From elementary schools making energy efficiency fun to high schools winning EV Grand Prix, clean energy progress is happening within and outside of classrooms across the Southeast.
Ashleigh Sherman | August 5, 2024 | Clean Energy Generation, Electric Vehicles, Energy Efficiency, SolarAs students across the Southeast prepare for another school year after an extremely hot summer away, we’re reminded that not all learning happens within the four walls of the classroom. For example, with the opening of her new solar installation and workforce center in Cleveland, Georgia, Olivia Amyette is equipping workers from diverse backgrounds with the skills they need to prosper in the flourishing solar industry. Meanwhile, 14 students in Georgetown, South Carolina recently spent three weeks learning how to install solar and EV infrastructure thanks to the nonprofit Solar United (and even got paid to do so).
But the truth remains that schools and universities—with their commitment to teaching and service, their leadership role within their communities, and their access to experts and resources—are uniquely suited to play a key role in the Clean Energy Generation. Across the U.S., nearly 100,000 public schools make up one the largest consumers of energy in the public sector. Additionally, nearly 480,000 school buses make up the largest mass transit fleet in the country. Fortunately, schools and colleges across the Southeast are stepping up to the clean energy plate.
From elementary schools making energy efficiency fun to high schools winning EV Grand Prix, we’ve picked a handful of our favorite new stories showcasing the clean energy progress happening within and outside of our classrooms, on our school buses, and even on our race courses (more on that below)!
Commission on Sustainability works tirelessly to create greener Clemson
The Clemson Tigers are trading orange for green, with the goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2030. Doing so will require the University to eliminate or offset almost 190,000 tons of annual carbon emissions in just one generation. The Tigers have already made strides toward its ambitious goal. Clemson reduced building energy intensity by 20% by 2020 and pledged to increase renewable energy sourcing by 10% by 2025. Read more.
South Side Elementary makes saving energy fun
Teaching the ABCs of green! Students and teachers at Tennessee’s South Side Elementary School learned to save energy for a chance to win $25,000 through TVA’s EnergyRight School Uplift program. As part of the competition, students and teachers alike lowered their building’s electric and gas bills, practicing “green” habits while learning about renewable resources. Student-led Green Teams even assisted with school checks, turning off lights and unplugging electronics not in use. Read more.
EPA gives Miami-Dade Schools $19 million for more electric school buses
“Transitioning to a clean transportation future means cleaner air and less pollution, it means healthier kids and healthier communities.” Thanks to recent funding from EPA and Volkswagen, Miami-Dade County Public Schools will soon add 80 new electric school buses to its existing 20. That means 100 of the district’s 800 school buses will soon be 100% electric, giving their kids a clean ride to school. The county plans to match the school district by introducing at least 100 electric transport buses! Read more.
Morehouse College gets federal recognition for energy efficiency
Morehouse College was recently recognized for its efforts to make its Atlanta campus more energy efficient. The HBCU has achieved 31% energy savings from a 2017 baseline, meeting its Better Buildings Challenge goal four years ahead of schedule. Energy efficient improvements included installing LED lighting and upgrading the HVAC system in the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel, as well as replacing heating and water systems in the school’s historic Graves Hall. Read more.
EV racers from Florida zip around FSCJ course
Zane Kay, a student at Florida State College at Jacksonville, recently raced his lightweight electric race car around a curvy Florida course. Part of the Electrathon America program, the race helps train high school and college students for the burgeoning EV market. Kay, who is part of his college’s automotive technology program, hopes to use the competition as a step toward his dream of working on full-size EVs. Read more.
Harold Miller remains the Godfather of EV
A former student reflects on the enormous impact of Harold Miller, a retired auto mechanics teacher at Northampton County High School in rural Gaston, North Carolina. In 1993, Harold formed the school’s North East Automotive Team, which set its sights on the regional EV Grand Prix competition slated for the spring of 1994. The small rural school’s unexpected victory would go on to inspire national press coverage and a 2004 book, “Electric Dreams.” 30 years later, Harold continues to champion the benefits of EVs and clean energy, true to his moniker, “The Godfather of EV.” Read more.
A Positive “Perfect Storm”: Catawba College’s Commitment to Clean Energy Career-Building
Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina recently became the first college in the Southeast and the 13th college in the country to achieve carbon neutrality, seven years ahead of its 2030 goal. Catawba achieved the milestone through a mix of on-site renewable energy, energy efficiency upgrades, carbon offsetting credits, and incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act. The college eventually plans to eliminate all fossil fuels and transition to 100% renewable energy. Read more.
Follow along each week
These stories highlight just a few of the positive things happening in our area! Every day we see signs of hope. The Clean Energy Generation is creating a future powered by clean energy that leads to clean air and water, good jobs, and vibrant communities.
Would you like to see more stories like this? We’ve got just the thing for you! Every Thursday, we share the latest clean energy news on Instagram with #CleanEnergyNews. Join us as we celebrate the progress and signs of hope in the clean energy transition.
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Together, all of us who are taking action are part of the Clean Energy Generation movement. We’re coming together to create healthier communities and a more secure and sustainable environment, starting now. No matter your age, income, zip code, or abilities, you can play a role. You don’t have to have the answers, learning more is a great way to start. Join us, and we’ll share ideas, resources, tools, and practices to show how we can all be part of the transformation.