Virginia Energy Sense interviewed Center for Sustainable Communities Managing Director Garry Harris to discuss how his organization is playing a role in encouraging energy efficiency and environmental stewardship in Virginia. Please provide a short summary of what the Center for Sustainable Communities is and the work it does. The Center for Sustainable Communities is a nonprofit whose mission is to…
We’re excited to receive the Committee’s Choice Award from the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) Education and Events Committee for our energy conservation school curriculum! Virginia Energy Sense developed the school curriculum with the assistance of the Virginia Department of Education in an effort to help teach the Standards of Learning on energy usage to third graders across the state.…
Virginia Energy Sense interviewed Erin Russo, principal of Discovery Elementary located in Arlington County, to learn how her school is teaching students the importance of sustainability and energy conservation. As the school’s founding principal, we’d love to learn more about your background. Can you tell us more about your previous professional experiences and how you came to be at Discovery…
Temperatures are declining, football season has started again and people are heading to the local coffee shop for the return of pumpkin spice. As we all gear up for fall, home energy saving plans need to be adjusted to account for the end of summer. Virginia Energy Sense’s mission is to help Virginians understand their energy use, and take steps…
In a matter of weeks, summer will end and kids will head back to school. For teachers and parents, planning for the upcoming school year involves shopping for supplies and organizing classrooms. One thing that might not be top of mind, though, is how to reduce electric energy consumption at home and at school. Virginia Energy Sense, the Commonwealth’s energy…
You’ve likely noticed the changes all around you. Kids are joyous for another long break from school, the temperatures are rising, and the days appear longer than before. Spring has come and gone and summer is finally here. As we say goodbye to another spring, we’re faced with new challenges to our energy usage. The summer months can take a…
Virginia Energy Sense interviewed LEAP Executive Director Lesley Fore to discuss how her organization is playing a role in encouraging energy efficiency and environmental stewardship in Virginia. Please provide a short summary of what LEAP is and the work it does. As a trusted nonprofit, LEAP delivers direct education and services for improved energy performance to address climate change; create…
Key Points – The sustainability team started the Lights Out campaign at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (CRMH) to focus on saving electricity. – The campaign was a competition that challenged staff to turn off lights and resulted in more than 17,000 lights turned off in four weeks. – Staff were encouraged to continue the effort by turning off lights, televisions…
Virginia Energy Sense interviewed the University of Virginia (UVA)’s Office for Sustainability’s Nina Morris to discuss how her office is playing a role in encouraging energy efficiency and environmental stewardship on campus. What is your role in the organization? I am the Sustainability Program Manager for Outreach, Engagement and Communications with the Office for Sustainability. I manage UVA Sustainability’s communications…
Since April 22, 1970, Earth Day has been a call to action for everyone to protect and preserve the environment. Richmond and several other cities throughout the United States hold annual Earth Day events to encourage citizens to be more sustainable and responsible in the way they interact with our planet. Most people may not know this, but energy efficiency…
