Propel looks to save energy with workshop
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Propel charter schools around the region are aiming to make their buildings more energy efficient.
Twenty-one teachers and custodians from Propel schools participated in an energy-efficiency workshop last week to learn about ways to save energy and encourage students to do the same.
Teachers were given a "road map guide" with lesson plans to help them teach students ways to save energy, said Laura Bradshaw, local project leader with the Green Schools Program, which is being implemented at schools across the United States by the Alliance to Save Energy. Teachers, who will receive a stipend for successfully implementing the program, will also receive an energy-saving tool kit with items such as thermometers and light and wattage meters. Direct Energy is funding the program.
Students are encouraged to pass along their energy-saving knowledge to their peers and do energy audits of the school. If students determine a room has too much light, for example, they can call on teachers and custodians to adjust the light.
"The ultimate goal is to help Propel School save between 5 and 15 percent in energy costs," Ms. Bradshaw said.
Propel has eight schools and 2,500 students in the Pittsburgh area. The schools exist in a variety of buildings, and the energy efficiency challenges vary as well. Some are former Catholic or public schools; Propel Montour was a medical office building that has been turned into a 32,000-square-foot K-8 school.
"Some of the challenges are in our older buildings," said Rich Snyder, Propel's director of non-instructional operations.
Propel has a 10-year plan to update the schools to make them more energy efficient, including installing new windows and replacing 60-year-old boilers and wheezing HVAC systems, Mr. Snyder said.
Propel Northside, which is open for the first time this school year, is in the former Columbus Middle School building. Propel McKeesport and Homewood are both in former Catholic schools.
First Published September 8, 2011 5:20 am
