This program is designed to familiarize students with Green technologies and energy-saving applications while providing the basis for more advanced certified programs. Students define “green” and discover green applications in terms of passive and proactive green systems while developing a “Green Action Plan.” They learn how to read a home electricity meter, calculate an electric bill, and other skills. The course also covers energy-saving measures and devices, how electricity generation systems operate, and the value of renewable resources. Students are informed of the largest energy-consuming systems in homes and businesses (air conditioning and heating, lighting, and automation systems) and are shown how it is possible to save energy and money while still offering a high level of user comfort.

The program has four sections and each provides a perspective on Green definitions, energy theory and discussion on electricity generation. Each section has fun and engaging activities and links to investigations.

The four sections of the Introduction to Green Technology program are:

Green Systems
In the first section of this program green is defined as well as passive and proactive measures that can be done to save energy and to lower the human footprint on the ecology. Goals and strategies are covered and a green action plan is developed.

Energy
In the second section energy is defined and its forms are addressed. Students calculate energy bills based on kilowatt hours and they learn how to read a home electric meter. An explanation of AC and DC electricity is also provided.

Energy Generation
In this section students are informed of the various energy generation systems to include fossil fuels as well as nuclear, wind and solar power generation. Students are also given an overview of home energy generation systems and the energy requirement for a single family residence.

Proactive Green Systems
In section four students become acclimated with proactive green solutions in regards to the types of systems, their functions, and the way these devices are used to save energy. Students are given an overview of the largest energy consuming appliances as well as ways to proactively save energy.

Upon completion of this course, students are eligible for a certificate of accomplishment.

• Define “Green” and “Green Applications.”
• Define passive and proactive green applications.
• Define that energy generation and consumption has the largest impact on the ecology.
• Define Strategies to decrease phantom loads in the home.
• Identify the rules of energy.
• Define A/C and D/C as two types of electricity and state where each type is used.
• Read an electric bill and determine electricity usage, period of bill and rate per kWh.
• Identify the devices that use energy and determine those with the largest consumption.
• Describe the parts of home energy systems and their operation.
• Define Smart Meter as one that measures both incoming and outgoing electricity.
• Describe an advantage and disadvantage of each type of residential energy generation system.
• Describe the three largest energy using devices in homes and businesses as Heating and Cooling, Lights and Automation systems.
• Define strategies to reduce energy consumption in the largest energy devices
• Develop a Green Action Plan.