Jothsna HarrisClimate Generation: A Will Steger Legacy

2013-14 MN GreenCorps Service Year

Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Independent School District 191

VOLT-A-MORE THE ENERGY VILLAIN:

A CAUTIONARY TALE

SIOUX TRAIL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL,

BURNSVILLE, MN

VOLT-A-MOREgains power from wasted energy

BE ON GUARD!

PRIDEMAN CHALLENGES

VOLT-A-MORE

ENERGY ALERT INFOMERCIALSHTTP://YOUTU.BE/ZEKORRNYBFW?T=45S

Impacts: • Approximately 9% saved in energy use district-wide

• 432 Metric Tons of CO2 diverted• Electric Reductions - Total: 154,402 kWh• Gas Reductions - Total: 61,465 therms

• Over $55,000 in avoided energy costs over one year

So, The next time you leave your lights on….

BEWARE OF

VOLT-A-MORE!

ENERGY ACTION PROJECTS

Through Energy Action Projects, YES! Aims to:

◦ Engage and empower youth to take positive action in their communities

◦ Develop leadership, community-building, and problem-solving skills

◦ Increase awareness of career, economic, and entrepreneurial opportunities

◦ Increase knowledge about energy issues & opportunities

◦ Create sustainable communities

Energy Audit—Mankato West◦ Conducted an electrical

energy usage audit

◦ Determined that lighting was the largest

◦ Changed out 32 watt bulbs that last 24,000 hours to 28 watt bulbs that last 55,000 hours

◦ Replaced 731 light bulbs and will save 165,000 kWH, equating to $19,000 over the life of the bulbs

Pop Can Solar Heaters—Westbrook-Walnut Grove

◦ Got the idea from the internet: absorb sunlight with pop cans and produce hot air

◦ Goal was to get outgoing air from heaters to 110°F or more to reduce heating costs in city buildings and ice fishing shanties

◦ Accomplished 25°F change in medium heater

◦ Project enabled students to learn about thermal energy, specific heat, convection, conduction, and infiltration

Pop Can Solar Heaters cont’d◦ Process:

◦ Collected pop cans from school recycling bins, glued them together in a line, and painted them black

◦ Built wood frames 42 7/8 inch x 21 ¼ inch in size

◦ Secured Plexiglas on top of wood frame

◦ Connected computer fan powered by solar panel to the frame

◦ Using Styrofoam around the inside of the frame for insulation