by Rebecca Walker — April 19, 2010—As the first school in the nation to receive Three Green Globes, a LEED Gold for Schools certification, and in 2009 scored a 99 out of 100 earning it the Energy Star Label, Bethke Elementary in Colorado continues to be a leader in sustainable education. Thanks to a new solar electric system from Colorado-based Bella Energy, Bethke Elementary now covers 11 percent of its electric needs with solar power.
“The new solar collection system at Bethke Elementary is a groundbreaking event for Poudre School District (PSD),” said Jerry Wilson, PSD Superintendent of Schools. “We are excited about the possibilities this system offers, from energy savings for the district to providing a learning tool for our students.”
The system was funded by energy efficiency and solar reward rebates from Xcel Energy and the donation from environmental nonprofit Trees, Water & People (TWP). The system includes a Web camera and solar weather station, and is interfaced with PSD’s building automation system to provide real time, Web-based data from the system which will be a learning tool for students, staff and community members.
At Bethke, the system’s 90 solar panels produce enough electricity to prevent more than 50,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released each year, ensuring that the students of Bethke Elementary are learning in one of the greenest buildings in the country.
For more information, see the Bella Energy Web site.
