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Reed encourages Hoosiers to learn about renewable resources Earth Day, National Environmental Education Week, Arbor Day observed in April
April is traditionally a month set aside to celebrate the Earth and all its natural resources. Several days honor Mother Nature including National Environmental Education Week from April 13-19, Earth Day on April 22 and Arbor Day on April 30. To coincide with all the exciting Earth-friendly events, the Indiana Department of Education’s Learn Green, Live Green focus for April is Renew. “This month, we’re encouraging Hoosiers to learn more about renewable resources as well as natural energy sources,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed. “Many school corporations are making the switch to renewable energy sources to cut costs and reduce their carbon footprint, and they are to be applauded for these efforts.” Renewable resources A natural source that can be used to benefit people and can then be replaced for others to enjoy is called a renewable resource. Natural resources are riches provided by the Earth, naturally and abundantly. Natural resources include land, plants, minerals and water. Renewable resources can be used as natural energy sources and replenished in a short period of time. The five renewable sources used most often are biomass, hydropower (water), geothermal, wind and solar. Renewable energy is typically clean energy that does not produce greenhouse gases. Schools switch to geothermal heating Mt. Vernon High School in Mount Vernon is currently under construction. The renovation/expansion project is unique, though, in that the school is switching from a traditional boiler/air conditioning system to a geothermal heating and cooling system. A geothermal energy system takes natural heat from the earth and uses it to heat and cool buildings. This is done through a continuous closed water loop through piping that goes into the ground, comes back out and runs through heat pumps inside the buildings to heat and cool classrooms. According to Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation Assistant Superintendent Mike Horton, converting the high school to geothermal energy not only saves the corporation money but also reduces their carbon footprint. “Part of what we teach our kids each day is to respect the environment,” he said. “We converted our junior high school to geothermal energy six years ago, so we know all the benefits of this system.” To find out more about Mt. Vernon’s switch to geothermal energy as well as other schools across the state choosing renewable energy sources, visit www.doe.in.gov/green and click on Spotlight. Learn Green, Live Green Learn Green, Live Green is a year-long initiative designed to help educators, students, parents and community members discover practical, cost-effective ways to model environmentally-responsible behavior both inside and outside of the classroom. The Learn Green, Live Green concept fits naturally with Indiana’s academic standards, local school curricula and student learning goals at each grade level. Local participation is completely voluntary. Each month in 2008, the Indiana Department of Education spotlights a different aspect of the issue through an interactive Web site, www.doe.in.gov/green, while offering a variety of related resources for schools and communities.
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Indiana Department of Education |
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