights for the EXIT signs in the building. Desk lamps with compact fluorescent bulbs were donated by Wal-Mart for the teachers to use during their plan periods.

Long term goals include continued tracking of electrical consumption and researching other energy-saving measures such as “energy misers” for vending machines and motion detectors.

The Earth Force Community Forum for the National Focus the Nation Day on January 31, 2008 at Collegiate Academy included keynote speakers Kelly Burch, Regional Director of the Department of Environmental Protection, and 36 classroom speakers. Global warming solutions and other local and state environmental issues were discussed by experts, faculty, and students. Collegiate was one of more than 1750 schools, faith and civic organizations and businesses participating in what is being described as the biggest teach-in in history. They joined students across the nation who are educating their community and brainstorming global warming solutions. They will challenge each of us to make a difference in our home, our school or workplace, our community. They will remind us that we are all responsible for the state of the Nation.