Climate Cycle

About Us

2009-06-08T19:20:01Z

Climate Cycle is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that empowers youth to be leaders in the clean energy movement and the new green economy. We have installed solar panels on one local public school and have plans for five more solar installations in the coming year. Every solar system is accompanied by dynamic supportive curriculum to maximize hand-on learning. The selected schools share a vision of climate solutions and energy independence from the students, faculty, administration, and beyond.

Volunteers and community alliances are at the heart of our organization-- our partnerships include Motorola Foundation, the Chicago Public Schools, local schools, government, green businesses and individuals. Our inaugural bike-a-thon last May raised $67,000 and shows the impact we can have when working together for just one year.

Joey Feinstein founded Climate Cycle in 2008 out of a concern that youth didn't have the tools necessary to respond to global warming or benefit from the emerging green economy. Climate Cycle utilizes renewable energy because it is an available technology that provides tangible learning opportunities, while saving taxpayer money. Joey found that many share his passion and he now works with a dedicated team.

Click here for more details about Our Team

"Climate Cycle's events are a fun way for school kids to become involved in tackling climate change, an issue that is already proving to be a defining challenge of this generation. It is my pleasure to fully endorse these groundbreaking initiatives."

-Arne Duncan, US Secretary of Education and Former CEO of the Chicago Public Schools

The Ride

2009-05-06T02:56:18Z

Cyclists select from a 4, 10, 20 or 62-mile course along picturesque Lake Michigan. All starting and end points are in downtown Chicago, with the exception of the 62-mile "metric century" course, which begins at the Indiana Dunes and ends in downtown Chicago.

A post ride celebration follows the ride. This festive event includes music, free lunches for all riders, sustainability showcases, goody bags, a raffle and kid friendly activities.

To register PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Top Fundraisers

2009-05-04T14:53:08Z

$2000 and Above
Charles Frank
Suzanne Malec-McKenna

$1500 - $1999
Hanh Pham
Seth Hostetler

$1000 - $1499
Michael Johnson
Alex Brown
David P O'Donnell
Karen Cooper
Sarah Wonnell
Beth Masterson

$500 - $999
Suzanne Carlson
Adam Heenan
Dave Norton
Josh Parker
Shane Crone
Sarah Schwartz
Kate Ervin
Jeff Kurt
Robert Schwalb
Emily Barton
Rebecca Ho
Sarah Lozanova
Christian Pillsbury
Debra Gamson
Kristina Shih
Brad Parker
David Feinstein
John White
Russell Hardin
Michele Ulbrich
Meghan Zefran
Michelle Fisher
Joshua Knight

The Schools

2009-05-01T18:17:43Z

Did you know that Chicago schools spend more on energy than on textbooks and computers combined? Did you also know that buildings generate more carbon emissions than cars, trains and planes combined? We believe children are the future. They face the uphill challenge of dwindling financial resources in their schools as well as the inevitable challenge to combat global climate change. Through our Solar Schools Program we believe there is a tremendous opportunity to provide schools both immediate and long term solutions to these serious challenges by: 1. Absorbing the upfront cost of a solar energy system which results in decades of savings. 2. Providing important green education outreach to students in order to maximize the long term benefits of our initiatives. Imagine how an energy efficient school can be a model to students and the community by using solar power to cut operating costs and carbon emissions, while at the same time incorporating hands-on green education into its curriculum.

Volunteer

2009-04-28T23:28:12Z

Our accomplishments this first year are largely due to our dedicated, loyal and hardworking volunteer base who we can never thank enough.

Volunteers who gave the gift of their time and made our inaugural bike-a-thon a success! Without the strong network of volunteers, whom there are too many to name here, the organic nature of Climate Cycle's seeds would never have been planted in the community and taken root in providing schools with solar energy and sustainability education.

If you're interested in volunteering please email us at info@climatecycle.org.

Our Team

2009-04-25T02:34:46Z

Nick Aster - Media Architect & Web Builder Nick Aster is a new media architect specializing in using online technology to advance conversations on sustainability. He has worked with companies like Nike, SAP, Gawker Media, Offermatica, and many others on internal and external strategies for communication, and is also a founding team member of TreeHugger.com, the most popular environmental website in the world. Currently, Nick runs the Green Business website TriplePundit.com to promote sustainable business and works for Mother Jones magazine. Nick holds an MBA in Sustainable Management from the Presidio School of Management and graduated with a BA in History from Washington University in St. Louis. Ethan Austin - Fundraising Coordinator Ethan Austin is the Co-founder of GiveForward.org, a website that provides individuals with personal fundraising pages to raise money online for the causes and organizations they care about. When he manages to step away from the GiveForward office, Ethan can likely be found scouring the aisles of Trader Joe's or training for marathons in a banana costume. David Curtis - Treasurer David brings over 25 years of experience in consulting and professional services management to Climate Cycle. Most recently, David served as a management consultant where he acted in key leadership roles for several health care companies. David has sold and delivered solutions that exceeded 100 million dollars in the pharmaceutical, utilities, telecom and banking industries. As a VP at Oracle, he was instrumental in converting client specific solutions into products, specifically in the area of banking and telecom. He also created and implemented Oracle's worldwide professional services method for delivering on all types of engagements. As an Executive Vice President at march FIRST (formally USWeb/CKS), David managed both internal and customer facing organizations. Abigail Dean - Designer Abigail Dean is a graphic designer residing in Chicago's Portage Park neighborhood. Abigail's passion for environmental causes aligned her with Climate Cycle in the early stages of its development. With 10 years of commercial print and multimedia design experience, Abigail's diverse list of clients include: national trade associations, local rock bands, corporate coaches, business consulting firms, industrial manufacturers and energy transmission companies. Abigail brings to the table extraordinary enthusiasm for Climate Cycle, a welcome journey into a greener realm of design, which is very close to her heart. Joey Feinstein - Executive Director Joey had given little thought to climate change until he met a small town North Dakota farmer during a cross-country bicycle trip in 2000. This farmer shared his deep concerns about the shifts he was seeing in weather and this conversation changed Joey's life. The following spring, Joey graduated from the University of Illinois in Chicago with a BA in Sociology and began teaching in his hometown of Evanston, IL at Rice Children's Center. More than 80% of all children attending this school were wards of the state and lived in a residential facility attached to the school. Despite the severe personal challenges these children faced, Joey could never shake the nagging feeling that these kids were learning little about the global challenges that would ultimately affect them in the future. After graduating from the Presidio School of Management with an MBA in Sustainable Management in 2007, he founded Climate Cycle. Jake Fray - Web Coordinator Jake has been an Evanston, IL resident since 1999. He is an independent insurance catastrophe adjuster and travels to the front line of weather related disasters such as wildfires, tornadoes and hurricanes to assess the damage. He is a transplant, originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and a graduate from the University of Oregon. While working as a catastrophe adjuster he has coordinated several side projects to get businesses to utilize more environmentally sound practices such as moving toward flex fuel vehicles and large-scale office waste reduction and recycling programs. In 2005 he worked in Hurricane Katrina and Rita's aftermath throughout Louisiana and Texas seeing the destruction and turmoil first hand. While aiding residents in rebuilding their lives along the Gulf Coast he developed a passion for fighting climate change and a dedication to getting the public as involved and aware as possible to the climate crisis. Cassie Freeman - Director of School Outreach Cassie Freeman is a researcher at the University of Chicago's Center for Elementary Mathematics and Science Education. While researching learning in non-human primates she developed a more global appreciation for habitat destruction and climate change. This appreciation became a call to action when she worked with students in New York City's Harlem and Washington Heights neighborhoods, where few children are given the opportunity to learn about environmental issues. Now that she lives in Chicago, she is dedicated to developing actionable awareness about the environment, especially in children. She holds bachelors degrees in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology and Educational Studies from Emory University and a master's in Educational Leadership from Columbia University's Teacher's College. Jeff Kurt - Grant Procurement Jeff Kurt is a Toledo, Ohio native and an Ohio University graduate. He moved to Chicago over there years ago to work for InterCall, where he sells communication services to governments and public companies. Jeff was very excited to join Climate Cycle as it combines his love for biking, his interest in promoting renewable energy solutions, and his desire to make a positive contribution to his community. Jeff became active in community service nearly 10 years ago and has since been involved with nonprofits ranging from Youth Leadership Toledo to Big Brothers Big Sisters. In 2007 his community service was recognized by former Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher, who inducted him into the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. Sarah Lozonova - Editor After earning an MBA in Sustainable Management from the Presidio School of Management in San Francisco, Sarah Lozanova joined Solar Service Inc. as the director of marketing and public relations. She is a writer for Green Options Media and co-founder of Trees Across the Miles, a non-profit urban reforestation project. Hanh Pham - Director of Creative Greening Hanh Pham is passionate about waste reduction and inspiring people to rethink what they throw away. Hanh's enthused about giving trash a second chance and has done street performances that bring beauty to waste. She has "greened" conferences, where 1,100 lbs of food waste was diverted from the landfill, and festivals, where the waste diversion rate was over 90%. Hanh has an MBA in Sustainable Management from the Presidio School of Management and works for WRD Environmental as a consultant for the Department of Environment. Marise Robbins-Forbes - Director of Sponsorship Marise is currently a freelance event planner/fundraising consultant. She has lived in Illinois for the past 12 years, currently residing in Decatur. With 19 years of experience working for diverse clients including Fortune 500 companies, universities and nonprofits, she brings her professional fundraising experience along with a long-held passion for the environment to Climate Cycle. Over the past three years she created a ride called Rolling on the River from the ground up. With the backing of the Lumpkin Family Foundation and Grand Victoria Foundation this ride for the environment raised funds for three statewide charities (Prairie Rivers Network, Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund and Stewardship Alliance). Rolling on the River quickly became known for its high level of participant support and beautiful route, growing 200% in just three years and advertised to more than 3 million households. Although she holds three degrees in the sciences and spent her early years as a field biologist in the wilds of the Adirondacks and Florida swamps, she discovered through her work with Rolling on the River a love of event planning and a talent for partnership development. With her event on hold until 2010, she is pouring her passions into growing Climate Cycle. She encourages all the cyclists, sponsors and volunteers from Rolling on the River to join her in supporting Climate Cycle in 2009. Lisa Brin Spewak - Children's Event Coordinator Lisa Brin Spewak has been a teacher of early childhood for 16 years. She is also the director of the Jewish Council for Youth Services (JCYS) Sunflower Day Camp in Highland Park, a northern suburb of Chicago. Lisa is interested in bringing the great big ideas of renewable energy to small children in order to help them understand they can be an active part of a global solution. She continues to seek innovative ways for children to be active partners in changing our climate for the better. Anya Traisman - Video Director Anya Traisman's educational background is in environmental studies, multimedia journalism, media management and marketing. She is the owner of Natropolis, a consulting and media company that focuses on sustainability. As the photo editor for the Planet Magazine, Anya was given the opportunity to follow her passion for the great-outdoors and photojournalism. As a freelance photojournalist at the Bellingham Herald, she learned alongside Pulitzer Prize winning and nationally recognized photographers. The editors of America 24/7, DK Publishing, recognized Anya as one of the top student photographers in the nation, publishing her most notable photograph in a double-page spread, hardbound book. Contributing to her outlook, Anya is an international and wilderness backpacker, long-distance backpacker, and has owned a Mercedes Benz that ran on vegetable oil. She believes in thinking big and the pursuit of daily happiness. Jimmy Watkins - Designer Jimmy is a graphic designer who holds a BA in Advertising from Michigan State University, and he currently works for both Murdoch Marketing in Lansing, MI and Cramer-Krasselt and Hoffman York in Chicago. His career path runs from Michigan to Chicago and back. Advisory Council Suzanne Carlson Suzanne Carlson is environmental program manager in the Office of CEO Arne Duncan for Chicago Public Schools (CPS). She was brought on in May 2007 to help meet the Mayor's vision to make Chicago an environmentally friendly city and CPS an environmentally friendly school district. She has worked on transportation, climate change and energy policy in Chicago and Seattle. Previously, she served as founding executive director of a community bike shop in Seattle. Suzanne has a Masters in Public Administration. Rob Eiseman Rob's broad-based public relations experience spans more than 20 years. Prior to opening Eiseman Associates, he worked with a variety of public relations agencies, as well as broadcast and association groups. He served as creative director for Dome Communications, earning creative agency of the year honors in 2000. Rob has also served as vice president at Selz/Seabolt, Ketchum Public Relations (Chicago) and Laughlin/Constable Public Relations (Milwaukee). He spent the early part of his career as director of communications for the National Roofing Contractors Association, and as promotions director for WBEZ-FM Radio. Rob has worked with a variety of nationally-recognized clients, developing award-winning campaigns for Wendy's, Harley-Davidson, Bombardier (Ski-Doo/Sea-Doo recreational products), Jim Beam Brands, Encyclopedia Britannica, Motorola, ConAgra, Disney Regional Entertainment, ESPN Zone, Sara Lee, Sargento Cheese Company, Fannie May, Mayflower, the American Iron and Steel Institute and many others. Sarah Elizabeth Ippel Sarah Elizabeth Ippel is the founder and executive director of the Academy for Global Citizenship, a new Chicago Public Elementary Contract School that opened on August 18th, 2008, on the city's Southwest side. AGC's mission is to empower children to become active global citizens by positively impacting their community and the world beyond. Throughout her career, Sarah Elizabeth has traveled to 64 different countries across 6 continents, extensively examining educational philosophies and world languages as well as creating international alliances that have contributed to the design and culture of the Academy for Global Citizenship. In addition to studying the application of the International Baccalaureate approach in various cultural contexts across the globe, her most recent initiatives have been the development and implementation of globally cooperative literacy programs for orphan children in northern Tanzania. As current vice president of education on the governing board of the United Nations Association, Sarah Elizabeth is committed to fostering implementation of The Growing Connection, a globally collaborative organic gardening initiative established to cross-culturally connect children and educators. She also serves on the United States Green Building Council Green Schools Advocacy Committee for the Chicago Chapter, Chicago Public Schools Environmental Action Plan Taskforce, and the Steering Committee for Climate Cycle. Sarah Elizabeth's additional leadership and civic contributions have included executive board memberships with Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Art Institute of Chicago. Hunter Lovins Hunter Lovins is president and founder of the Natural Capitalism Solutions (NCS). (www.natcapsolutions.org) NCS educates senior decision-makers in business, government and civil society to restore and enhance the natural and human capital while increasing prosperity and quality of life. Trained as a sociologist and lawyer (JD), Hunter co- founded the California Conservation Project (Tree People), and Rocky Mountain Institute, which she led for 20 years. Lovins has consulted for scores of industries and governments worldwide, including the International Finance Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell, Interface, Clif Bar and Wal-Mart. Governmental clients include the Pentagon, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy and the governments of Jamaica and Australia. She also serves as an advisor to the Energy Minister of the Government of Afghanistan. Michael Orlove Michael is a senior program director for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. He joined the Department of Cultural Affairs in 1993 as an intern in the Public Programming Division assisting on a number of performing arts series at the Chicago Cultural Center. Over the years, Michael has worked at transforming the Chicago Cultural Center into a prime venue for a variety of musical forms including jazz, blues, folk and world music. Additionally, he created two summer festivals that have become staples in the Chicago summer festival season. Chicago SummerDance, an 11-week outdoor dance/concert series (now in its 12th season) and World Music Festival: Chicago, a multi-day festival highlighting both traditional and contemporary music from around the world in a variety of venues throughout Chicago (now in its 10th season). In 2004, Michael was instrumental in organizing the opening weekend events at the new Millennium Park in downtown Chicago and is now responsible for programming a majority of the non-classical events including a series of jazz, world music and rock concerts this season. Currently, Michael serves as senior program director for the Department of Cultural Affairs and collaborates with many additional city agencies including the Mayor's Office of Special Events, Chicago Office of Tourism and the Chicago Park District on a variety of seasonal events. He was selected as one of the "Chicagoans of the Year" by the Chicago Tribune in 1999. Richard Ross Richard Ross is an award winning marketing and strategy professional with over 18 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods and technology sectors working for and consulting with start-ups, small entrepreneurial firms and Fortune 500 firms such as The Coca-Cola Company, Kraft Foods and Intel Corporation. Over the course of his career he has launched or helped launch an IT consulting firm, a promotional goods company, an internet startup and most recently various sustainability-related businesses and organizations. His areas of expertise are branding, positioning, new product and small business development, communications, consumer insights and multicultural and grassroots marketing. He often presents at industry conferences and has written for and is often quoted in trade magazines. He holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of Michigan and a BS in Biology from Emory University. He sits on the advisory boards of Climate Cycle and Steppin Out Adventures, serves as the Chicago city ambassador for The Couchsurfing Project and volunteers with a variety of other organizations including the Notebaert Nature Museum, Junior Achievement and the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center. He is an active member of the Chicago Sustainable Business Alliance and Net Impact Chicago. His passions include adventure travel (which has taken him to nearly 50 countries on 5 continents and 48 U.S. states), sustainability, hiking, art, education and photography. Jason Smith Jason Smith is the vice president of key accounts for ClimateCHECK, a greenhouse gas (GHG) management services and solutions provider. In this role, he manages the company's marketing strategies and customer relations, as well as its operations in the U.S. Prior to ClimateCHECK, Jason was the founder and executive director for LiveNeutral, a non-profit organization (where he currently serves as board chair) that is centered on educating individuals and companies on how to reduce their carbon emissions. During his tenure at LiveNeutral, Jason helped facilitate numerous CO2 offset and climate change education initiatives at major organizations, such as TransGroup Worldwide Logistics, American Electric Power, Williams-Sonoma and DuPont. Jason earned an MBA in Sustainable Management from Presidio School of Management and a bachelor's degree in Ethics and Religion at the University of Oklahoma, where he focused his studies on environmental ethics and economics.

Donate

2009-04-10T02:35:42Z

Last year, Chicago schools spent more on energy costs than on textbooks or computers. Please help us free up resources for education, while providing an on-site learning opportunity. By absorbing the upfront cost of the solar energy system, schools are able to generate their own clean energy for decades. Our inaugural bike-a-thon raised $67,000 dollars and the generosity of our sponsors has made our goal of installing 6 solar systems this year within reach. Please help us raise the remaining $8,000 to make this dream a reality.

Programs

2009-04-10T02:35:39Z

Climate Cycle partners with Chicago region public schools to provide solar energy systems for their facilities and green education outreach. If interested, please email us at info@climatecycle.org, sign up for Climate Cycle's newsletter at the upper right corner of our homepage, and download our Solar Schools Application. All local public schools are eligible to apply.

Schools will be selected based on three main criteria:

1. How effectively a school can demonstrate that the solar energy systems will be incorporated into classroom and/or extra-curricular activities.

2. The level of support a school has offered to our events; for example, providing volunteers and/or participants.

3. A school's willingness to share best practices with future solar school recipients.

Click here for our Solar Schools Application

All purchase and installation costs of the solar systems are paid for by participant pledges and matching grants. The solar systems are provided to schools free of charge. For more information on state grant, rebate and foundation information go to http://dsireusa.org.

The Cause

2009-04-10T02:35:36Z

Global warming caused by global CO2 emissions is one of the most urgent issues facing humanity. Global CO2 emissions reached 6.5 billion tons in 2000, with 75% being caused by the combustion of fossil fuels. We are the cause of global warming; but also possess the tools and ingenuity to combat it. Did you know that buildings contribute more CO2 emissions than cars? For this reason, solar energy systems can dramatically reduce the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide that are byproducts of energy use. For example, a 15-panel solar hot water system can prevent 15 tons of CO2 emissions every year. Most solar energy systems are designed to last more than 30 years, thus the CO2 emission savings over the life of this system is easily 450 tons. While solar energy is a solution to environmental issues that threaten our planet, it also provides additional benefits that are more visible and practical in our local communities, expanding well beyond the walls of the building. Conserving tax money, keeping energy dollars close to home and making Chicagoland a model for renewable energy education are just a few of the benefits of installing solar energy systems in our schools. Illinois imports tens of billions of dollars in energy each year. Our Solar Schools Program utilizes local solar contractors and U.S. manufactured equipment whenever possible, helping to strengthen the local economy.

Register

2009-04-10T02:35:34Z

Climate Cycle's May 15th, 2010 Solar Schools Ride is a family and fan friendly fundraiser in which riders garner pledges in advance of the ride. Proceeds go to install solar energy systems in local public schools. Cyclists select from a 4, 10, 20 or 62-mile course along picturesque Lake Michigan in which to participate. All starting and end points are in downtown Chicago, with the exception of the 62-mile "metric century" course, which begins at the Indiana Dunes and ends in downtown Chicago. A post ride celebration follows the ride. This festive event includes music, free lunches for all riders, sustainability showcases, goody bags, a raffle and kid friendly activities. Please CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Installations

2008-06-18T23:28:18Z

Climate Cycle celebrated its landmark solar installation on Tuesday April 14th at Perspectives/IIT Math and Science Academy. Joey Feinstein, Climate Cycle Executive Director, Eileen Sweeney, Motorola Foundation Executive Director, Suzanne Carlson, Chicago Public School's Sustainability Project Manager, Richard Rioux, I.B.E.W. Local 134 electrician's union President and Mary Cummane, Perspectives/IIT Math and Science Principal each addressed the students and rejoiced in the victory of a future with greener and cleaner schools.

Through a generous grant from the Motorola Foundation, six solar panels were installed, completed and operational on April 12. Through a coordinated effort from our Motorola grant and I.B.E.W. Local 134 electrician's union who generously donated their labor our inaugural solar panel installation was completed six months prior to our original targeted installation date! This is a true testament to what a community based operation like Climate Cycle can do.

Why Solar In Schools?

2008-05-17T01:22:04Z

Enough solar energy hits the earth each minute to power the planet for an entire year. Solar energy however is largely untapped, while most of our energy comes from imported fossil fuels. The need for energy independence has never been greater. Schools spend more on utilities than books and computers, thus a majority of these taxpayer dollars are leaving our communities. Buildings generate more carbon emissions than cars, trains and planes combined. Schools are an ideal placement for renewable energy systems because they save money, while offering an effective climate change solution with outstanding educational benefits. Climate Cycle absorbs the upfront cost of the solar system and the complimentary curriculum give youth the knowledge and skills to respond to climate. By working with local public schools, we bring the new green economy into our schools and neighborhoods and make it accessible to all. Our selection criteria for our solar schools program ensure that the systems provide the most value and promote leadership in the renewable energy movement throughout all levels of a school.

Calendar

2008-04-29T23:34:29Z

OCTOBER 2009

10.21.09

Perspectives - Joslin High School

We will be making a presentation that gives a brief history and the urgency of the climate crisis we face. Then the bulk of the presentation will focus on the hopeful message that the crisis is solvable by inspiring people to action and locally creating a clean energy generation. We will be making several presentations throughout the day.

10.15.09

Yelp - Causes For a Party

We'll be partying it up all in the name of the clean energy movement. Join us as we meet some great people among the palm tree-lined settings of The Atrium.

We hope you can join us!

When: 10.15.09 5:30-8:30pm
Where: Pazzo's 311 S Wacker Drive, Chicago IL

10.17.09

Louisa May Alcott Elementary School Environmental Open House

Louisa May Alcott Elementary School

10.3.09

Evanston Green Living Festival

Climate Cycle will be at the Evanston Ecology Center Saturday, October 3rd from 9am - 3pm for the third annual Green Living Festival. For directions and more about the event please click the link below.

Evanston Green Living Festival Info

SEPTEMBER 2009

9.30.09

Curie Metro High School

9.28.09 and 9.30.09

Thomas Kelly High School

9.26.09

Dave Matthews Band Booth

Come rock out with us at our booth for the Dave Matthews' Band show this Saturday. Tickets are still available. Show starts at 7:00pm and is at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre (Tinley Park).

9.26.09 - 9.30.09

Climate Ride

Only a few spots left on Climate Ride; Ambassador of Denmark, Josh Dorfman, No Impact Man and other enviro leaders riding. Dr. James Hansen speaking.

Click here for more details

9.23.09

Climate Cycle Volunteer Orientation

We are planning for 2010 and ask for your help. Please join us for our volunteer orientation and learn more about how to contribute your time and talent to Climate Cycle.

We hope to see you there!

Time: 5:30 pm doors open; 6 - 7 pm orientation
Location: ING CAFE - 21 E. Chestnut Street, Chicago

JULY 2009

7.13.09

Innovation Generation Grants Network Conference (2:00pm - 4:00pm)

Climate Cycle will be addressing attendees and participating in a panel discussion. The purpose of the conference is to build a network of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) innovators who share best practices, leverage resources, and are an informed frontline in moving the US STEM agenda.

Click here for details

JUNE 2009

6.19.09

Polaris Charter Acadamy (3pm-5pm)

Climate Cycle will be at Polaris Charter Academy this Friday to celebrate their Solar Research Project. Please join us in the celebration. Click on the link below for more information.

Celebration of Learning.doc

6.11.09

Green Room Session at Uncommon Ground (6pm-8pm)

Uncommon Ground and the "Tree-Tini" are proud to sponsor the Green Room Sessions; a FREE monthly eco-awareness series featuring local environmental organizations along with live music and FREE appetizers featuring the product of a local farmer or producer prepared by uncommon ground's Executive Chef Brian Millman.

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Fundraising Prizes

2008-04-28T23:32:39Z

Verdessence, REI and Chipotle have generously provided prizes for the May 9th bike-a-thon. The Top Individual Fundraisers Can Choose One of the Following Until All Have Been Awarded: * Solar Powered Satchel from Verdessence * Solar Powered Tote from Verdessence * Free Burritos for a Year at Chipotle (52 free burrito cards - one free burrito, bowl, salad or tacos each week for a year) * A Weekend at a Hotel in Downtown Chicago with Complimentary Massage *12 Boxes of Clif Bars (12 Clif Bars Per Box in a Variety of Flavors - 144 total Clif Bars in One Lump Shipment) Team With Most Members Will Win: * A Burrito Party at Chipotle Top Fundraising Team Will Win: * Free Burritos for a Year from Chipotle (52 free burrito cards - one free burrito, bowl, salad, or tacos each week for a year among your team) First 30 Participants to Raise $500: * Bike Handlebar Bag from REI

Solar

2008-04-28T22:59:39Z

Solar systems utilize energy from the sun to generate electricity, heat water and provide space heat. Solar energy can help replace the use of fossil fuels, helping to stabilize the climate, reduce pollution and save resources. Solar Electricity (Photovoltaic or PV) Electricity is generated when sunlight hits the solar cells and produces an electric current. This electricity can either be used right away, fed to the electric power grid or stored in batteries for later use. Solar electric technology is advancing quickly and increasing in popularity. It can be used to power a small calculator or an entire building. Solar cells come in many forms, including flexible solar laminates, shingles, glass, film and panels. They can be integrated into a building so that the solar cell is nearly invisible. Solar Heat and Hot Water (Solar Thermal) Solar panels are used to capture heat for pools, hot water or space heating. This is a mature technology that has been used for many centuries. Most solar thermal panels are more efficient than solar electric panels and can be up to 90% efficient. There are three common designs for these solar collectors. One design is a glass covered box painted black where a fluid runs through the panels, capturing the heat. Plastic panels are often used for heating swimming pools, where water runs through coils. Evacuated tube panels consist of numerous glass tubes that can generate high temperatures.