While solar panels and wind turbines have become familiar sights, communities across America are exploring many different ways to integrate new clean energy initiatives. Here’s a look at some of the diverse ways we create clean energy, and how you can draw on your community’s clean energy expertise as you complete your submission.
How communities produce clean energy
From hydroelectric power to composting, communities around the country are using their creativity to produce clean energy. Some of these approaches include:
- Oregon’s InPipe energy allows water flowing through city pipes to spin small turbines and generate electricity.
- Industrial machinery movement can be captured and converted to power in a process known as energy harvesting.
- Florida’s Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions partners with local restaurants to recycle used cooking oil into biodiesel fuel.
- The Missouri Botanical Garden is collecting yard waste — such as leaves, grass clippings, wood chips and vegetable tops — using it for composting to produce fuel.
- In New York, Clarkson University has partnered with local school cafeterias to collect leftover food scraps to send to the landfill and convert into usable energy.
Engage with clean energy professionals in your community
As part of your submission, you’ll need to describe how you will engage your school and surrounding community as you implement your action plan. Chances are clean energy initiatives are being pioneered in your community today! Consider who you can talk to by researching:
- Companies implementing energy-efficient technology
- Businesses planning energy upgrades such as energy management systems
- City agencies developing sustainability goals and mandating clean energy requirements
- Start-ups inventing new technologies for peak energy efficiency
- Trade unions and industry associations training workers to adapt to clean energy systems and alternate fuel vehicles
By researching the stakeholders in your community, you can help your students develop a deeper understanding of clean energy systems, connect their learnings with real world experiences, and inspire them to submit a great action plan!
We can’t wait to see your submissions!
Submissions are due November 19 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Up to 10 schools will receive an equal share of the $50,000 prize pool. Register today and begin filling out the submission form!