Day 5 - It's all about energy!

Today we heard from a variety of interesting speakers on the topic of alternative energy and energy conservation.  Our first speaker was Mr. Kalani Ruiz, who was in a previous HGCI program. He works full-time for Nissan and is also a student at Leeward Community College studying mechanical engineering. His presentation on electric cars and his summer project was really interesting. So interesting that we didn't think of getting our cameras out to take pictures!

Next we heard from Tamba and Ivy from Blue Planet Foundation. They gave a high energy presentation on why we need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and get with the program on alternative energy!  They also pointed out easy ways we can help to conserve energy, particularly by switching out incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent or LED bulbs.

After that we hopped on a bus to visit Oceanic Cable Time Warner in Mililani. We were pretty much blown away with all they are doing to be green by having a LEED Gold certified building with a huge PV parking lot. Brian Kealoha of Chevron Energy Solutions helped arrange this tour by the top executives of Oceanic.

They talked to us about ways they capture storm water and let it filter underground in a system that cleans out the toxins before the water is released downhill, eventually ending up in the ocean.

We saw the parking lot with shade provided by PV panels. Not only do the panels generate energy, they also extend the life of the asphalt as well as keep cars cool.

Inside the building, we learned that the carpeting is "green," too. It's put together in removable square so that if any place needs to be replaced, you just need to take out the square and not the entire carpet. That would save a lot of resources and reduce waste going into the landfill or H-Power.

Even the chairs they give to employees are good for the environment and people. They are ergonomic and made of recycled plastic. They sure were comfortable!

Certain types of plants that clean the air of harmful chemicals are strategically placed throughout the building.

Also throughout the building are little signs that explain what's "green" about a particular feature of the building. This is an educational tool to help the employees and visitors understand why things are a certain way and how they are helping the environment.

Another educational tool is the monitor at the entrance of the building that shows, in real time, the energy that is being produced by the PV panels, how much energy is being consumed, and other information that helps people understand how the building is helping them become a green business.

Today was the first time most of us had been in a LEED Gold building and this experience made us want to see what more we can do at school and in our homes to become more sustainable.