NJ Teachers Can Apply for PSEG Environmental Education Grants

New Jersey teachers are encouraged to apply for funding through PSEG's Environmental Education Grant Program. The program provides funding to educators who can link their students' understanding of math, science, computer science, and technology with an enthusiasm and appreciation for the environment.

"We've long been committed to education and the environment, and this program, which provides direct funding for hands-on environmental education, is one we're particularly proud of," said Vaughn McKoy, president of the PSEG Foundation. "Now in its 20th year, this program is a prime example of PSEG's commitment to sustainability, and of the ways in which we're working to improve the communities in which our employees live and work."

Teachers of grades K-9 are encouraged to apply. The grants, which may be as large as $3,500, can be used to purchase materials and equipment, fund field trips, and develop curriculum-related activities. Applications that focus on the development of one or more classroom units, the expansion of an existing course or curriculum, or the extension of classroom work to community or after-school activities will be considered. Projects must be conducted over at least two years.

Teachers from schools in PSE&G's utility service area, PSEG's estuary enhancement program area and PSEG's emergency planning zone may apply. Applications, which are available online, must be postmarked by Wednesday, June 30th. For more information on the towns, and to download an application, visit www.pseg.com/eegrants.

PSEG has awarded more than $335,000 to 143 project grantees since the program began twenty years ago.

www.DaviesGreenEnergy.com

Information Technology Generates Extraordinary Water Savings in Los Angeles

What's the best way to save water? The evidence suggest that it may be using information technology and controls systems.

Using wireless water management services from Water2Save, Cal State University in Los Angeles saved $100,000 on its water bills. The university reduced consumption by more than 27 million gallons of water since 2008, which is about 2,000 gallons of water an hour. That is enough to sustain 129 families in Los Angeles. The wireless technology remotely manages daily water usage based on a patented forecasted and measured weather data methodology.

"Not only are we saving water, but Water2Save does not require my employees to learn a new system, which saves my staff a lot of time. They also do not have to change watering schedules when the weather changes or shut the controllers off before it rains," says John Ferris, Director of Facilities Services at Cal State L.A.

This type of simple solution highlights the great possibilities that are available when information technology is used to control and manage water and energy costs. Simply by using information to better manage our consumption, we can achieve significant energy and water savings. Best of all, these systems pay for themselves very quickly. It is, as they say, a no-brainer.

www.DaviesGreenEnergy.com

Siemens and Metrus Sign Innovative Pay-for-Performance Energy Efficiency Deal with BAE Systems

Siemens Industry, Inc. today announced that its Building Technologies Division and Metrus Energy, Inc. have reached a financing agreement with BAE Systems, a leader in the defense industry, to make its facility In Merrimack, N.H., energy efficient. Under the deal's unique pay-for-performance structure, BAE Systems only pays for the actual energy savings realized from the program's comprehensive energy efficiency improvements, while immediately experiencing the environmental, operational and bottom-line benefits.

Energy Efficiency projects in the private sector have long been stymied by the lack of available financing options and other cost barriers. The project, currently underway and scheduled for completion in the fall of 2010, is being underwritten by Metrus through its Efficiency Services Agreement (ESA). At the project's core is the energy savings performance guarantee delivered by Siemens. Siemens, which is managing all aspects of the project, will implement the energy efficiency measures and provide the ongoing performance guarantee, something the company has been delivering successfully to public and private entities for more than two decades.

"BAE Systems is committed to improving the environment by becoming increasingly energy efficient," said Don Hill, facilities director for BAE Systems' New Hampshire-based Electronic Solutions business. "This program will go a long way toward meeting our sustainability goals."

"BAE Systems is only paying for the value of actual realized and verified savings," said Joe Berkemeyer, director of Financial Services for Siemens. "Because of our excellent track record of performance and financial strength, investors like Metrus can rely on our performance guarantee and offer this type of agreement to customers like BAE Systems. In essence, our program helps BAE Systems improve the sustainability of their operations from both an operational and environmental standpoint."

"We're addressing a large but vastly underserved market. The majority of energy efficiency services, programs and financing options largely have been limited to the domain of the government and public sector," said Bob Hinkle, Chief Executive Officer of Metrus. "The ESA specifically targets projects at private industrial and commercial facilities enabling these types of businesses to pay for retrofits through realized energy savings."

"BAE Systems will realize operational efficiencies across its campus," said to Scott Gugenheim, enterprise accounts manager for Siemens. "Throughout the 10-month project, Siemens will oversee the engineering and installation of a variety of new, energy-efficient systems throughout the 450,000-square foot facility."

BAE Systems expects the program to save more than $200,000 annually in utility expenses. Siemens will generate energy savings through various energy efficiency retrofits and upgrades including a new compressor, building automation system improvements, a complete lighting retrofit, new transformers and comprehensive campus energy policy.

Source: Siemens Industry, Inc. and PRNewswire.com