Improving energy efficiency focus of Green Schools Summit Oct. 22-23

Strategies for making Nebraska schools more energy efficient are the focus of the Green Schools Summit Oct. 22-23 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The summit, at UNL's Nebraska Union, 14th and R streets, will provide information and resources to help Nebraska communities create energy-efficient, high-performing schools that provide a healthy learning environment and reduce building and operating costs. The conference is expected to draw Nebraska school administrators, school board members, teachers, students, government officials, university faculty, architects, engineers and green building leaders.

"The health of our children and reduction of costs and energy consumption in our schools are major concerns for our communities statewide," said state Sen. Ken Haar of Malcolm, a conference organizer. "This summit is a great opportunity for Nebraska to come together to discuss how best to address this important need."

Speakers will discuss a variety of topics, including different approaches to achieving greener schools, energy audits and financing possibilities. Experts will share case studies from communities that have successfully "greened" their schools through new construction, retrofitting or enhancements of existing facilities. Information and resources necessary to build timelines and action plans for creating green school buildings will be available.

The Oct. 22 program will feature speakers, panel discussions, technology displays and information on energy audits. The session on Oct. 23 will be a hands-on workshop for school officials and others who will use a project planning approach to create individual timelines and action plans for their schools. Experts and panelists will be available to review green school action plans and offer advice.

"Energy efficiency is an extremely timely topic. This conference will help people across Nebraska get information and ideas about how to enhance the energy efficiency of their local schools," said Prem S. Paul, UNL vice chancellor for research and economic development, whose office is helping to organize the conference.

Conference registration costs $50 through Oct. 1 and $75 thereafter. It includes meals, parking and conference materials. Registration, an agenda, speaker information and details are available on the conference website: http://research.unl.edu/events/greenschoolsummit.

WRITER: Vicki Miller, Research Communications Coordinator, (402) 472-3813