Solar, wind and other alternative energy projects at schools provide excellent educational opportunities for students and serve as good models for the community. In many cases, capital investments are recovered in five to seven years; funding for alternative energy projects for schools is often available from local utilities or foundations.

Resources:

Schools Going Solar is a project of the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, a non-profit organization with a mission to accelerate the sustainable utilization of renewable energy sources and technology. They work in and through state and local government and community activities.

To learn how schools in Iowa are using wind power to cut their utility bills, we recommend this back issue (September, 2003) of the Windletter, produced by the American Wind Energy Association.

The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) is a searchable database of information about state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Healthy Schools Network have joined together to create the Green Squad. Their web page has information about alternative energy learning opportunities for students as well as links for school administrators.