Summer Institute for Climate Change Education

Teachers learn about energy financing options at their schools during Summer Institute

The tables were turned for 70 educators who attended the Summer Institute for Climate Change Education this past June at Apple Valley’s School of Environmental Studies. For three days, these educators became students on all things sustainability-related.

The event is organized by Climate Generation, formerly known as the Will Steger Foundation. Steger himself provided the opening address, inspiring the teachers with tails from his explorations and how those environments are seeing drastic changes. Peter Lindstrom, Local Government Outreach Coordinator for CERTs, addressed a breakout session on the third and final day.

“Educators spent two days learning about the critical issues surrounding sustainability,” said Lindstrom. “I viewed my role as providing them with the tools to go back to their districts and classrooms to implement changes to make their schools more energy efficient.”

The Guaranteed Energy Saving Program (GESP) is one of those tools. GESP is a program that leverages the technical, contractual, and financial documents developed by the state Department of Commerce to identify energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities for schools and other local governments.

“This event is a huge success,” said Lindstrom. “These teachers are ready and willing to take action on energy efficiency and renewable projects across the state.”

Check out Pete’s presentation below or download it to use at your school.

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