ECC’s new green lab on wheels
Daily Herald report
Elgin Community College’s energy management program will celebrate Earth Day in a meaningful way on Friday, April 22, unveiling an upgraded “Destination: Green” mobile laboratory.
The event will last from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elgin Lowe’s, 629 S. Randall Road. The public will be able to view the project and view solar heaters and other projects created by students in the college’s energy management program. In addition, Lowe’s officials will present a $10,000 check for the project to ECC officials at noon.
Converted from an 18-wheel semitrailer truck from the college’s truck-driving program, “Destination: Green” is a mobile laboratory that showcases the college’s commitment to sustainability. The truck is fueled with biodiesel and powered using energy generated from wind turbines and photovoltaic panels.
The $10,000 from Lowe’s provides environmentally friendly materials to renovate the lab’s interior with cabinets, countertops, flooring, and wiring. Students and Lowe’s employees will work on those projects in the Elgin Lowe’s parking lot from Tuesday, April 19, through Earth Day on Friday, April 22.
“This project is an excellent example of the college’s commitment to its community. We’re very appreciative of Lowe’s supporting our energy management program and our students,” says Jeff Boyd, EdD, dean of the college’s safety, sustainability and career technologies division. “These improvements help elevate “Destination: Green,” making it an attractive, functional area for demonstrating green technology uses.”
Lowe’s, through its Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation, provides grants up to $10,000 for projects that help students in schools with SkillsUSA chapters develop skills in critical thinking, organization, teamwork, and communication, in addition to helping their communities. SkillsUSA is a national organization serving teachers and students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations, including health occupations.
For more information about the energy management program, call or visit elgin.edu/energymanagement. To learn more about Lowe’s community efforts, visit Lowes.com/socialresponsibility.