PowerMinders

2010-03-09T19:38:00.000-08:00

PowerMinders has been very active. 1. PowerMinders in Harrisburg: A group of students in the Harrisburg area (currently representing 5 colleges) want to keep going through the summer months while they are on break. These students want to arrange several energy efficiency efforts and they have the momentum to recruit more students as needed to join their group. Here is what they are planning:
a.) Self Install Weatherization kit or CFL giveaways in lower income neighborhoods (which PowerMinders can, box, fulfill, etc).
b.) Education programs at community centers where young kids attending can bring the message of efficiency home and help their families modify energy usage behavior.
c.) Working with inner city communities to create small agricultural projects for sustainability.
d.) An inner city Art contest.
Any organization that can support any of the programs above should contact me at bob@powerminders.com and I will help you set up the right program with these students and make introductions as required.

2. Students from several colleges and universities have been submitting their plans for a CFL bulb giveaways, and energy efficiency kit giveaways in low income neighborhoods surrounding their respective campuses. This giveaway will occur during EarthWeek. These students are dedicated to providing energy savings for lower income, and increasing their campus' relationships with these neighborhoods. Allegheny Power is sponsoring this event. Thank you Allegheny!

3. PowerMinders management and students have been helping a green technology company design and market a "Smart Plug" that is controlled via the internet that when turned "off" eliminates ambient/vampire power in appliances like televisions for the home, and endless devices in the commercial/business market (copiers, monitors, computers, vending machines, etc). This device has the potential to save consumers and businesses significant kWh and money when appliances are in sleep mode but still using energy. (The DOE identifies this as a $3 billion dollar energy use problem per year in the US) Manufacturing of the "Smart Plug" could occur right here in PA!. Hooray! Students will be equipped with the devices fairly soon, and ready to distribute them. As support for students in PA grows, we thank you all for your help. There is so much more to come.

Earth Week Efficient Lighting Give-Away

2010-01-29T04:22:00.000-08:00

College students in Western PA are invited to participate in an Earth Week Efficient Lighting Give Away event, sponosored by Allegheny Power. Allegheny will provide student groups with free Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs to be distributed for free in local neighborhoods. The purpose of the program is help introduce homeowners to efficient lighting.

Student groups-- including marketing, environmental, and social justice organizations-- can request a supply of light bulbs to distribute in their area during earth week. The group is asked to submit a simple plan stating where and how the bulbs will be distributed (i.e., door to door give-away in a particular neighborhood, give-away to friends and family, etc.), and requesting a specific number of bulbs (50, 100 or 200). Interested student leaders should request more information by contacting Bob Fiori (bob@powerminders.com).

Homeowners can also buy additional Energy Kits. Proceeds from additional kit sales can benefit either the student group, or Penn Future, the statewide environmental organization.

For more information contact bob@powerminders.com

Earth Day Fundraiser Supports Pennsyvlania's Future

2010-01-24T09:11:00.000-08:00

April 24th is coming... The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. To help celebrate this important milestone, students from across the state will be joining together to spread the word about ways in which we can reduce our impact on the environment. PowerMinders.com Energy Savings Kits are a great way to save energy in the home, and support student groups and initiatives.

Many student groups across the state of Pennsylvania are joining together to raise money for Penn Future, Pennsylvania's leading environmental advocacy group. "We're excited to have students on-board, helping to support us around Earth Day" says Christine Knapp, of Penn Future.

Student groups interested in participating in the fundraiser are encouraged to sign up at:

http://www.powerminders.com/fundraising/signup/

You can learn more about Penn Future at:

http://www.pennfuture.org/aboutus.aspx

Temple grad wins statewide energy case study contest

2010-01-06T13:30:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia (January 5, 2010) Sveta McShane, a 2009 graduate of Temple University entered her energy case study in a statewide contest sponsored by PowerMinders and Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture) and won $500 for her efforts.
College students from across Pennsylvania submitted case studies on their environmental work, and Ms. McShane's case study - focusing on the town of Narberth and demonstrating where energy use could be reduced - was the panel's favorite. "It wasn't all me", said Ms. McShane, "I was lucky to have open access to Narberth's energy records since 1997, and accurate information on household numbers, municipal cars, trucks, usage, etc."
Ms. McShane was also able to tap the expertise of the Environmental Studies faculty at Temple University and Narberth Green's founder Avi Fox.
"I am sure many towns use energy the way Narberth does, and they can learn from the report, as well", said Ms. McShane. Her report showed that Narberth's street lights were a major cost factor, and the borough is now looking at replacing all street lights with new, energy efficient LED lighting, while also time improving safety.
Borough Manager Bill Martin praised the case study. "This report shed tremendous light on where our largest uses were occurring, and it allowed us to apply for state funding to become more energy efficient and replace our HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning) equipment. The report was shared with our residents, and helped us all realize that simple and inexpensive self-installed measures along with behavior changes are not large inconveniences and can save us all about 30 percent in our energy costs and carbon output".
Christine Knapp, director of outreach for PennFuture, praised Ms. McShane's entry, saying "Her case study is clear proof that every environmental victory grows the economy. Narberth is now saving money during these hard financial times by using energy more wisely, setting an example for other townships. Congratulations to Ms. McShane for showing the way."
Sveta McShane hopes to use her experience, knowledge and concerns for our environment in her developing career. Her full report is available online at www.powerminders.com/educators/NarberthGreensCaseStudy.pdf.
PowerMinders is a growing national network of college students doing positive things to save homeowners and business on their energy bills and reducing pollution. These students engage in various activities that provide valuable experiences to successfully pursue careers in the growing green economy.
PennFuture is a statewide public interest membership organization, founded in 1998. PennFuture's activities include litigating cases before regulatory bodies and in local, state and federal courts, advocating and advancing legislative action on a state and federal level, public education and assisting citizens in public advocacy.
Working from the premise that "Every environmental victory grows the economy," PennFuture has successfully advocated for landmark environmental legislation, including passage of the largest-ever environmental funding bond, public investment in green energy and energy savings programs, passage of the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, adoption of the Clean Vehicles Program and adoption of a regulation that protects Pennsylvania’s babies by restricting mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants. PennFuture has staff throughout the state, in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, West Chester, Doylestown and Wilkes-Barre. The Philadelphia Inquirer called PennFuture the "state’s leading environmental advocacy organization."

SGA makes moves toward environmental responsibility - News

2010-01-04T09:49:00.000-08:00

SGA makes moves toward environmental responsibility - News

Cabrini student gives back to her high school

2009-11-09T12:14:00.000-08:00

(from the Daily American)
Cabrini College student Molly Enos is going back to her high school in Somerset, to share with students there her experience in working to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and energy consumption.
Enos, a graduate of the class of 2007, will speak at an assembly at Rockwood Area High School Thursday. The subject is her participation in a Pensylvania-based college student organization called PowerMinders, and the simple things high school students can do to help their families save money on their electric bills.
“I hope my high school’s students will appreciate having a recent grad talk about how they can have an impact on the world they will inherit,” she said. “Conserving energy is on every one’s mind, and I know when I was in high school I was a major reason my parent’s electric bill was higher than it needed to be. I hope we can change that.”
Somerset Rural Electric Cooperative is helping to sponsor the event.
“Giving back to the community is important to Somerset Rural Electric Cooperative,” said Carline Mitchel, marketing specialist at Somerset REC. “It bodes well with the cooperative principles of education and concern for community. We are proud to contribute to the education of our youth, helping secure the future of our local area.”
According to Bob Fiori, founder of PowerMinders, “This is the first high school rogram we’ve done that is sponsored. We are currently working with college and university students throughout Pennsylvania to conserve energy and reduce the
cost of electricity, but we think it’s important for high school students to know that they, too, have a role in making sure that the environment is safe for them and their children. We will be supplying the students with compact fluorescent bulbs
to be installed at home. We hope they will take Molly’s message to heart and join us in making Pennsylvania ‘green.’”

POWERMINDERS ADDRESES STUDENTS AT PENN STATE ON ENERGY SAVING EFFORTS

2009-10-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

PowerMinders will address 650 students and faculty from 10 colleges and universities on October 24th and 25th in State College, Pa. on how they can get involved in helping Pennsylvania residents save energy now and reduce the state’s carbon footprint.

Dedicated to uniting college students in energy efficiency efforts on behalf of Pennsylvania residents, PowerMinders has been working with other “green energy” organizations for the past year to prepare the way for Act 129, which mandates that the state’s major energy companies reduce their customers’ power demand and consumption by 3 percent by 2013.

“Organizations like Keystone Environmental Youth Coalition, Eco-Action, and 3E CoE, also will be here and it’s gong to be a fun weekend,” said Derek Luke of Penn State University's Eco-Action Club.
According to Quincey Xavier, PowerMinders’ newly appointed Director of Program Development, “PowerMinders does not take a lobbying role, but a 'what can be done now' role' in assisting the state’s power companies achieve their goals under Act 129.”

While the energy companies’ plans are being approved by the Public Utility Commission, PowerMinders continues enrolling students throughout the state to help in energy reduction efforts. They are now creating divisions of students that can give away bulbs in low income neighborhoods to more highly trained students who can perform more sophisticated tasks.

"While working toward specific goals and programs, our students are preparing themselves for green-related jobs in Pennsylvania”, said Bob Fiori PowerMinders founder. He noted that there are more than 580,000 undergrads in Pennsylvania and PowerMinders' goal is to engage several thousand students in helping residents save on their energy costs while reducing the state's carbon footprint.
By replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights, conducting in-home energy surveys and installing energy savings products that immediately impact energy consumption, PowerMinders will provide significant savings for Pennsylvania homeowners.

"Next month we launch our 'Give Energy Back to your High School Alma Mater' program, where we begin scheduling college students to visit their former high school in an assembly and give students the tools necessary to impact their family's energy usage immediately" Fiori said. "We believe the tools and presentation material we'll provide will have a big impact on high school students, and they'll listen intently to a recent graduate of their high school who is doing good things for their community."

POWERMINDERS TO ADDRESS STUDENTS AT PENN STATE ON ENERGY SAVING EFFORTS

2009-10-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

PowerMinders will address 650 students and faculty from 10 colleges and universities on October 24th and 25th in State College, Pa. on how they can get involved in helping Pennsylvania residents save energy now and reduce the state’s carbon footprint.
Dedicated to uniting college students in energy efficiency efforts on behalf of Pennsylvania residents, PowerMinders has been working with other “green energy” organizations for the past year to prepare the way for Act 129, which mandates that the state’s major energy companies reduce their customers’ power demand and consumption by 3 percent by 2013.
“Organizations like Keystone Environmental Youth Coalition, Eco-Action, and 3E CoE, also will be here and it’s gong to be a fun weekend,” said Derek Luke of Penn State University's Eco-Action Club.
According to Quincey Xavier, PowerMinders’ newly appointed Director of Program Development, “PowerMinders does not take a lobbying role, but a 'what can be done now' role' in assisting the state’s power companies achieve their goals under Act 129.”
While the energy companies’ plans are being approved by the Public Utility Commission, PowerMinders continues enrolling students throughout the state to help in energy reduction efforts. They are now creating divisions of students that can give away bulbs in low income neighborhoods to more highly trained students who can
perform more sophisticated tasks.
"While working toward specific goals and programs, our students are preparing themselves for green-related jobs in Pennsylvania”, said Bob Fiori PowerMinders founder. He noted that there are more than 580,000 undergrads in Pennsylvania and PowerMinders' goal is to engage several thousand students in helping residents save on their energy costs while reducing the state's carbon footprint. By replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights, conducting in-home energy surveys and installing energy savings products that immediately impact energy consumption, PowerMinders will provide significant savings for Pennsylvania homeowners.
"Next month we launch our 'Give Energy Back to your High School Alma Mater' program, where we begin scheduling college students to visit their former high school in an assembly and give students the tools necessary to impact their family's energy usage immediately" Fiori said. "We believe the tools and presentation material we'll provide will have a big impact on high school students, and they'll listen intently to a recent graduate of their high school who is doing good things for their community."

Online Energy Training

2009-10-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

This week over 70 students from across the state participated in online training to conduct in-home energy surveys for friends and family. The training was conducted by Dr. Rich Andrulis, from software company Performance Systems Design, and Dr. Eric Malm. Students learned how to use the Green Energy Compass Software platform.

You can view a copy of the Webinar by clicking below:

Students who have completed the training can log into the platform

Click HERE to log into Green Energy Compass

Temple Students Give CFL Bulbs To North Philadelphia Neighbors

2009-09-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

Temple University students took to the streets of the Yorktown community in Philadelphia on Thursday visiting over 200 homes and giving out free compact fluorescent light bulbs to residents. The giveaway is one of several programs coordinated by the PowerMinders group, who works with hundreds of students from colleges and universities throughout PA promoting energy conservation.

Temple student Mary Wolfe, hometown, Reading, Pa, expressed enthusiasm for the program, “I am really excited about the launch of PowerMinders here in Philadelphia. Temple students have a strong awareness of environmental issues and a great appreciation for their North Philadelphia neighbors!” By switching 200 incandescent bulbs to CFL’s, the Temple students helped Yorktown save over $10,000 in energy costs over the lifetime of the bulbs.

“CFL's are a good first step” says Bob Fiori of PowerMinders. “Through a series of training seminars, we are teaching college students how to conduct more indepth energy assessments of homes they are targeting for later in the Fall. These assessments will lead to additional measures taken by homeowners to curtail their energy use.” He said.

POWERMINDERS GEARING UP FOR ACT 129

2009-09-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

PowerMinders, a growing network of college students throughout Pennsylvania, is gearing up for Act 129, which mandates that the state’s major energy companies reduce their customers’ power demand and consumption by 3 percent by 2013.
According to Robert Fiori, president of PowerMinders, the 700 student “ambassadors” in his network have already been working in their home communities with parents, relatives and neighbors to replace incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs that produce the same amount of light while reducing greenhouse gas pollution, energy
consumption and the cost of electricity.
“We are looking forward to participating with energy companies throughout the state in this initiative signed into law by Gov. Rendell last October,” he said. “Many of our students have already been trained to conduct walk-through energy surveys and we continue to train more. This is no small-scale operation. For example, plans filed by PECO Energy Co. and Pennsylvania Power & Light (PP&L) with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission in July called for the expenditure of $342 million and $248 million respectively over the next four years.”
Fiori has been meeting with career counselors from colleges and universities throughout the state to explain the scope of Act 129 and the role their students can play in “getting this mammoth, worthwhile program accomplished.”
At two different conferences recently, one at Penn State and the other at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Fiori addressed representatives from more 50 Pennsylvania colleges and universities regarding their fall training plans. “Our state's colleges have recognized PowerMinders' ability to provide their students with energy experience and the potential for a career in Pennsylvania’s growing green economy,” he said. He noted that PowerMinders’ student ambassadors were recently accepted as pledge drivers for the EPA's Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR campaign. “At a time when the economic downturn has severely reduced the number of job opportunities for college graduates, one of the few bright lights is the prospect of jobs in the ‘green energy’ field,” Fiori said. “Our student ambassadors are enthusiastic about involvement in this field and reducing the use of fossil fuels that cause global
warming. They are aware of the impact that will have on their lives and the lives of their children and they want to do something about it.”
He said most of the students he has spoken to have been inspired by President Obama, who in June said, “Today we’re announcing additional actions to promote energy efficiency across America – actions that will create jobs in the short run and reduce dangerous emissions and save money in the long run.
“First step we’re taking sets new efficiency standards on fluorescent and incandescent lights.. I know light bulbs may not seem sexy, but this simple action holds enormous promise because 7 percent of all the energy consumed in America is used to light our homes and our businesses.
Between 2012 and 2042 these new standards will save consumers up to $4 billion a year; conserve enough electricity to power every home in America for 10 months; reduce emissions equal to the amount produced by 166 million cars a year, and eliminate the need for as many as 14 coal-fired power plants.” Fiori said colleges and their sustainability offices are pursuing their own “green programs,” asking students to conserve energy on campus.
PowerMinders’ student ambassadors are taking these campus initiatives into their home communities throughout Pennsylvania and providing moderate-income homeowners with free energy-efficient bulbs, a home energy survey and information concerning energy equipment loans and appliance rebates – all of which will help families save on
their energy bills.
“With rate caps coming off soon and our electric bills about to rise,” he said, “these services being provided by our state’s college students will help save Pennsylvania residents millions of dollars in energy costs and position our state
as a leader in President Obama’s dream of anenergy-efficient nation with sustainable energy technology.

Case Study Contest Harnesses Student Energy Across the State

2009-08-31T12:26:00.000-07:00

PowerMinders and PennFuture are sponsoring an Energy Efficiency Case Study Contest for college students from across the state. Students submit case studies of energy
efficiency projects documenting ways in which homes, businesses and institutions are transforming how people use energy and compete for a $500 prize. Student submissions will be evaluated by an expert panel, and included in a publicly available library.

PowerMinders is a statewide college student network dedicated to saving homeowners on their energy bills. PennFuture is a leading environmental advocacy organization in Pennsylvania. “It’s great to see PowerMinders and PennFuture recognize the work of students who are so actively involved in energy and environmental issues”, says Dr. Eric Malm, Assistant Professor at Cabrini College and the faculty advisor on the project. “The students have inspired us‐ this contest will give an opportunity for students statewide to inspire and learn from one another”. The contest allows campuses to gain statewide recognition for their efforts on campus and in the classroom. “Energy projects are in full swing, but there is little attention paid to these important efforts. Projects help open the eyes of college students to the
possibilities of green careers”, says Tom Tuffey, Director, PennFuture.

The award is currently slated at $500 for the winning student. “Any energy related company in PA that would like to participate should contact us. Linking our top students with top companies in PA is a goal in these tough times”, says Malm. “Ideas generate more ideas – some projects may provide the impetus for community‐based or residential projects”. To learn how to participate go to www.powerminders.com/educators. Submission deadline is November 30, 2009.

PowerMinders to receive Citizens for Future 2009 Green Power Hero “Turn it On” Award

2009-08-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) recently named PowerMinders as one of their 2009 Green Power Award recipient’s. Powerminders is an organization made up of a network of college students that takes a dynamic hands-on approach to actively reduce energy consumption statewide. “I am honored that PennFuture recognizes our
students contributions,” said Powerminders President Bob Fiori, “…for our efforts to be singled out is very encouraging and spurs us on to keep growing and helping”. According to PennFuture, Green Power Awards “celebrate the people, businesses and organizations that are blazing a trail toward a cleaner, healthier Pennsylvania... (nominees could include) someone who is making clean energy, saving energy, putting new technologies to use or simply making it possible for all of to change what kind of energy we use.”
In the last year, PowerMinders has grown exponentially. Currently, they have over 400 students signed-up from colleges across the states, including Temple, Penn State, Cabrini, and the University of Pittsburgh. “We started out wanting to inspire college students to perform conservation efforts in the communities, and we ended up being inspired by the student’s,” Fiori explained.
Students conduct in home lighting assessments and educate homeowners on where immediate energy savings can be realized through the use of compact fluorescent light bulbs. The students then purchase the bulbs and install them. With 580,000 undergraduates in the state of Pennsylvania, their ability to make a difference in their own communities and the communities surrounding their campuses is enormous. Students know homeowners in all socio-economic areas, and they get a big boost when they are able to help an elderly homeowner on a fixed income. "I was able to reduce my grandmother's electric bill by $40 per month," says Molly Enos a Cabrini student and PowerMinders Ambassador.
Through their association with PowerMinders, students also gain valuable exposure to the burgeoning Green Job Market, an important resource for an emerging work force facing the realities of an employment outlook with far more limited potential than that faced by their parents and grandparents. Mark Dilucca, a student at Delaware County Community College is working with PowerMinders and a qualified contractor to save his family's printing company money on their energy bills, "PowerMinders can really open a student's eyes when it comes to the possibilities by gaining experience in "green" technologies and pursuing a career in the field."
The timing is right – Powerminders is uniquely poised to significantly help address pressing state carbon emissions reduction goals. Fiori said, “Our students are lucky to be in a state that's leading the charge toward a green economy. Act 129, Governor Rendell's recently passed legislation that requires utilities to help consumers reduce electric consumption, provides an excellent opportunity for students. We hope that the state and utilities will make room for student outreach in their programs. There's a lot of focus on big retail programs, but we believe this type of grass roots effort will go a long way toward reaching the goals. Especially in under-served
communities."
PowerMinders’ recognition joins good company – among several others being recognized are Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, James Cawley, Chair of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and GreenWorks Development, of Harrisburg. These and 27 other individuals or organizations will be honored at PennFuture’s Annual Green Power Award luncheon to be held at the Hilton Hotel Inn in Philadelphia on September 10th, 2009.