CERTs 2009 | Creating a Clean Energy School
There are schools across the state, at all levels, that are working to save energy and produce clean energy, issues that are especially important with our current climate crisis and fuel costs. In this workshop we will learn from schools who are working on innovative projects, with major results. We will find out what administrators, operators, teachers, and students can do to be a part of the action. Finally, we will provide schools with a chance to connect with service-providers that can help them plan and implement their projects. This session is supported by Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon.
Session Audio
| Part 1 | Download |
| Part 2 | Download |
| Part 3 | Download |
Moderator
Patrick Santelli, Project Coordinator, Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon: Patrick is the Project Coordinator for Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon project. He is currently a student at the Humphrey Institute receiving a Masters in Public Policy with a focus on Energy and Environmental Policy. Patrick has numerous years of experience in organizing young people. Recently he has worked with Wellstone Action as a Campus Camp Trainer to engage young people in politics. Patrick was also a state director for a campaign aimed at getting young people out and voting! In his spare time you can find him (A) running, or (B) chasing after his dog.
ARTech Solar Project
Todd Thompson, Teacher & Advisor, ARTech Charter School: Todd Thompson is currently a teacher and advisor at ARTech. He is licensed to teach math, physics, chemistry and music. He became involved in the solar project in June 2008. He is developing a sustainable energy team at the school. They are planning a zero carbon footprint music concert for Earth Day, April 22 in Northfield. The school’s website is www.artech.k12.mn.us.
Kaya Lovestrand, Student, ARTech Charter School: Kaya Lovestrand is currently a high school senior at the Northfield School of Arts and Technology (ARTech). She has been a part of the ARTech Solar Project since December of 2007 as one of the core students involved with the project. This year, she is the student lead of the project and continues to work on incorporating renewable energy at the school.
Ryan Blankenberger, Student, ARTech Charter School: Ryan Blankenberger is currently a high school senior also at ARTech. He has been involved with the technical side of the ARTech solar project from the beginning. Ryan installed the sensors on the panels and set up and configured our software to monitor the panels. Ryan is also an accomplished musician.
Schools for Energy Efficiency Program
Joe Hallberg, President, Schools for Energy Efficiency: Mr. Joseph Hallberg, PE, company President, has over 23 years of experience in mechanical engineering design and business leadership. Throughout the years he has expanded Hallberg Engineering to include electrical engineering, technology, commissioning, recommissioning, and most recently the Schools for Energy Efficiency (SEE) program to promote energy efficiency and cost savings in K-12 schools. Due to its success, SEE is now a stand-alone company providing a comprehensive plan focusing on changing behavior with a unique approach using strategies for both efficient operations and educational energy awareness materials for staff and students.
Creating Sustainable Campuses: The Morris Model
Lowell Rasmussen, Vice Chancellor, UMN Morris: Lowell Rasmussen serves the University of Minnesota, Morris as the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Facilities. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree at Mankato State University. Before joining the Morris campus community, Rasmussen served as Plant Services Director at the University of Minnesota’s Waseca campus. During Rasmussen’s tenure at UMM, he has initiated and overseen several major campus projects. Among them are the Regional Fitness Center construction, the science building renovation and new construction, and renovation of the social science building to the current John Q. Imholte Hall. Rasmussen also oversees the work of the campus’ physical plant building and grounds operation as well as the majority of the campus’ Green Campus initiatives.
Changes Schools Can Make to their Building Operations, Management and Equipment to Reduce their Energy Consumption and Save Money
Dan Reinke, Partner and Compliance Practice Leader, Environmental Resources Management: Dan Reinke is a Partner and Compliance Practice Leader at Environmental Resources Management (ERM). Dan is a Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), and Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPEA). His specialties are in process safety, pollution prevention, EHS compliance systems, and sustainable compliance.
Planning Student-Led Projects at Your School
Patrick Santelli, Project Coordinator, Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon
For more information about how your school can get started and for project ideas visit
the Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon Web site >>
Clean Energy Resource Teams