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The Alliance has worked extensively with India’s Centre for Environmental Education (CEE) to develop energy efficiency education programs in schools. Based in Ahmedabad, CEE has established a highly regarded environmental education network, but had not yet included energy issues in its programs. Building upon the Alliance’s successful Green Schools program in the United States, the Alliance recognized an important opportunity to integrate India’s environmental and energy concerns into a comprehensive educational strategy.
With funding from USAID, first year activities have focused on establishing Eco-clubs in Ahmedabad schools. The Alliance and CEE conducted two five-day workshops to train teachers in energy issues and prepare them to start Eco-clubs in their own schools. These voluntary after-school clubs typically have about 40 student members per school and meet weekly. Because energy use in schools is relatively low, the clubs have concentrated on general and residential energy efficiency issues. The Urja Mela (energy fair) gave some 700 Eco-club members an opportunity to showcase what they had learned about energy and energy efficiency, and the fair drew the participation of 1,000 students, teachers, and officials, in addition to the existing Eco-club members.
The Program that was started in India continues to be successful at saving residential energy. All three Ahmedabad schools were recipients of the 2000-2001 Silver Earth Apple Award. The schools continue to think about and evaluate energy usage and are proud to continue their Eco-Clubs.
For more information, contact Merrilee Harrigan, (202) 530-2215; mharrigan@ase.org
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