Randolph Community College Is Going Green; Green Technology Series Begins April 27

ASHEBORO (April 8, 2009)

 

Randolph Community College electrical students work with Southern Energy Management staff members to install solar panels on the Building Trades Center in preparation for a new class at RCC. This continuing education class will focus on the installation, maintenance, and operation of solar panels.

Release prepared by April Wright, UNCG Communications intern

Randolph Community College is taking steps towards promoting and living a greener lifestyle and offering classes to help the community do the same. A Green Technology information series will be offered at RCC from April 27 to June 1. Classes will be held every Monday, (except May 25, Memorial Day) from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. during this six-week series. Classes will be open to anyone who is interested; however, homeowners, business owners, and contractors may find the information especially useful. There is a one-time registration fee of $55 (waived for students over 65).

The first class, April 27, will be Energy Efficiency & Green Building Strategies taught by Alicia Ravetto and Paul Konove from GreenPros. Solar Thermal & Solar PV Basics is the second part of the series and will be on May 4 with Bob Kingrey, also from Greenpros. Part three, on May 11 will be Geothermal Heating and Alternative Heating Technology with Kenneth Cagle from Comfort South. Going on the Grid and Selling to the Power Company will be taught on May 18 by representatives from Randolph EMC and Progress Energy. Understanding Tax Credits and New Tax Legislation for Green Technology will be facilitated by a local CPA on the same date. The final class, June 1, will be Weatherization and Energy Conservation, with presentations from a local Building Performance Institute (BPI) provider Kevin Scott. There will also be information about maintaining your HVAC system, insulation, weatherization, and a hands-on demonstration of weatherization materials and home energy conservation by RCC instructors Michael Whitt and Keith Bunting.

Other green classes are on the way as well. RCC recently installed solar panels on the Building Trades Center with the help of Southern Energy Management’s staff and RCC college students and instructors from the electrical program working together. The solar panels serve a two-fold purpose. One purpose is to offset the cost of electricity in a teaching building designed for use by the Electrical Assistant students. However, the main purpose is to have the panels in place for a new class in the electrical program of the Continuing Education department that focuses on the installation, maintenance, and operation of solar panels.

RCC is not just teaching green, but going green as well with many departments making contributions. The Campus Store is looking into the possibility of selling reusable bags made from recycled materials while also cutting down on the current usage of plastic bags. The maintenance department is also making earth friendly changes. They have put the parking lot lights on a timer, are working to keep weekend classes in as few buildings as possible, using energy star appliances and more efficient bulbs, and cutting back on heat and air usage when the buildings are not being occupied. Marketing is contributing by reducing the amount of material sent out by targeting specific markets rather than mass mailings. This cuts back on the amount of paper used.

For more information about the Green Technology Series, or to register, contact Continuing Education at 336-633-0268.