Process
1. Research renewable and nonrenewable resources. Make a poster to compare the pros and cons of each resource.
(ex: water vs. coal)
Energy Information Administration
Exploring solar energy on parking meters in downtown Portland, OR
2. Determine the type and amount of energy that you use by performing an energy audit on your school or home.
The GREEN TEAM'S Energy Audit Form
Reading blueprints to calculate the square footage of our school for the energy audit
Measuring windows to calculate the percentage of windows on our building
3. As a class brainstorm ways that you can reduce or save energy at your school or home. Create an action plan to put your ideas into action!
4. Find an LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rated building in your community. Take a tour of the building and observe why it is a green building.
Investigating the ecoroof at the Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center
The Ecotrust building is the first LEED gold rated historic building in the country!
The Stephen E. Epler Residence Hall is the first mixed-use LEED certified building in Portland, OR