Solar Success

It's official: summer is here! Now that summer has arrived it's time to break out the sunscreen and head to the beach. Here at Seattle Pacific University, summer lends a chance to show off the recently completed photovoltaic solar panels soaking up the rays atop Otto Miller Hall.

A project initiated by 2009 graduate Kenzie Brister's senior honors project, the solar panels are designed both to serve a portion of the University's electricity needs and provide a learning tool for students interested in renewable energy. The panels were designed and installed by Ecotech, a company started by SPU alumnus Dana Brandt.

Green Awakenings

Want to make a difference, but not sure where to start?  Here's a great source for ideas and inspiration:

Renewal, a student-led creation care network, recently released Green Awakenings: Stories of Stewardship and Sustainability from the Next Generation, the culmination of a 2009 research project exploring how different Christian campuses addressed the topic of environmental stewardship.  "The student generation in particular is stepping up to care for God's creation, but previously little was known about what this practically looked like on Christian campuses," said Ben Lowe, Renewal's co-coordinator.  "Our two-fold goal is to demonstrate to colleges, churches, and communities how we are working together for the renewal of God's creation, and inspire others to join us."