Tag Archives: Ecotech Institute

Ecotech Institute Announces New President, David Needham

November 12, 2013 straightlinepr Leave a comment

Business leader brings strong leadership, a collaborative style and a passion for renewable energy education to his new role

Denver, CO, November 12, 2013 — Ecotech Institute, the first and only school in the U.S. solely focused on renewable energy and sustainability, announced the appointment of David Needham as its new president, effective November 4, 2013. Needham will be responsible for implementing the vision and strategic direction of the school; ensuring student, graduate and employer satisfaction; and making sure all staff at Ecotech Institute meet the high expectations of Ecotech Institute students and its parent company, Education Corporation of America.

Needham joins Ecotech Institute from Somersetstreet, LLC, a company he founded in 2008. At Somersetstreet, Needham provided investment, consultation and leadership to start-up companies, including company formation, CEO guidance, fundraising and business development planning. Previous to founding Somersetstreet, he worked at NextWave Wireless as the company’s chief divisional officer for the Network Solutions Group. In that role he built a $10 million Innovation Center to test and demonstrate NextWave global solutions.

“David brings proven leadership skills, exceptional business results, a collaborative management style and a passion for education and Ecotech’s mission,” said Tom Moore, chief executive officer of Education Corporation of America. “David will be responsible for continuing the growth of the college by producing outstanding graduates to meet employers’ demands for qualified team members in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency.”

Needham holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from Harvard Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute and their offerings in renewable energy education, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com.

About Ecotech Institute;
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers eight highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Education

Ecotech Institute to Collect Old Electronics as Part of America Recycles DaySM on November 15

November 1, 2013 straightlinepr Leave a comment

Ecotech Institute’s Celebration will also include an art and upcycling contest

Denver, Colorado, October 31, 2013 – On November 15, Ecotech Institute will host an electronics drop off station, accepting old electronics such as TVs, computer monitors and printers. This recycling event joins thousands of others across the country in celebration of America Recycles Day. This is a national initiative by Keep America Beautiful and the only nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States. This year’s theme, “I Want to Be Recycled,” was developed to educate people about the importance of recycling and its impact on our economy and environmental well-being, as well as motivate occasional recyclers to become everyday recyclers.

At Ecotech Institute’s celebration, electronics will be collected at the school at 1400 S. Abilene Street in Aurora, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to the collection center, Ecotech Institute students will take part in an upcycling contest, giving them a chance to show off their creativity by creating upcycled outfits. This could include creating outfits from recyclable materials such as plastic bags, newspaper, garbage bags, aluminum foil and many other items.

“We are very proud supporters of Ecotech Institute’s America Recycles Day event and commend their efforts to promote recycling in the Denver area,” said Brenda Pulley, Senior Vice President of Recycling at Keep America Beautiful and national program manager for America Recycles Day. “Recycling is the easiest thing we can all do to improve our community, conserve natural resources and create green jobs. Collectively, through events like these, we aim to make recycling bigger and better 365 days a year.”

Ecotech Institute is also hosting an art contest for elementary students. Artwork can be dropped off at the school, 1400 S. Abilene Street, for consideration or emailed to Zhanna Stavina at zhanna.stavina@ecotechinstitute.com. Ecotech Institute will use this year’s winning artwork as the logo for next year’s America’s Recycles Day celebration.

“Recycling is something many people take for granted, but it’s a simple act that has tremendous impact,” said Kyle Crider, Ecotech Institute’s Manager of Environmental Operations. “For example, making cans from recycled aluminum actually uses 95 percent less energy than non-recycled materials.”

The national recycling rate is currently at 34.7 percent. Recycling 75 percent of the nation’s waste would create nearly 1.5 million jobs by 2030, according to a report by the Tellus Institute with Sound Resource Management.

For more information about Ecotech Institute’s America Recycles Day celebration and cleantech programs offered by the school, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com/americarecyclesday.cfm.

About Ecotech Institute:
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers eight highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

About America Recycles Day:
America Recycles DaySM is a national program of Keep America Beautiful, and is the only nationally recognized day and community-driven awareness event dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the U.S. Since its inception in 1997, communities across the country have participated in America Recycles Day on November 15 to educate, promote environmental citizenship, and encourage action. Learn more at AmericaRecyclesDay.org.

About Keep America Beautiful, Inc.
Keep America Beautiful is the nation’s leading nonprofit that brings people together to build and sustain vibrant communities. With a strong national network of 1,200 affiliates and partners including state recycling organizations, we work with millions of volunteers who take action in their communities. Keep America Beautiful offers programs and engages in public-private partnerships that help create clean, beautiful public places, reduce waste and increase recycling while educating generations of environmental stewards. Through our actions, we help create communities that are socially connected, environmentally healthy and economically sound. For more information, visit kab.org.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Education

Ecotech Institute to Host a Webinar: “Taming the Energy Monster” on Thursday, October 10

October 5, 2013 straightlinepr Leave a comment

30-Minute Lunchtime Webinar Will Focus on Practical Ways to Use Energy More Efficiently

Denver, CO, October 04, 2013 – On Thursday, October 10, Ecotech Institute will hold a lunchtime webinar, “Tame the Energy Monster: A Focus on Energy Efficiency” that explores what it means to be energy efficient. To truly “tame the energy monster”, energy use has to become a state of mind, a lifestyle switch that starts from the moment we wake up. This webinar, which is the second in Ecotech Institute’s “Living the Ecotech Lifestyle” series, will tackle this topic. The fast-paced, 30-minute session will help attendees think about the mind shifts for how to live a more eco-friendly life. It will also look at what businesses are doing to improve energy efficiency. Kyle Crider, Manager of Environmental Operations at Ecotech Institute, will host the event.

“Energy Efficiency is something everyone from a single home-owner to leaders of international businesses should care about. There are tremendous cost savings and sustainable benefits associated with everyday energy decisions,” said Crider. “This webinar will take a look at the practical steps we can all take to tame excessive energy use that causes rising energy bills and inefficient use of resources.”

Webinar Topic:
“Taming the Energy Monster: A Focus on Energy Efficiency”

Date:
Thursday, October 10

Time:
1:00 p.m. Eastern/12:00 p.m. Central
11:00 a.m. Mountain/10:00 a.m. Pacific

Host/Moderator:
Kyle Crider, Manager of Environmental Operations at Ecotech Institute, holds a Master of Public Administration degree with a double-emphasis in urban planning and policy analysis. He is also a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional, Neighborhood Development (LEED AP ND) and an instructor of “Introduction to Sustainability” on Canvas.net.

Ecotech Institute, based in Aurora, Colorado, offers an Energy Efficiency associate’s degree program, which provides graduates Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certification. Starting in 2014, Ecotech Institute Energy Efficiency students will also be able to use a new on-site energy efficiency lab that will help prepare them for BPI certification. In addition to Energy Efficiency, Ecotech Institute currently offers the following seven associate degree programs:

* Solar Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science
*Wind Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science
* Renewable Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science
* Facility Management Technology, Associate of Applied Science
* Electrical Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science
* Power Utility Technician, Associate of Applied Science
* Business Administration – Sustainability, Associate of Applied Science

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Education

Ecotech Institute Named to the ‘Best for Vets 2014’ List

October 3, 2013 straightlinepr Leave a comment

Ecotech is Ranked 19th for its Military Veterans Services

Denver, CO, October 02, 2013 – The Military Times has named Ecotech Institute to its 2014 Best for Vets List. The list honors top military friendly schools doing the most for veterans. Ecotech, which is the only college entirely focused on renewable energy training, came in at 19th out of 38. About 80 schools in total applied for the honor. The Military Times ranks the schools based on what veterans have told them are important, such as university culture, student support, academic policies, academic quality and financial aid.

“At Ecotech Institute we are thankful for the sacrifices our military veterans have already made and we want to make their transition into their next career as smooth and enjoyable as possible,” said Chris Gorrie, Academic Dean at Ecotech Institute. “We strive to provide them the support they need to excel and it’s an honor to be recognized for our work with military veterans.”

Military veterans make up about 22 percent of Ecotech Institute’s student population. Ecotech received high marks from Military Times for many things, including:
* Accepting ACE credits
* Being at or below post-9/11 limits
* Academic support
* ACICS accreditation
* Low student-faculty ratio (14:1).

For a complete look at the rankings you can visit http://projects.militarytimes.com/best-for-veterans/colleges/career-technical-colleges/2014/.

Ecotech Institute, based in Aurora, Colo., now has more than 500 students who came to Ecotech Institute from across the country for practical training in the growing field of sustainability. Ecotech Institute currently offers the following eight associate degree programs:

* Solar Energy Technology
* Wind Energy Technology
* Facility Management Technology
* Energy Efficiency
* Renewable Energy Technology
* Electrical Energy Technology
* Power Utility Technician
* Business Administration – Sustainability.

For more information on Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com.

About Ecotech Institute:
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers six highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Education

Ecotech Institute’s Energy Efficiency Program Now Provides Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certification

September 25, 2013 straightlinepr Leave a comment

In 2014, Ecotech Institute will also add a new energy efficiency lab to help students prepare for certification

Denver, Colorado, September 24, 2013 – Ecotech Institute, the only college entirely focused on renewable energy training, now provides students in Ecotech Institute’s Energy Efficiency degree program the opportunity to earn Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certification. BPI sets the national standards for energy efficiency retrofits and professional credentials. Many state-run energy efficiency and weatherization programs require BPI certifications.

Interest in energy efficiency continues to grow in all sectors of the economy, as both homeowners and businesses look for ways to control rising energy costs.

“As more people seek ways to improve their energy efficiency, individuals with deep knowledge in renewable energy systems are becoming a valuable asset in businesses,” said Tiffany Burton, program director for Ecotech’s Energy Efficiency program. “Ecotech has asked employers what skills they desire in employees and we often hear that people with BPI Certification is key; that’s why our curriculum now includes that critical designation.”

Starting in 2014, Ecotech Institute Energy Efficiency students will also be able to use a new on-site energy efficiency lab that will help prepare students for BPI certification.

“Our new lab will once again set Ecotech apart from other institutions that don’t specialize in renewable energy and energy efficiency education,” added Burton. “Having this equipment on campus will be a terrific asset for our students.”

Facility Management is another program at Ecotech Institute where energy efficiency is becoming more important. Now, more than ever, the role of a facilities manager involves developing and implementing plans that incorporate energy efficiency into buildings, drastically changing how they are managed on a daily basis. People who work as facilities managers plan, manage and optimize critical facility operations and maintenance for a variety of buildings, grounds and equipment, and Ecotech Institute is educating future facilities managers on how to keep energy conservation top of mind.

According to Ecotech Institute’s Clean Jobs Index, in August 2013 there were more than 5,100 jobs posted in the U.S. related to facilities management energy efficiency. To see open positions in each state, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com/cleanjobsindex. A sample of possible facilities management jobs that graduates of this program could be qualified for include: energy manager, facilities manager, maintenance supervisor, grounds and plant manager. Energy efficiency jobs include work on building retrofits, home weatherization, lighting upgrades and grid infrastructure.

Ecotech Institute, based in Aurora, Colo., now has more than 500 students who came to Ecotech Institute from across the country for practical training in the growing field of sustainability. In addition to the Facility Management Technology and Energy Efficiency programs, Ecotech Institute currently offers the following six associate degree programs:

* Solar Energy Technology
* Wind Energy Technology
* Renewable Energy Technology
* Electrical Energy Technology
* Power Utility Technician
* Business Administration – Sustainability.

For more information on Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com.

About Ecotech Institute:
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers six highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
720-244-4268
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Education

Ecotech Institute’s First Free Online Course, “Introduction to Sustainability,” Receives Positive Student Feedback

August 20, 2013 straightlinepr Leave a comment

Course Provided New Ways of Looking at Sustainability to U.S. and International Students

Denver, Colorado, August 19, 2013 – Descriptions such as “inspiring” and “eye-opening” were included in student feedback from Ecotech Institute’s recent free online “Introduction to Sustainability” course.

Students came from “all walks of life and from around the globe,” according to Kyle Crider, Ecotech Institute’s Program Chair and Manager of Environmental Operations, who led the course. There was a diverse mix of men and women in the class, ranging in educational background from high school to Ph.D., about half of whom had never taken an online course before.

“Many participants were so engaged that they actually requested that the class continue beyond the ten weeks,” said Crider. The course was designed to help participants think critically about environmental sustainability and how it impacts people at all levels, from corporate behavior to personal lives.

The course was Ecotech Institute’s first “massive online open course” (MOOC) through the Canvas Network, a popular way for educational institutions to offer free courses to the public. Based in Aurora, Colorado, Ecotech Institute is the only college entirely focused on sustainability-related job training.

The course explored various definitions of sustainability used by governments, businesses and individuals to address environmental, societal and economic problems around the world. In addition, students learned ways to apply sustainable concepts in their own lives, including the capstone project of writing their own sustainability-focused mission, vision and goals.

Some of the feedback includes:

“I’ll always remember it as the course that gave me the push I needed in deciding to continue study in a master’s program in Sustainability.”

“I learned a lot, removed some general misconceptions about sustainability, and am truly inspired to continue learning and reading more about these topics. Plus, I am taking actions to change my personal habits.”

“It was a much needed eye opener and has inspired me to open a consulting business (which I did last week) and have a little fun helping people save themselves…well, from themselves!“

MOOC instructor Crider continued, “I was invigorated by the engagement and passion that came from the course attendees and we were able to explore a wide variety of critical topics together. The diverse student population supports the fact that regardless of our differences we all live on the same planet and collectively need to play our part.”

Due to the overwhelming positive feedback, Ecotech Institute plans to offer future MOOC courses. The school will provide updates on future courses through its Facebook page, which users can “like” to access. For more information on Ecotech Institute visit www.ecotechinstitute.com.

Bookmarking: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ecotech-institutes-first-free-online-131000093.html

LinkedIn:
Subject: “Introduction to Sustainability” Receives Positive Student Feedback
Body: Ecotech Institute’s first massive online open course (MOOC), “Introduction to Sustainability,” was designed to help participants think critically about environmental sustainability and how it impacts people at all levels, from corporate behavior to personal lives. After the 10-week course was completed, it received glowing feedback from participants. “Many participants were so engaged that they actually requested that the class continue beyond the ten weeks,” said Kyle Crider, program chair and manager of environmental operations for Ecotech and who led the course.

Ecotech plans to offer future MOOC courses and provide updates on future courses through its Facebook page, which users can “like” to access. For more information on Ecotech Institute visit www.ecotechinstitute.com.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Education

Ecotech Institute’s Clean Jobs Index Shows the U.S. Had Nearly 750,000 Clean Job Openings in First Quarter of 2013

May 10, 2013 straightlinepr Leave a comment

National Findings include Growth in the Solar Industry, along with an Increase in Alternative Fueling Stations and LEED Certifications.

Denver, Colorado, May 10, 2013 – Ecotech Institute today released new data from its Clean Jobs Index, which aggregates all the available clean jobs in the U.S. The Index found that there were 749,197 clean jobs posted across the United States between January 1, 2013 and March 31, 2013. The Index breaks down clean jobs by state with links to local listings, helping to fill the data gap left by the U.S. government when it recently stopped tracking green jobs due to budget cuts.

Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on training students for solar, wind and renewable energy jobs, launched the Clean Jobs Index in January 2013, although it can pull data for all of 2012. In addition to providing objective information on jobs, the Clean Jobs Index also aggregates data on a variety of sustainability factors in all 50 states, including alternative fueling stations, LEED projects, total energy consumption, energy efficiency, green pricing, net metering and state incentives.

One area that is illustrating tremendous growth is the solar industry. In Q1 2013, the Clean Jobs Index listed more than 8,000 solar jobs with titles such as solar sales representatives, installers, solar panel manufacturers and project managers.

Highlights from the Clean Jobs Index, Q1 2013:

Number of Clean Jobs Posted in the U.S. in Q1 2013: 749,197

States with the Biggest Gains in Clean Jobs Postings from Q4 2012 to Q1 2013: Alabama, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, Vermont, West Virginia

Number of Available Alternative Fueling Stations Nationwide: 23,575, up seven percent from Q4 2012

States with the Most Alternative Fueling Stations: California, Florida, Michigan, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Washington

National Number of Electric Car Chargers: 16,256, up by 1,274 from Q4 2012

States with the Most Incentives for Sustainability and Renewables: California, Oregon, Minnesota, Texas, Washington

States with the Most Growth in Available Incentives from Q4 2012 to Q1 2013: Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Oregon

New Building Space LEED Certified Within Q1 2013: 110,000,000 square feet nationally, up five percent from the previous quarter

“The Clean Jobs Index shows that there is tremendous job growth in the cleantech sector and signs of positive momentum on the state level for environmental factors that can affect us all,” said Kyle Crider, Ecotech Institute’s Program Chair and Manager of Environmental Operations. “When we see increases in LEED certification, we know businesses are making sustainable decisions; when we see an increase in alternative fueling stations, we know people are driving demand for greener forms of transportation. These are powerful indicators.”

Ecotech Institute regularly gathers data for the Clean Jobs Index from a variety of independent research entities that develop and regularly publish cleantech information. Sources include a variety of government agencies, nonprofit organizations and businesses, including: U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Green Building Council, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency.

To learn more about the Clean Jobs Index, visit http://www.ecotechinstitute.com/cleanjobsindex; to learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com. To take a free online “Introduction to Sustainability” course taught by Ecotech Institute’s Kyle Crider, sign up today.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Education

Ecotech Institute’s Power Utility Technician Program Addresses Growing Need for Talent in the Sector

April 30, 2013 straightlinepr Leave a comment

More than 10,200 Power Utility Jobs were Available in the Last Year; Industry Insiders See Looming Talent Gap

Denver, Colorado, April 29, 2013 – The Power Utility industry is experiencing a massive demographic shift and employees who know both conventional grid and smart grid technology are in demand. With a growing number of retirees and new technologies cropping up, a new generation of power utility technicians is critical for the industry. Ecotech Institute, which focuses entirely on preparing students for jobs in sustainability, has been closely watching the rapidly changing sector and its Power Utility Technician program exists to fill the gap.

Ecotech Institute designed its Power Utility Technician program with input from subject matter experts who have more than 55 years of combined utility experience and know first-hand where the industry is headed. The two-year program prepares graduates for careers in power generation, with specialization in power plant operations and maintenance. Students receive immersive and hands-on training that focuses on electric utility distribution systems, grid and smart grid.

A few job titles that correlate with the Power Utility Technician program include Systems Operator, Power Plant Operator, Hydroelectric-Station Operator and Turbine Operator. According to Ecotech Institute’s Clean Jobs Index, there were 10,265 jobs advertised in the last year (March 2012 to March 2013) that match the skills taught in Ecotech’s Power Utility Technician program.

“The power utility workforce is facing changes as many utility workers are retiring and new talent is becoming vital,” says Alden Zeitz, Manager of Renewable Energy Services with Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative. “A new generation of power utility specialists that understands the grid but also grasps the concepts and application of new energy sources is critical.”

Upon successful completion of the Power Utility Technician program, graduates will be prepared to:

* Apply the fundamentals of power generation, so they can operate and maintain power plants;

* Use their knowledge of high voltage systems to maintain and operate grid infrastructure, smart grids, and distribution systems;

* Use the fundamentals of electrical theory and related knowledge to design, build, repair, calibrate and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls and machinery;

* Meet industry standards within the electrical engineering, power production and distribution fields.

In addition to the Power Utility program, Ecotech Institute offers the following:

* Solar Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Wind Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Renewable Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Energy Efficiency Program, Associate of Applied Science

* Electrical Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Business Administration – Sustainability, Associate of Applied Science

About Ecotech Institute
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers six highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, Colo 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Education

Ecotech Institute Offers its First Free Online Course: “Introduction to Sustainability”

April 17, 2013 straightlinepr Leave a comment

Ten-Week Course Offers Education on a Wide Variety of Sustainable Topics

Denver, Colorado, April 17, 2013 – Anyone around the world who has an interest in sustainability can now access some of the specialized education offered by Ecotech Institute – online and free. Ecotech Institute, the only college entirely focused on sustainability-related job training, is now accepting registrations for its “Introduction to Sustainability” course. This is Ecotech’s first “massive online open course” (MOOC) through the Canvas Network, a popular way for highly esteemed educational institutions to offer free courses to the public. Kyle Crider, Ecotech Institute’s Program Chair and Manager of Environmental Operations will teach the class, beginning on May 6.

The ten-week course will explore various definitions of sustainability used by governments, businesses and individuals to address environmental, societal and economic problems around the world. In addition, students will learn ways to apply sustainable concepts in their own lives.

The dynamic course will cover a broad spectrum of topics including, but not limited to, understanding environmental impacts (climate change, greenhouse gases, depleting resources), social consequences (impact of decisions on health, poverty, income distribution) and financial opportunities (emerging industries, job creation).

“This exciting course is a hybrid of many topics that all relate to our planet, offering students a deep dive into history, biology, sociology, business and much more,” says Crider. “We are excited to extend our reach to people beyond the campus, offering insight into how much sustainability affects every person on the planet every single day.”

Upon completion of the course, students should also better understand:

* Triple Bottom Line (people, planet, profit, or Three Pillars);

* Thermodynamics;

* Fossil fuels;

* The balance and relationship between air, land, water resources and techniques for protecting and/or enhancing each;

* Human impact on biodiversity and the planet;

* Core concepts of green building rating systems;

* The possibilities of solar and wind power to meet future energy needs, as well as natural gas, nuclear power, and biofuels.

Each weekly topic will include a multimedia introduction/overview, short supplemental reading assignments and optional, more in-depth materials for those who want to enhance their knowledge in specific areas. Students will take multiple-choice quizzes and develop a personal sustainability vision, mission and goals. Students are also encouraged to network and collaborate with each other through discussion forums and Q&A sessions.

Space is limited so sign up today for the Introduction to Sustainability online course.

About Ecotech Institute
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers six highly renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, Colo., 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Education

Ecotech Institute Announces New Facility Management Program

April 4, 2013 straightlinepr Leave a comment

New Offering Complements the School’s Solar Energy Training, Wind Turbine Training and Other Renewable Energy Programs

Denver, Colorado, April 03, 2013 – Ecotech Institute, the only college entirely focused on renewable energy training, has expanded its program offerings and is now taking applications for its Facility Management Technology degree program. It’s the newest of the eight different programs focused on training students for jobs in sustainability. This associate’s degree program will prepare students for careers in the field of facility management, focusing on the operation, maintenance, analysis, auditing and cost of energy management systems. Students will receive instruction that is designed to prepare them to analyze, operate, and maintain mechanical and electrical systems.

According to Ecotech’s Clean Jobs Index, in February there were almost 20,000 jobs posted in the U.S. related to facilities management. To see applicable positions in each state, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com/cleanjobsindex. A sample of possible facilities management jobs that graduates of this program could be qualified for include: Energy Manager, Facilities Manager, Maintenance Supervisor, Grounds and Plant Manager and many more.

Ecotech Institute’s Facility Management Technology program was developed in coordination with the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA), the world’s largest and most widely recognized association for professional facility managers. IFMA’s more than 19,000 members manage more than 37 billion square feet of property worldwide.

“Facility managers play a critical role in understanding and changing the sustainable nature of our buildings,” says Michael Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “Our graduates will be able to marry the operations of facilities management with the fundamentals of sustainability, making them unique and forward-thinking employees.”

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates should be able to:

* Operate facility systems in a reliable manner

* Manage a facility system budget

* Make data-based analysis of energy utilization patterns for commercial buildings

* Recognize and correct inefficient building energy system interactions

* Use appropriate software to obtain information necessary to maintain and optimize building operations

* Recommend facility improvement plans

* Apply safety principles to facility management

* Prepare and present technical and project reports

* Communicate facility issues effectively at all levels.

Ecotech Institute, based in Aurora, Colorado, now has more than 520 students who came to Ecotech from across the country for hands-on training in the growing field of sustainability. In addition to Facility Management Technology, Ecotech currently offers the following degree programs:

* Solar Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Wind Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Renewable Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Energy Efficiency Program, Associate of Applied Science

* Electrical Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Power Utility Technician, Associate of Applied Science

* Business Administration – Sustainability, Associate of Applied Science

About Ecotech Institute:
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers six highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com