Energy Learning Center Lessons from the past Frame the context of the present Providing opportunities for the future Wind Energy Efficiency Solar Energy Scott Miner – Las Positas College

Lessons from the past  Energy sources we have become accustomed to in the past are being reevaluated with respect to “total cost”  We now understand the by-products from some of our current energy sources are “dirty” and pollute our world in many different ways  We now understand that if we continue on our current path of energy usage, we will end up in a place no one wants to go

Frame the context of the present  Green Revolution gains broad appeal  Legislation and political encouragement  Tax incentives and energy rebates  President shows leadership in areas smart power grid, infrastructure investment, alternative energy and green technologies  Legacy concerns about what we will pass on or leave behind for future generations

Providing opportunities for the future  We have the chance to educate future citizens about the past, present and future of our world and the role of energy and sustainability  Provide knowledge and skills for future demands in the workplace  Provide terminal paths of employment for those that do not desire to transfer  Provide a focal point for our community that supports and fosters knowledge students and citizens can use to improve their daily lives

Current Energy Understanding Source:LLNL

Basic Concept: Energy Learning Center  Provide a learning environment focused on energy  Powering Our World – energy as we know it  Energy Efficiency and Conservation  Solar Photovoltaic (Light = Electricity)  Solar Thermal (Heat = Hot Water)  Wind Energy & Wind Turbine Technicians  Future & Emerging Energy Technologies  Forge long term partnerships with local energy stakeholders, employers and providers  “Solar Cities” = Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore

Basic Concept: Energy Learning Center  Provide a unique facility unlike anything at any other California Community College  Others have bits and pieces, we have the chance to incorporate the best of all existing energy understanding because we would start from scratch  Create a “Solar Schoolhouse” to be used by students and community for energy learning

Basic Concept: Energy Learning Center  Create a local field trip destination for the Tri-Valley’s elementary, middle and high school students  Teach basic energy concepts during field trips with a focus on “learn by doing”  Provide community workshops on energy efficiency and conservation and its use and cost effective application on residential homes & small businesses

Local History  1889 Tassajara School House built about three miles from the Las Positas campus  First class starts on August 1, 1890  One-room school provided education to the area’s youth until closed in 1946  Focal point of education for years  Built with materials and technology of that period

The Vision  Build a single room “Solar Schoolhouse” that serves as a focal point for LPC student energy education as well as serve as the centerpiece of a Energy Learning Center (ELC)  Closely mimic the size and architecture of the Tassajara Schoolhouse when designing the ELC using current alternative energy and Green building technologies  Open the LPC Energy Learning Center on August 1, 2010……..120 years to the day that Tassajara School opened for its first class of students

Solar Photovoltaics Solar Thermal Roof & Ceiling Insulation & Ducting Different building technologies and materials In each of the four walls Different Window Technologies Crawl space with ducting & floor insulation Advanced Lighting Technology Interior & Exterior Interior Walls open up to expose plumbing & wiring for student learning purpose Energy Star Space Heating & Cooling Geothermal Space Cooling LEED & California Title 24 Compliant StructureWind Turbine

The Site  High visibility location will promote and encourage high usage  Maximize solar exposure  Wind turbine should be near ridge crest  Close proximity to existing utilities  Electric  Water  Parking accessible  ADA access to site  Security

LPC Energy Learning Center

Existing Fenced Pad for Wind Turbine Solar Roof & Ground Mount Lab Area Solar Powered Stream & Pond Solar Schoolhouse Drought Resistant Landscape Standard Composting & Sustainability Learning Student Run Garden for on Campus Dining ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE, THIS IS JUST ONE VISION Covered Outdoor Learning Area

Wind Turbine Optimal Position on Ridge Crest Excellent Solar Exposure from Dawn to Dusk Pleasanton Ridge Mission Peak

Funding  Energy Stakeholders  PGE, LLNL, DOE  Stimulus Funding  Grants in the area of Energy & Sustainability  Energy Employers  Perkins/CTE  Workplace Learning Center  “Solar Cities” – Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore  Corporate Sponsor or facility naming rights

Thanks for your time! The future of LPC is bright! Citizenship in the Community ……..the Nation ………the World