Eiseman Associates : Local Organization Raises Money to Install Solar Panels on Chicago-Area Schools

Local Organization Raises Money to Install Solar Panels on Chicago-Area Schools

April 2009

Chicago, IL – Climate Cycle, a non-profit organization dedicated to installing solar systems in Chicago-area public schools, completed its first solar panel installation at Perspectives/IIT Math and Science Academy (3663 S. Wabash) on April 14 and will install at Talcott Elementary School (1840 W. Ohio) later in the summer. Working in partnership with CPS and the Motorola Foundation, and I.B.E.W Local #134, Climate Cycle will be one of the first organizations in the Midwest to tie solar panel installation directly into a school’s existing curriculum – giving students and teachers an opportunity to observe the short- and long-term benefits of solar technology and energy savings in their schools.

“It is my pleasure to fully endorse these ground-breaking initiatives” says U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan. “The experiences that Climate Cycle will offer will help enhance students understanding of math, science and engineering in alternative technology – and ultimately can lead to modern, high-tech career opportunities for our students.”

According to Duncan, the unique partnership will give students and teachers a chance to work together to reduce the impact of rapidly rising energy costs – while at the same time educating them on the benefits of free, clean solar technology. The program directly responds to Mayor Daley’s goal of making Chicago the greenest city in America.

“Many people don’t realize that residential and commercial buildings are responsible for more greenhouse gases emissions than automobiles, planes and trains combined, and our schools represent almost one third of those buildings,” says Climate Cycle Director Joey Feinstein. “Our goal is to address change where it matters most by helping Chicago’s Public Schools spend their money on computers and textbooks, rather than on the energy needed to keep the buildings going. That should be good news for Chicago-area tax payers, as well.”

Feinstein adds that most schools in the U.S. spend more money on utilities than on books and computers combined. Chicago public schools, for example, spent more than $83 million on utilities versus $62 million on books in 2007. The magnitude of the problem increases when considering the rising cost of diesel fuel used for bus routes. Schools are very reliant on fossil fuels, which are skyrocketing in price and causing climate change. Funding for the project will come from a grant from the Motorola Foundation and additional private donations. Chicago’s Solar Electric Inc. will oversee the installation of the project. Climate Cycle hopes to install panels on additional schools later this year.

“Very often we see the solutions to climate change as things we can only do alone, changing a light bulb or choosing a fuel-efficient car that we will very often drive alone,” said Motorola Foundation Educational Director Eileen Sweeney. “Climate Cycle brings people together to do something that they couldn’t do alone. The sum is greater than the parts and it creates a synergy around taking on climate change.”

Climate Cycle will take its educational efforts on the road later this summer when the organization hosts the nation’s first-ever Climate Cycle Biking Festival on Saturday, May 9th, at “The Great Lawn” (1410 S. Museum Campus Drive). The event will invite bicycle enthusiasts to raise funds and awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of solar energy – by providing select Chicago-area schools with solar panels and supporting curriculum for their students. The festival is free and open to the public. Attendees will enjoy music and green exhibits and all riders will receive lunch compliments of Chipotle. To register to participate or learn more, visit www.climatecycle.org.