Tag Archives: Renewable Energy

Rosendin Electric Consolidates Renewable Energy Divisions

April 29, 2015 staronepr Leave a comment

Leading Commercial Electrical Contractor Consolidates Wind, Solar, and Battery Storage into Group Headquartered in Southern California.

Los Angeles, CA, USA (April 29, 2015) — Rosendin Electric, one of the nation’s largest private electrical contractors and an employee-owned company, announced the consolidation of its Renewable Energy Divisions in its Southern California office. Dedicated to the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of renewable energy projects, the newly formed Rosendin Electric Renewable Energy Group bridges the company’s Solar Power and Wind Energy Divisions, and adds battery storage and sustainable power to support the emerging microgrid market.

Rosendin Electric’s Renewable Energy Divisions will continue to bid on alternative energy projects that take advantage of the company’s expertise in solar and wind power construction. It also allows the company to develop new strategies to service customers looking for backup power and alternative energy solutions. For example, there is a growing demand for microgrids to service rural areas and island communities with more sustainable, cost-effective power. Rosendin Electric has been expanding its market reach into areas such as Puerto Rico where microgrids designed using a combination of solar arrays, wind power, natural gas generators, and energy storage offer an attractive alternative power solution.

“Demand for renewable energy solutions is on the rise, and by bringing together our Solar, Wind, and Power Storage specialties under one umbrella, we can develop new, hybrid sustainable solutions that take advantage of the best resources available,” said Jon “Woody” Woodworth, Senior Vice President for Rosendin Electric. “Rosendin Electric is in a unique position to pioneer new renewable energy solutions because of our depth of knowledge and experience in both solar and wind power.”

Woodworth will head up the new Renewable Energy Group. David Lincoln will continue his role as Director of Solar Operations and Nate Williams will remain Division Manager for Wind Power. Duncan Frederick remains in his position as Director of Marketing, Energy Services, overseeing business development for the company’s Caribbean and Latin American markets while also driving Rosendin Electric’s distributed generation integrated energy solutions initiative. Glenn Patterson will be relocating from Rosendin Electric’s Oregon regional office as Preconstruction Manager for Energy Storage. The Rosendin Electric Renewable Energy Group will have its headquarters in Rosendin Electric’s regional office in La Palma, California.

Rosendin Electric has been providing wind power services for more than a decade and has installed over 10,000 megawatts (MW) of clean wind energy throughout the United States. The company added solar power EPC services seven years ago and has installed arrays generating more than 1,240 MW of clean power throughout the country, including Puerto Rico. The Renewable Energy Group has a joint comprehensive portfolio of construction services, including design-build, substation and switchyard installation, vertical tower wiring, overhead collection systems and transmission lines, underground collection systems, and substation design and communications integration.

About Rosendin Electric
Rosendin Electric, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, California, is an employee-owned electrical engineering, power, and communications provider and is one of the largest privately held electrical contractors in the United States. With over 3,000 employees and experience worldwide, Rosendin Electric has built upon a 95-year reputation for quality design and installations. For additional information, visit http://www.rosendin.com.

Contact:
Shelly Sever
Marketing Manager
Rosendin Electric
(408) 534-2819
ssever@rosendin.com
http://www.rosendin.com

Education

Ecotech Institute’s Clean Jobs Index Shows a 19 Percent Increase in Clean Jobs in 2013

March 7, 2014 straightlinepr Leave a comment

National study shows more than 3.5 million clean jobs available in 2013, with a 57 percent increase in solar jobs

Denver, CO, March 07, 2014 – Ecotech Institute’s Clean Jobs Index, a tool to compare states’ use and development of clean and sustainable energy, found more than 3.5 million job postings in the clean energy sector last year. This is a 19 percent increase from 2012. The Clean Jobs Index classifies clean energy jobs based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics description, which says that a clean job is part of a business that benefits the environment or conserves natural resources.

Ecotech Institute, the only college entirely focused on renewable energy and sustainability training, created the Clean Jobs Index to provide objective job information about the renewable energy industry. The Index also looks at various sustainability factors such as alternative fueling stations, LEED projects and total energy consumption across the U.S.

Highlights from the Clean Jobs Index 2013

Number of U.S. Clean Jobs Postings in 2013:
3,599,022 (a 19 percent increase from 2012)

Large Growth in Clean Jobs (compared to 2012 clean jobs postings)
Solar Jobs – up 57 percent
Wind Jobs – up 20 percent
Renewable Energy Jobs – up 9.3 percent

Clean Jobs by Population (Jobs per 100,000 residents)
1. North Dakota – 2,554
2. Iowa – 1,811
3. Massachusetts – 1,768
4. Delaware – 1,700
5. Alaska – 1,644
6. Minnesota – 1,557
7. Maine – 1,549
8. Nebraska – 1,510
9. Washington – 1,461
10. Kansas – 1,456

Clean Jobs by State
1. California – 276,493
2. Texas – 268,349
3. New York – 190,964
4. Illinois – 168,998
5. Michigan – 143,319
6. Ohio – 129,447
7. Pennsylvania – 126,012
8. Massachusetts – 115,748
9. Florida – 115,066
10. Washington – 98,252

States With the Most Incentives for Sustainability and Renewables (in no particular order):
Minnesota
California
Oregon
Washington
Texas
Indiana
Colorado
Florida
New York
Iowa

“Renewable energy is the future and this data proves that more than ever,” said Kyle Crider, Ecotech Institute’s Program Chair and Manager of Environmental Operations. “With solar jobs up 54 percent and clean tech jobs up overall nearly 20 percent, it’s definitely an exciting time in the sustainable energy industry.”

Ecotech Institute’s Clean Jobs Index is an aggregation of statistics by state. Although it may indicate a greater possibility for employment in the clean economy sector, the Clean Jobs Index in no way indicates the presence or the promise of any specific job opportunities. Data for the Index is gathered regularly from independent research entities including: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Green Building Council.

To learn more about the Clean Jobs Index, please visit http://www.ecotechinstitute.com/cleanjobsindex. To learn more about Ecotech Institute, go to http://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 www.ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
CSG PR
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 More Than One Million Clean Energy Jobs Exist

November 22, 2013 straightlinepr Leave a comment

National study, from the third quarter of 2013, also notes an increase in alternative fueling stations and ranks the top states in energy efficiency

Denver, Colo, November 21, 2013 – Ecotech Institute’s Clean Jobs Index, a tool to compare states’ use and development of clean energy, found more than one million job postings in the clean energy sector from July 1, 2013, through September 30, 2013. This shows a 54 percent increase in needed clean energy employees, evidence that the sector is rapidly growing and in need of experts.

Ecotech Institute, the first and only school dedicated to educating students solely in clean energy fields such as solar, wind and renewable energy, launched the Clean Jobs Index in January 2013 to provide objective job information about the clean tech industry. The Index also looks at various sustainability factors such as alternative fueling stations, LEED projects and total energy consumption in all 50 states. The Clean Jobs Index defines a clean tech job as one where workers make their business more environmentally friendly, use fewer natural resources or produce goods or provide services that benefit the environment.

To complement the increase in these clean energy job opportunities, 1,543 new alternative fueling stations opened across the United States since the second quarter 2013. Between the months of July and September, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Tennessee had the most alternative fueling stations per capita.

Highlights from the Clean Jobs Index, Q3 2013

Number of U.S. Clean Jobs Postings:
1,099,734 (a 54 percent increase from Q2 2013)

New Alternative Fueling Stations (Since Q2 2013):
1,543

States With the Most Alternative Fueling Stations (Per Capita):
Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Tennessee

In Q3, Ohio Moved From 24th in Energy Efficiency to 2nd in the Nation

The Most Energy Efficient States (in no particular order):
California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island*, Vermont and Washington

States With the Most Incentives for Sustainability and Renewables (in no particular order):
California, Texas, Minnesota, Washington and Oregon

*(Rhode Island added more incentives and rebates than any other state in Q3.)

“This data shows a long-awaited boom in the clean tech industry, from the increases in alternative fueling options to a massive amount of clean job opportunities,” said Kyle Crider, Ecotech Institute’s Program Chair and Manager of Environmental Operations. “States now offer more sustainability and renewable incentives than we’ve ever seen before, which proves that they’re taking the power of the industry seriously. In the state of the current economy, over 1 million job opportunities is a truly incredible statistic. We’re proud that Ecotech is the only higher education institution out there devoted entirely to helping students become successful professionals in this rapidly expanding sector.”

Ecotech Institute’s Clean Jobs Index is an aggregation of statistics by state, developed on a number of factors. LEED projects, energy efficiency, green pricing, net metering, total energy consumption and alternative fueling stations are all considered when ranking states. Higher index numbers suggest a state’s propensity to embrace renewable energy and energy efficiency. It may also indicate a greater possibility for employment in that local clean economy sector, though the Clean Jobs Index in no way indicates the presence or the promise of any specific job opportunities. Data is gathered regularly from independent research entities including: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Green Building Council.

To learn more about the Clean Jobs Index, please visit www.ecotechinstitute.com/cleanjobsindex. To learn more about Ecotech Institute, go to www.ecotechinstitute.com.

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

Education

Ecotech Institute Webinar Series Debuts on Tuesday, July 16 With “Bringing the Ecotech Lifestyle to Life”

July 2, 2013 straightlinepr Leave a comment

Thought Provoking, 30-Minute Webinar Will Focus on Actionable Ways to Live Sustainably

Denver, Colorado, July 01, 2013 – On Tuesday, July 16, Ecotech Institute will launch a webinar series that explores many facets of green living, including careers, lifestyle choices and a deep dive into solar careers. The first webinar, “Bringing the Ecotech Lifestyle to Life”, will discuss the overall concept of sustainable living and encourage participants to define their own personal sustainability-focused mission, vision and goals. After a fast-paced 30 minutes, attendees will leave with new considerations and approaches on how to live a sustainable lifestyle.

“This lunchtime webinar is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to explore how to live more sustainably through easy and actionable steps,” says Kyle Crider, Ecotech Institute’s Manager of Environmental Operations. “Everyone can do something to make a positive impact on the planet – and we are here to be a catalyst for positive change.”

Webinar Topic:
“Bringing the Ecotech Lifestyle to Life”

Date:
Tuesday, July 16, 2013

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

Speaker:
Kyle Crider, Manager of Environmental Operations at Ecotech Institute. He 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.

Upcoming Webinars – Dates to be announced:
What Are Renewable Energy Jobs?
The World of Solar Energy Jobs
Time Management: Finding Life Balance While in School

Ecotech Institute, based in Aurora, Colorado, is the only college entirely focused on training people for jobs in sustainability. Ecotech currently offers the following renewable energy 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, 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

Consumer Services, Education, Energy, Environment, Home & Garden, Industrial, Society, Technology

Renewable Home Energy.org Educates and Connects

June 10, 2013 EPR Network Leave a comment

Renewable energy – if you haven’t noticed, it’s the buzz around the world. We are using an alarming amount of fossil fuels every day; fossil fuels that won’t last forever. Some experts say we will be known as the generation that destroys the earth unless we change our energy behavior now.

“Renewable Energy makes sense from both a financial and a green responsibility” says Todd Sachs, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of www.renewablehomeenergy.org.

“We are committed in educating consumers on how to turn their homes into Renewable Energy Homes. We help by connecting consumers with qualified installers throughout the United States so they can save money on their fast rising energy bills, create more value in their home investment, and join together in reducing dependency on fossil fuels; together reducing the carbon footprint.” Sachs says.

A recent press release from the whitehouse.gov states the following:
“President Obama is committed to an “all-of-the-above” approach that develops all American energy sources in a safe and responsible way and builds a clean and secure energy future. That’s why the President’s plan:

Challenges Americans to double renewable electricity generation again by 2020. In order to double generation from wind, solar, and geothermal sources by 2020, relative to 2012 levels, the President called on Congress to make the renewable energy Production Tax Credit permanent and refundable, which will provide incentive and certainty for investments in new clean energy. Instead of continuing century-old subsidies to oil companies, the President believes that we need to invest in the energy of the future. During the President’s first term, clean energy tax incentives attracted billions of dollars in private investment in almost 50,000 clean energy projects, creating tens of thousands of jobs. Permanent extension keeps the momentum building, while creating new jobs in clean energy.”

Once Americans realize just how possible it is to remove their home from the grid completely and/or partially, many will turn to clean energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal for home energy systems. Renewable Home Energy (www.renewablehomeenergy.org) just launched last week and is serving-up a great way to connect homeowners with qualified renewable energy installers throughout the entire United States.

Renewable Home Energy is committed to working with local governments, manufactures and installers to help develop affordable ways for consumers to save money with Renewable Energy to remove them from the grid and reduce the carbon footprint by reducing the usage of the finite fossil fuels.

The process is easy. Just click on www.renewablehomeenergy.org and learn about Renewable Energy for your home. You can also complete a form to connect with a Renewable Energy Installer. You will be contacted by qualified installers in your immediate area. They will review your current energy consumption and suggest the best Renewable Energy alternatives for your home.

There are great tax incentives for you to install renewable energy in your home, and great finance options with 4% or less interest rates for up to 10 year terms for qualified buyers.

Press Contact:
Todd Sachs – Co-Founder & CMO tsachs@renewablehomeenergy.org

Renewable Home Energy
Hunt Valley, MD 21030

http://www.renewablehomeenergy.org

Business

Ecotech Institute Debuts First-of-its-Kind “Clean Jobs Index”

January 24, 2013 straightlinepr Leave a comment

National Index shows where to find clean jobs and compares state sustainability initiatives

Denver, Colorado, January 23, 2013 — After nearly a year of research, Ecotech Institute today revealed the first-ever “Clean Jobs Index”, which aggregates all the available clean jobs in the U.S. The Index found that there were more than three million clean jobs available across the United States (3,014,785) in 2012. The Index breaks down clean jobs by state, with links to local jobs listings. In addition to providing objective information on jobs, the Index also looks at a variety of sustainability factors that affect citizens’ lifestyles, including alternative fueling stations, LEED projects, total energy consumption, energy efficiency, green pricing, net metering and state incentives.

Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on training students for renewable energy jobs, initiated and produced the Clean Jobs Index using a wide variety of external resources. Ecotech will update the sustainability factors of the Index data on a quarterly and annual basis (depending on when new data is released) and monthly as new jobs are posted for hiring.

To determine what jobs are deemed clean jobs, Ecotech used the “green jobs” definition from the U.S. Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which states that green jobs are either: (1) Jobs in businesses that produce goods or provide services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources, or (2) jobs in which workers’ duties involve making their establishment’s production processes more environmentally friendly or use fewer natural resources (http://www.bls.gov/green/). Ecotech then took this definition and used data from Burning Glass International, whose patented job aggregation technology searches for job listings from more than 17,000 sources, to create the Clean Jobs Index list of available positions.

“The Clean Jobs Index addresses the prevalence of clean jobs and takes a unique ranking approach to hot topics in the world of sustainability,” says Colin Coyne, Managing Principal, The Coyne Group and LEED 2.0 Accredited Professional. “This tool is able to aggregate important factors that affect job potential, businesses, livability, politics and much more by using a methodology that is 100 percent objective and an interface that is clean, concise and practical.”

Highlights from the Clean Jobs Index as of January 15, 2013 include:

Number of Clean Jobs in the U.S.: 3,014,785

Oregon is the number one state for the entire Clean Jobs Index, taking all factors into account. (See how other states rank at www.ecotechinstitute.com/cleanjobsindex).

Alaska is number one for clean jobs per 100,000 residents.

Idaho generates the highest percentage of energy by renewables at 85 percent.

Minnesota is number one for renewable energy and efficiency state incentives.

California ranks lowest in energy usage per 100,000 residents.

Massachusetts ranks highest for energy efficiency.

Maryland has the highest number of LEED projects per capita.

Hawaii has the highest number of customers on net metering energy per capita.

Ecotech Institute gathered data 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.

“We are very proud to introduce the Clean Jobs Index to the world. Its aggregate data offers incredible insight into how each state is performing in areas of tremendous importance,” says Kyle Crider, Ecotech Institute’s director of sustainability. “The possibilities for the Index’s use are infinite. We recommend that state leaders reference the data when policy is initiated, when companies are looking to build or improve operations, and especially when people are looking for jobs.”

To learn more about the Clean Jobs Index, visit http://www.ecotechinstitute.com/cleanjobsindex/ and to learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
303.433.7020 (o) or 720.244.4268 (c)
jfoust@csg-pr.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. 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

Energy

Ecotech’s “Women in Renewable Energy” Club Mirrors Dept of Labor Push to Get Women into Green Jobs

March 6, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

“Why Green Is Your Color: A Woman’s Guide to a Sustainable Career” Offers Insights for Exploring a Green Career Path

Denver, CO, March 06, 2012 – Historically men have dominated green jobs, yet a new report is trying to shift the tides. The report recently released by the Department of Labor, “Why Green Is Your Color: A Woman’s Guide to a Sustainable Career,” highlights the fact that green jobs tend to be dominated by men, yet opportunities abound for women as well. It has been noticed as well by Ecotech Institute, the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability. In fact, the school held its first “Women in Renewable Energy” (WIRE) meeting on February 16 to bring together women at the campus to share ideas, help each other with classwork and empower one another as they embark on a green career.

Ecotech is seeing increasingly more women interested in the green revolution and it is a trend the Labor Department wants to see continue. The Labor Department states that according to The National Center for O*NET Development, several green occupations are “Bright Outlook” occupations, meaning they are expected to grow rapidly from 2008 – 2018, with a combined increase of 100,000 or more job openings. Some jobs designated as “Bright Outlook” are wind turbine service technicians, solar photovoltaic installers and recycling coordinators.

The impetus for the report was in support of Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis’s vision of “Good Jobs for Everyone.” The downloadable green jobs guide is designed to help women learn about the opportunities available in the renewable energy space, which they may not have previously considered. According to the report synopsis, “The guide was created to help women at all stages of their careers — whether they are newly entering the workforce, transitioning to new careers, or returning to the workforce — identify and take advantage of opportunities in the clean energy economy.”

“We are focused on making Ecotech a welcoming environment for women because we know they have a lot to offer in current and emerging green careers,” said Susan Pawlak, Ecotech’s Director of Career Services. “Our Women in Renewable Energy Club is just one way that Ecotech encourages women to make a mark in wind, solar, renewable energy and other industries alongside their male colleagues.”

The club held elections on February 23 and the new leaders are tasked with growing the club’s membership and educating more women about careers in sustainability. Tiffany Burton, an Electrical Engineering Technology instructor, is the academic advisor; Suzanne Colton, Senior Recruiter for NextEra Energy Resources is the industry advisor; and Susan Pawlak, Ecotech’s Director of Career Services, is a general advisor.

Ecotech’s curriculum is built to address both job-specific technical training and soft skills (e.g. communication, work ethic and teamwork), which employers demand, through comprehensive coursework and state-of-the-art labs. The Labor Department report parallels Ecotech’s vision for job training and is chock-full of applicable information that defines what a green career really is, explains why there is a growing need for trained professionals, and outlines what training is necessary.

“We have dynamic, driven women in both leadership and student roles at Ecotech and they send an important message of encouragement that females have a promising future in renewable careers,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute.

To read the full “Why Green Is Your Color: A Woman’s Guide to a Sustainable Career” report click here: http://www.dol.gov/wb/Green_Jobs_Guide/GreenJobs%20Ch%201.pdf.

Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers seven highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us online at www.ecotechinstitute.com/or call 877-326-5576. The next round of classes begins in April and applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

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. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, the college offers seven associate’s degrees and a certificate program designed by experts in the industry for people seeking careers in the emerging cleantech economy. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com.

About Education Corporation of America
Education Corporation of America is a leader in the post-secondary career school market with current enrollment of almost 20,000 students. The ECA website is ecacolleges.com. In addition to Ecotech Institute, ECA schools include Virginia College, founded in 1983, a private institution of higher education that offers non-degree and associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the areas of Health and Medical, Business, Information Technology, Interior Design, Computer Design, Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, Nursing and more in eighteen different cities. Virginia College campuses are located in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama; Jacksonville and Pensacola, Florida; Augusta, Columbus, Macon and Savannah, Georgia; Biloxi and Jackson, Mississippi; Charleston, Spartanburg, Columbia, and Greenville, South Carolina; Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tennessee; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Richmond, Virginia; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Austin, Texas. The Virginia College website is vc.edu. Virginia College also offers classes worldwide via the Internet, with student services and admissions facilities in Birmingham, Alabama, and Tampa, Florida, and a Military Student Center also in Tampa. Information about online classes at Virginia College is available at www.vconline.edu. Additionally, ECA operates Culinard, the Culinary Institute of Virginia College, with locations in Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama; Richmond, Virginia; Savannah, Georgia; and Jacksonville, Florida. The website is www.culinard.com. ECA also operates Golf Academy of America, with locations in Phoenix, Arizona; San Diego, California; Dallas, Texas; Orlando, Florida; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Golf Academy website is golfacademy.edu.

Contact:
Alicia Hassinger or Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303.433.7020
ahassinger@csg-pr.com or jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Technology

Ecotech Institute’s Student Population Grows Nearly 400 Percent in One Year

January 26, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

With jobs in renewable energy and sustainability on the rise, students from across the country are coming to Ecotech to gain hands-on training

Denver, CO, January 25, 2012 – Ecotech Institute, the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, announced today that its January quarter kicked off with 100 new students, the largest start to date. With total current enrollment at 473 students, Ecotech witnessed a student population increase of almost 400 percent in just one year.

Ecotech Institute started classes in a temporary facility in June 2010 as it completed an overhaul of an existing vacant building. In January 2011, Ecotech’s 119 students began attending school in its LEED gold-certified campus in Aurora, Colorado. Since then, the facility’s offerings, faculty and student enrollment have continually experienced growth and improvement.

This June, the first graduating class of 39 students is expected to receive their degrees and in December 2012, another 50 students are expected to graduate. Of these students, the most popular degrees include Wind Energy Technology, Renewable Energy Technology and Electrical Engineering Technology.

“We knew we had something special when Ecotech opened its doors, and it’s inspiring to see increasingly more students come from across the country to pursue a degree that can truly make a difference in the world,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “With our first group of graduates in June, we can’t wait to see where they go and to hear their stories of success. This is definitely going to be a big year for us.”

Today, 90 percent of Ecotech’s students are men and 77 percent of the students are from Colorado. However, every day more and more students are moving from other states to pursue a degree at Ecotech, with students from 37 states and Puerto Rico currently represented. The top states from which Ecotech students have relocated include California, New Jersey, Wyoming, Illinois and Texas.

With the growth in students comes a growth in faculty as well. When Ecotech first opened, the school had one program director and two instructors. Ecotech now has three program directors and 24 instructors who teach in 11 hands-on learning labs. Ecotech’s holistic teaching approach gives students a chance to learn first-hand about the technology they will use in the field of their future career. At Ecotech, students also learn soft skills (communication, workplace etiquette), math and science basics and technology skills.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us online at www.ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576. The next round of classes begins in April and applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

Contact:
Alicia Hassinger or Jenny Foust
CSG|PR
303.433.7020
ahassinger@csg-pr.com or jfoust@csg-pr.com

About Education Corporation of America
Education Corporation of America is a leader in the post-secondary career school market with current enrollment of almost 20,000 students. The ECA website is www.ecacolleges.com. In addition to Ecotech Institute, ECA schools include Virginia College, founded in 1983, a private institution of higher education that offers non-degree and associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the areas of Health and Medical, Business, Information Technology, Interior Design, Computer Design, Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, Nursing and more in eighteen different cities. Virginia College campuses are located in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama; Jacksonville and Pensacola, Florida; Augusta, Columbus, Macon and Savannah, Georgia; Biloxi and Jackson, Mississippi; Charleston, Spartanburg, Columbia, and Greenville, South Carolina; Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tennessee; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Richmond, Virginia; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Austin, Texas. The Virginia College website is www.vc.edu. Virginia College also offers classes worldwide via the Internet, with student services and admissions facilities in Birmingham, Alabama, and Tampa, Florida, and a Military Student Center also in Tampa. Information about online classes at Virginia College is available at www.vconline.edu. Additionally, ECA operates Culinard, the Culinary Institute of Virginia College, with locations in Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama; Richmond, Virginia; Savannah, Georgia; and Jacksonville, Florida. The website is www.culinard.com. ECA also operates Golf Academy of America, with locations in Phoenix, Arizona; San Diego, California; Dallas, Texas; Orlando, Florida; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Golf Academy website is www.golfacademy.edu.

Contact:
Alicia Hassinger
CSG|PR
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
ahassinger@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Business, Electronics, Energy, Environment, Society, Technology

How One Dollar Lights Up Africa – The success of the WakaWaka Solar Lamp

December 7, 2011 EPR Network Leave a comment

In the beginning there was light for all – and a little later there was electric light for, well, only some of us: 1.5 billion people still live in darkness. Dutch startup Off-Grid Solutions makes an end to developing countries’ killing kerosene dependency. They want their high-tech, low-cost WakaWaka solar LED lamp to light up Africa ‘like a Christmas tree’.

Via Kickstarter.com, the general public is now enthusiastically pre-ordering WakaWaka´s for 35 dollars each. The minimal support to contribute to their mission is one dollar. Thanks to this innovative way of crowdfunding, WakaWaka grows at the speed of light .And with it, the dream of providing all Africans with a sustainable light solution becomes more real by the minute.

1.5 billion people live off-grid. They depend on kerosene fuel for their basic lighting needs. Annually millions of children suffer severe burns from accidents with kerosene lamps. The toxic fumes cause even more health problems. World Bank reports that each day 780 million women and children inhale the equivalent of two packs of cigarettes as a result of indoor air pollution.

Fuels for lighting take up to 20% of income of people who try to survive on less than $2 a day. This way, the poor stay poor. But there is light at the end of the tunnel: WakaWaka solar LED light.

The WakaWaka (‘Shine Bright’ in Swahili) solar lamp uses the latest in patented solar technology developed by Intivation, allowing for superior charging in any weather conditions.

Each day of free solar charging gives 16 hours of decent reading light. It has different light intensities and fits on a bottle, stimulating recycling and opening up opportunities for joint promotions. Innovative distribution methods will reach even the most remote rural areas. Various accessories (cell phone chargers, radios, etc.) are already in development, which will further enhance livelihood and help people get out of poverty.

Co-founder Camille van Gestel: ‘I genuinely believe that if you can make a difference, you must. I have never done anything with so much passion. The support and inquiries we are receiving for WakaWaka from all over the world are as stimulating as they are heartwarming. We are doing the right thing.’

Let’s hope this new bright light spreads fast, for all and everybody. LED there be light.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/229055906/wakawaka-is-the-coolest-solar-led-light

http://www.wakawakalight.com

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About Off-Grid Solutions
Founded in 2011 by 4 partners: sustainable entrepreneur, inspirator and guru Maurits Groen, hands-on change maker and entrepreneur Camille van Gestel, carbon emissions consultants Do-Inc, experts emerging markets and finally Paul Naastepad seasoned executive in clean tech industry.

Energy

Boots On The Roof Solar Training – The Launch Pad For Individuals Seeking A Career In The Solar Energy Industry

March 13, 2011 solartg546 Leave a comment

March 2011 – Boots on the Roof Training Programs Help Solar Energy Adepts to Pursue Successful Careers in the Solar Energy Industry

The Solar Energy industry currently abounds with opportunity and the prospects for a stable and rewarding career in the field are exceptional. However, despite the clear interest for Solar Energy technologies registered in the market, the solar industry is unprepared for a large jump in solar production demand. Moreover, the gap in supply and demand for the solar labor market is still quite large, which hinders the progress of solar energy adepts towards their desired careers.

In response to this problem, the Boots on the Roof school encourages people to attend their specialized programs, offering them access to the hands-on solar education and training they need to pursue a career in the Solar Energy industry. Numbering among the pioneers and fervent promoters of alternative sources of energy, the experienced Boots on the Roof team holds comprehensive solar training programs on a regular basis. The programs are targeted at General Contractors, Licensed Electricians, Solar Energy Entrepreneurs and other business professionals in the renewable energy sector.

Now also an approved NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) testing center for the Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge of PV Systems exam, Boots on the Roof provides “boot camp style”, instructor-led solar training programs for solar energy professionals at their California, Philadelphia, Portland and other nationwide locations. Their two-day, six-day and four-day solar panel training courses are extremely popular, drawing a large number of attendees from all over the country.

Here is what Navraj Bawa, Executive Vice President, declared for the press after launching the Boots on the Roof educational program in 2009:

“The important thing to understand is that solar panel installation isn’t conducive to a ‘do-it-yourself’ technique. People need to be aware that they’re dealing with energy, with electricity, an unforgiving element. To be able to harness the immense opportunities in the solar energy sector, the most efficient method would be to partake of training from a reputed solar school such as Boots.”

About Boots on the Roof

Boots on the Roof is a reputed solar training school specializing in training Career changers, entrepreneurs and construction professionals on how to make the renewable energy business their business. Using an engaging mix of classroom instruction and realistic hands-on lab exercises, Boots on the Roof’s popular Master Certificate in Renewable Energy teaches not just design and installation, but also the financial, sales and marketing aspects of renewable energy.

All programs are taught by experts in the field. Boots on the Roof offers courses in Solar Photovoltaic, Solar Thermal, Commercial Solar and Wind Energy at their campuses in Fremont, CA, Los Angeles, CA and Newark, NJ, with more locations to open soon.

To learn about how solar training can expand your business, or for additional information on current training programs, visit the expert resource guide on Renewable Energy Training, www.solartraining.com

Contact Details:

SolarTraining
4670 Auto Mal Parkway
Fremont, CA 94538
United States
Telephone: 888-893-0367
Email: navraj@unitek.com