Can Global Warming Heat Up Environmental Education? 

New York City Solar Summit looks

'Outside the Barrel'

The Center for Sustainable Energy convened the NYC Solar Summit 2008 on June 17th at the National Museum of the American Indian. The working summit attracted an overflow crowd of government, industry, academic and utility leaders who have begun the work of implementing solar in New York City. Speakers included Congressman Maurice Hinchey, New York Times Columnist Andrew Revkin and New York City Deputy Mayor Edward Skyler. 
 
"With gas prices over $4 per gallon, the United States is at an energy tipping point and it is incumbent upon this generation to exhibit the leadership necessary to tip the energy scale in the favor of solar energy," Congressman Maurice Hinchey said. "We need to create a solar energy-based industrial revolution that will dramatically improve the way in which we live.  We are helping to lead this movement here in New York through the establishment of The Solar Energy Consortium -- a new industry-driven, non-profit organization that provides leadership, organization, resources, and support for the establishment of a major solar energy industry cluster in New York.  Through this kind of endeavor, we will help lead the U.S. off its dependence on oil, reestablish our country as leader in innovation, revitalize the economy, strengthen national security, and improve the environment.  Solar energy truly holds the key to our long-term prosperity as a nation." 
 

The Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE), on behalf of the City University of New York (CUNY),  the New York City Economic Development Corporation and the Mayor's Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability as well as key stakeholders and NYC utilities have developed a strategy to support large-scale solar energy market growth in New York City.  As a result, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) named New York City as one of the initial 13 Solar America Cities. "CUNY has always played a critical role in preparing New York City's citizenry for the future, and its role as a leader of the Solar Cities effort, combined with its capacity to train the city's green workforce, continues that important tradition," stated CUNY Chancellor Matthew Goldstein.
 
The Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are now helping to implement the NYC work plan and provide both financial and technical support. The solar strategy plan was presented to the audience by representatives of the Mayor's office, DOE, Con Edison and CSE. "New York City is committed to advancing solar energy, which will help us meet our PlaNYC goals of cleaner, more reliable power for every New Yorker and a 30 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions," said Edward Skyler, Deputy Mayor of Operations, New York City. "While we still have a long way to go, we are already well on our way to overcoming barriers and realizing our solar potential."
 
The summit presented numerous working sessions that covered topics such as: the New York solar market; cutting edge solar research; solar installation case studies from Germany, Spain and China; solar economics and incentives from NREL and the New York Energy Research and Development Authority; working with NYC codes to install solar and more.  

 

CSE Executive Director Tria Case said, "Energy powered from the Sun gives us cleaner, healthier air, economic opportunities and energy independence; a vital point in today's world.  Energy independence is not for a future generation to capture, but it is truly the legacy we must fulfill." The NYC Solar Summit concluded with a walking tour of two New York City solar installations: the Solaire and the Museum of Jewish Heritage.

 
Center for Sustainable Energy Opens New Photovoltaic Laboratory
Bronx Community College site of first hands-on PV training in NYC

The Center for Sustainable Energy at Bronx Community College officially opened its new lab space in the Carl Polowczyk Center on April 5th, 2008. A photovoltaic training lab with equipment funded by the New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) was unveiled by PV instructor Hugo Pedernera. The complete lab is the first of its kind in New York City that allows students to work hands on with inverters, resistors, solar panels and wiring.
 
 "Our new cutting edge training system will help provide a brighter future for our students and take us a step closer to energy independence for New Yorkers wishing to capture the home grown fuel of the sun," said Tria Case, Executive Director of the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE).  Photovoltaics (PV or sunlight-to-electricity) is fast becoming a major source of electrical power around the world. In 2005 CSE, in partnership with NYSERDA, developed a 40 hour non-credit PV installation course that leads to the NABCEP Entry Level Exam. CSE is working with BCC's Physics and Technology Department, chaired by Dr. Luis Montenegro, in developing this new lab space that will also serve the new Energy Services and Technology program.
 
CSE was instrumental in the Department of Energy designating NYC as a Solar America City in June of 2007, and has been called the 'action arm' for the project. Recently the City University of New York (CUNY) announced a partnership between CUNY and The Solar Energy Consortium (TSEC), a statewide academic and economic development effort to advance solar photovoltaics in New York, in collaboration with Cornell University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Clarkson University, Binghamton University, and The State University of New York at New Paltz. The goal is to double the efficiency of today's solar systems, halve the cost and simplify the installation of solar systems in New York's urban areas. CSE will lead the training for TSEC.  The PV courses developed by CSE are now taught at Bronx Community College, New York City Tech and LaGuardia Community College with plans to expand to two more CUNY campuses.

Gateway to Success, Gateway to Sustainability

1. Development of an approved plan for the reduction of our current "carbon footprint" by 30% during the next 10 years.
2. Reduction of energy use, water consumption and consumption of other natural resources such as those products derived from wood (paper products).
3. Increased utilization of "gray water" for irrigation and other uses.
4. Reduction of "single" vehicle occupancy campus commuting.
5. Increased recycling of waste products such as food waste, cardboard, paper, computer equipment, furniture, textbooks, containers and bottles.
6. Increased use of recycled products such as remanufactured toner cartridges, copy paper and paper towels.
7. Increased procurement of "green products" such as cleaning and janitorial supplies, beverage containers and food containers.
8. Adoption of "healthy" and "nutritious" eating options on campus, including the elimination of "trans fats," and the elimination or reduction of foods containing growth hormones or other unhealthy additives.
9. Adoption and implementation of environmentally based curricula, internships and on and off-campus activities.
10. Positioning BCC as a role model within CUNY, the City of New York and the region, as a proponent and advocate of "cutting edge" thinking and action in the realm of environmental sustainability and stewardship.

-The Energy and Water Efficiency and Operations Sub-Committee have identified specific steps to be taken to measure and reduce campus energy usage which include:
Reviewing the electrical distribution to each building and the viability of the campus' meters. Using Siemens Energy Software to monitor four campus buildings and to capture data to help generate savings. Ensure procurement and use of energy saving computers and peripherals in conjunction with automatic switching and shutdown modes to save energy particularly when refreshing campus labs and offices. Establishing a comprehensive lighting maintenance program to maximize operating efficiency, significantly reduce energy costs and provide optimum lighting quality, and improve visibility to avoid accidents and increase safety.  Survey the campus and generate a water meter chart showing zone usage. Evaluate feasibility and installation of low capacity - 1 pint urinals, water efficient toilets, faucet aerators and flushometers in high use areas.

-Curriculum Sub-Committee: Development of new curriculum on preparation, installation and maintenance of green roofs. Strengthen enrollment in Energy Services and Technology A.A.S. program. Development of new curricula in Photovoltaic Installation and Service.     

-Students and Sustainability Sub-Committee:  Generate and enhance student awareness on sustainable energy issues so that they become promoters of environmental education at home and in their communities.  Organize student contests to increase awareness on sustainable energy issues.

-Sustainable Procurement Sub-Committee: In coordination with IT and PPS departments, ensure procurement and use of energy saving computers and peripherals. Procuring certified chemicals, tools, and equipment; facilitating training and service to support a "green cleaning" program on campus. Procuring books, toner cartridges, computers and janitorial supplies from recycled components. Obtain information on green-building material vendors.    

-Bronx Fleet and Transportation Sub-Committee:
Evaluate all BCC fleet vehicles to eliminate and/or replace obsolete cars and trucks and reduce emissions. Contact New York Power Authority for current funding programs and review viable funding to support purchase of hybrid and electric vehicles for use at BCC.

-Communicating about Sustainability Sub-Committee:
Organize poster, essay, and multimedia contest on energy issues in celebration of Earth Day 2008. Exhibit and showcase students' class work that pertains to sustainability. Conduct screenings of documentaries on sustainable issues. Prepare poster for 'Change the Light Change the World' program. Distribution of Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs to students signing pledge. Coordinate with food service vendor to issue a newsletter on the benefits of eating organically grown food.                                                                  -Professional Development and Training Sub-Committee: Recruit technicians who seek improvement of their skills from existing NYC facilities.  Collaborate with NYSERDA and BCC/Center for Sustainable Energy in development of curriculum that support building trades.