Students at Lacombe Composite High School have raised the green to go green.
Supervising teacher Steve Schultz confirmed that the Eco-Vision Club has met its target and collected the necessary $35,000 to purchase and install at least 18 solar panels onto the roof of the school.
A vendor will be selected within the next week and Schultz anticipates that the panels will be installed by the third week of May.
“This will be a public reminder, every time somebody drives by the school, that you can do things, you can help the environment, you can make a difference if you have the will and desire to do that,” he said.
The network of panels will compensate for approximately 200 kg of carbon dioxide greenhouse gas emissions each month.
Schultz added the estimated savings of $200 per month will be recycled back into the school division.
Charles Nokes, Grade 11 student and club president, noted the solar panels also present an opportunity to educate students on ways to help protect the environment.
“It’s going to have a very strong educational impact, I think, at the school as well,” he said. “We’re going to make sure they’ll be used for scientific classes. It’s a great way to learn about renewable energy and electricity.”
Schultz added that alternative energy and environmental stewardship are topics explored in a broad range of curriculums, from sciences to humanities and social studies.
The students embarked on this ambitious project during the infancy stage of the environmental club — which was spearheaded by former student Tyana Rudolfsen during the start of her senior year in 2008 — with the hope that they could inspired the community to take action.
Schultz admitted to feeling that the project “seemed like an impossible task” when the students started the year-long fundraising initiative in February 2009.
But through passionate perseverance, he said, the group of about 12 students was able to reach their target by hosting various fundraisers and seeking the financial support from a number of generous sponsors. A parent, who wishes to remain anonymous, donated $5,000 towards the eco-friendly project.
Having achieved this goal, the students are now exploring the next steps they’ll take to further reduce the school’s carbon footprint.
The club plans to initiate another large-scale project for the coming school year. While this venture is yet to be decided, Schultz said it may involve either expanding upon the solar panel project, introducing a wind turbine, or purchasing a hybrid or electrical bus.
Furthermore, Nokes said club members are also committed to introducing a composting system at the school.
“We’ve done a little research, but it’s our suspicion that 25 per cent of the waste that goes into the garbage can be composted,” Schultz said, adding the material could then be used to nourish gardens at the school and around the community.
A ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the solar panel network is planned for Friday, June 18.
More information about the Eco-Vision Club at Lacombe Composite High School is available online at www.elchs.wolfcreek.ab.ca/lcsweb/EcoVision/
ptrotter@www.reddeeradvocate.com