2004

Release: Immediate
Contact: Jean Donovan, NYSERDA,
(518) 862-1090, ext. 3515 or jmd@nyserda.org

"Energy In Schools" Conference To Be Held in Colonie November 18 and 19
Student Alternative-Fuel and Renewable Energy Projects to be Displayed and State and National Experts on Renewable Energy and Sustainable Schools to Make Presentations

Albany, November 16, 2004 - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is sponsoring a two-day "Energy In Schools" Conference at the Albany Marriott on Wolf Road, on November 18 and 19. The conference, focusing on energy-efficiency, sustainable design and renewable energy in schools, energy-related curriculum, and energy-related transportation topics, is designed for teachers, school administrators, building and grounds superintendents, school business officials, design professionals, and school principals. Co-sponsors include Collins & Scoville Architects, P.C., New York State Association for Superintendents of School Buildings and Grounds, Inc., and C&S Engineers, Inc. TRC Customer-Focused Solutions, the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA), and Wendel Duchscherer Architects & Engineers, assisted NYSERDA in coordinating this event.

Steven J. Strong, President of Solar Design Associates, Inc., and author of several publications including Solar Electric Buildings will give the plenary presentation. Mr. Strong worked with Olympic Village architects to power the natatorium complex at the 1996 Summer games with solar electricity, using the world's largest rooftop photovoltaic power system. He has served as an advisor on energy and environmental issues to numerous elected officials and electric utilities.

Other topics to be addressed at the conference include high-performance and sustainable school design; energy management; student performance and building performance; using school buildings as laboratories; indoor environmental quality; Energy $mart Students Program; the science of wind power; solar energy and sustainable design in education; using biodiesel in education; hybrid and hydrogen-powered vehicles; building an electric bike or scooter; alternative-fuel buses and vehicles; careers in energy; operations and maintenance management and planning; building controls and automation; using transportation and the environment for education; and the School Power ....Naturally^SM Program.

Educators will have the opportunity to learn about the latest in renewable energy, sustainable design, energy efficiency and how to use these for standard-based learning. Materials on educational programs including science, technology, and the environment will be available. Educators will also learn to incorporate various aspects of alternative-fuel and electric-drive vehicles into student projects.

School administrators, principals, and facility professionals will have the opportunity to explore the impacts of high-performance schools, renewable energy, and alternative-fuel vehicles. Topics will also include budgeting, understanding the impacts of poor environmental quality, and ways to build and manage the schools of tomorrow.

More than 300 individuals have already enrolled to participate, and enrollments will be accepted at the door. For further details on the "Energy In Schools" Conference contact Matt Brown at NYSERDA, (518) 862-1090, extension 3336.

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