Energy Action in Schools re-opens

We've opened another new program - for schools this time - so be sure to check out the press release below if you're interested!  Head on over to OED's website for more info.

-----

Energy Education Program Available For Indiana Schools
Energy Action In Schools Program to Launch New Initiative

(Indianapolis) – Lt. Governor Becky Skillman has announced that Energy Patrols will once again be scouring some Hoosier schools looking for ways to save energy.  It’s part of the Energy Action In Schools program where students and school administrators work together to reduce energy costs in their buildings, while learning about energy efficiency.  The Energy Action in Schools program provides funding and training for the schools that take part, as well as assisting the schools in energy use behavioral audits twice during the school year.

“This program has a double impact,” says Lt. Governor Becky Skillman.  “Schools may find ways to reduce their energy usage and therefore their costs.  Students participating are taking an active role in the energy usage of their schools, while learning efficiency lessons they can use for the rest of their lives.”

The Energy Action in Schools program is provided by the National Energy Foundation (NEF) with federal funds administered by the Indiana Office of Energy Development (OED).  Duke Energy has also provided financial support for the program.  Schools wishing to participate in the program must apply online through the OED Web site.  The application will be open until September 23.

Schools that participate in the program will receive training for facilities managers/energy managers at selected schools on how to provide behavior training as well as education programs to support energy management efforts in schools.  They will also receive Energy Patrol modules for classroom instruction. These patrols, made up of students with teacher support, will monitor energy usage in their school building and make recommendations on how to save energy.  The schools will also have a behavioral audit performed twice a year, including assistance with tracking energy savings from their behavior modification efforts. 

During the 2010-2011 school year, 21 schools to part in the Energy Action In Schools program, which launched in 2009 with a pilot program.

###

EcoStar grants

Okay, folks, you'll need a shovel-ready project for this opportunity, as the due date is Thursday, March 10th.

Constellation Energy has released details on its EcoStar Grant Program for 501(c)(3) organizations.  Grants are for up to $5,000, with a cap of 20% for admin expenses.  Also, the program has to be within a geographic region where Constellation Energy does business, so that can limit some participation.

Here are the areas of interest:

• Pollution Prevention:  Recycling projects, drop-off collection events, litter reduction, or tree plantings
• Education:  Workshops, seminars, training, or public relations
• Energy Efficiency:  Projects or partnerships that support large and small scale energy conservation measures
• Conservation:  Wetlands restoration, wildlife/habitat protection
• Community Activism:  Neighborhood clean-ups, create public green spaces, community gardens, urban forests

If you're interested or know of a group that might be, be sure to check out Constellation Energy's website.

Energy Action in Schools program

We hope everyone is starting to thaw out after this big freeze!

Yesterday, we announced that several schools across the state have been chosen to participate in the Energy Action in Schools program.  This program is funded in part by federal State Energy Program (SEP) funds and the Wabash Valley Power Association, IPL, and Citizens Energy, and it's being implemented by the National Energy Foundation.  The following school corporations are taking part:  Carmel Clay, Carroll Consolidated, Greencastle, Hasten Hebrew Academy, Indianapolis Public Schools, Maconaquah, North Miami, South Central, South Madison, and Wawasee.

In short, each school building that participates will receive an audit.  An adult Energy Action Leader will be trained at each school, and students can join the Energy Action Patrols that will monitor usage in the buildings and make recommendations for additional savings.  This is not only a great way for students to learn about energy and conservation, but for school corporations to identify further steps that can be taken to cut costs.  The best part is that this is free for schools to participate.

Stay tuned in the upcoming months as schools undergo training and report back to us on their energy savings.

IMPA Site Visit

A few weeks ago, Patrick, OED's Grant Specialist, and Travis, OED's Program Manager for Renewables, stopped at the Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA) offices to check out their solar water heater and solar photovoltaic system that our office funded through an Alternative Power & Energy (APE) grant about a year ago.  Not only are the systems generating power (as they're supposed to!), but it gives IMPA a great opportunity to educate their residential customers about green energy, including how to install and operate these systems.

Here's some of the photos Patrick took during his visit.

You can visit IMPA's website here.

Clean Diesel Funding Opportunity

We wanted to make you aware of an RFP (request for proposal) offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -- the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program.  Approximately $32 million is available, with applications due January 13, 2011.

Who's eligible?

A regional, state, local, tribal agency, or port authority with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality can apply.  So can non-profits or institutions that provide pollution reduction or educational services to organizations that operate diesel fleets.  School districts, municipalities, cities, and counties are also eligible, but they must fit the same criteria as the other organizations.

What sort of projects are eligible?

The EPA wants proposals for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions.  This could include retrofit devices, cleaner fuels, engine upgrades, idle reduction technologies, or vehicle or equipment replacement, to name a few.  Buses, medium-duty, or heavy-duty trucks, equipment or vehicles used in construction or agriculture would be eligible.

If you're interested, you'll need to check out the RFP announcement on the EPA's website to make sure you qualify and have the right sort of project.  Remember:  the deadline is January 13th.