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Project Partners:
Portfolio 21 |
Installer:
Common Energy
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Location:
Hood River, OR |
Capacity:
1.1 kW |
Type of Power:
Solar |
Placed into Service:
May 2007 |
Project Links:
Portfolio 21
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BEF partnered with Portfolio 21, a global equity mutual fund that invests in companies that promote sustainability, to fund a 1.1-kilowatt demonstration solar-electric project at Hood River Middle School in Oregon. All schools selected to participate in the Solar 4R Schools program commit to maximizing the educational opportunities provided by the on-site electrical generation system. In this instance, the teacher-champion, Michael Becker, is truly raising the educational bar.
Dubbed the “Outdoor Classroom Project”, Mr. Becker’s endeavor is a multi-year effort designed to help students develop the basic skills outlined in the Oregon Academic Benchmarks. The challenge—building and maintaining a greenhouse and perma-culture garden—affords students a unique and rewarding multidisciplinary, multi-sensory learning experience. From the selection and development of materials, to the planting and measuring of trees, to energy resource planning, the committed and resourceful Hood River 12-year olds have researched and designed every aspect of the project. Among the numerous inevitable educational outcomes, the field based, experiential curricula should connect students to some central concepts of sustainability. Key themes of the project include Diversity, Water, Food, Energy, and Waste.
The solar-electric system will generate more than 1,000 kilowatt-hours of pollution-free electricity per year. Mr. Becker has challenged students to develop annual energy budgets for the greenhouse so that it can operate on a “net zero” basis, consuming no more electricity on an annual basis than the solar system can generate. After completing the energy budget, students will monitor and manage the greenhouse’s electricity consumption, accordingly.
If you’re ever in doubt that a small group of very committed people can make a difference, give Michael Becker a call. He’ll show you how a group of 12 year olds are changing the world!
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