Live Oak Classical School “Flips the Switch” on Solar Panels Donated by the Green Mountain Energy™ Sun Club™

 

School incorporates solar monitoring tools into science curriculum

 

WACO- Live Oak Classical School (420 S.5th Street) and the Green Mountain Energy™ Sun Club™ welcomed the sun onto the campus by flipping the switch on the school’s new solar array. The solar installation was made possible by a $30,000 donation from the Sun Club, a voluntary program in which Green Mountain residential customers make monthly contributions toward solar generation systems for non-profits. The school celebrated the installation with a presentation to students, faculty and the community.

 

“Live Oak recently introduced an environmental science program that incorporates a variety of hands-on activities teaching students about sustainability. Energy is an important part of that discussion which is why we’re thrilled about this solar array,” said Alison Moffatt, Head of School, Live Oak Classical School. “Our students and teachers will be able to look at the monitoring system attached to the array and learn how renewable energy works and also how it’s helping power our school.”

 

The solar array, installed on the roof of the school, will help Live Oak save on its electricity bill and reduce its environmental footprint. The solar array is expected to generate nearly 9,100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of pollution-free energy each year, avoiding 10,600 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO₂). That’s like not driving 11,800 miles!

 

Sun Club donations are awarded to non-profits through an application process that evaluates recipients based on criteria such as benefit to the community, opportunities for renewable energy education and passion for the environment. The Live Oak application met all of these requirements and had the unique twist of being submitted by former student D.J. Achterhof, who is now attending Baylor University.

 

“All of our Sun Club donations are unique, but I particularly enjoyed working with Live Oak because the school’s enthusiasm for the environment shines through its students. This is demonstrated by the fact that the application submitted to the Sun Club came from a student,” said Tony Napolillo, Sun Club program manager, Green Mountain Energy Company. “Helping increase awareness for renewable energy while supporting organizations that benefit the community is exactly why this program is in place.”

 

Live Oak is the Sun Club’s 37th solar installation since the program was founded in 2002.

 

Pictures from the event will be added to Green Mountain Energy’s Flckr stream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenmtnenergy/

 

Live Oak Classical School

Live Oak Classical School has developed a comprehensive thirteen year school offering grades Jr. Kindergarten through 12th grades. The school currently enrolls 310 students in those grades which comprise the Grammar School JK-6th, Logic School 7th -9th, and Rhetoric School 10th-12th. Live Oak Classical School is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. The faculty of over forty degreed (many with Master’s Degrees) professionals have high levels of enthusiasm and expertise in their subject fields or early childhood education, and hearts that are inclined toward children. The students at Live Oak Classical School are average to above average in ability, but more importantly are enthusiastic about pursuing a challenging and rich academic curriculum. For more information, visit www.liveoakclassical.org.

 

Green Mountain EnergyTM Sun ClubTM

Green Mountain EnergyTM Sun ClubTM is a program where Green Mountain residential customers in New York and Texas have the opportunity to give back to deserving non-profit organizations through the promotion of solar power. Direct monthly contributions from customers go toward the funding of solar installations. Since the program’s founding in 2002, Sun Club members have helped install almost 500 kilowatts of solar power, preventing over 3.5 million pounds of CO2 emissions. That’s like 3.8 million miles not driven or 11.6 million aluminum cans recycled. For more information, visit www.gmsunclub.com.

 

 

Green Mountain Energy Company

 

Green Mountain is the nation’s longest serving renewable energy retailer and believes in using wind, sun and water for good. Founded in 1997, the company is a green power pioneer and celebrates 15 years delivering on the mission to “change the way power is made”. Green Mountain offers consumers and businesses the choice of cleaner electricity, as well as carbon offsets and sustainable solutions for businesses. One of Green Mountain’s largest customers is the “world’s most famous office building,” the Empire State Building in New York City. Green Mountain customers have collectively helped avoid over 19.4 billion pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Visit us online at www.GreenMountain.com and learn more about our campaign for good at www.greenmountain.com/forgood.

 

 

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