Direct Energy Helps Students Build a Greenhouse
Gables Elementary greenhouse to teach students about sustainability and energy efficiency
Columbus, OH (9/30/2009) - It only took one day to build, but the hope is that the greenhouse at Gables Elementary in Columbus, Ohio will have a long-term impact on students’ understanding of the environment, sustainability, renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Today students in Dawn Rensel’s 4th and 5th grade class, along with employees from local natural gas supplier Direct Energy, constructed a greenhouse where students will be able to study plants, grow vegetables and conduct solar energy experiments. The greenhouse, made possible through an energy efficiency grant from Direct Energy, is part of a company-wide initiative to equip schools across North America with the tools that will help students learn about energy and the environment.
“What we’re trying to do is help our schools educate kids about the environment, sustainability and energy efficiency so the students make it part of their everyday lives and carry it on into adulthood,” said Paul Karem, a Direct Energy employee who helped with the build.
More than 30 students and Direct Energy employees worked together to construct the greenhouse. Gables Elementary School is a natural partner for Direct Energy as the school is committed to developing students into citizens who will have an impact on the ever-changing world.
“This is a great and authentic opportunity for all students at Gables to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to the greenhouse and to become aware of the environment around them,” said Rensel. “Over the year we plan to implement many scientific experiments in the greenhouse across all grade-levels.”
Today’s greenhouse build is also part of Direct Energy’s larger effort to be involved in the communities in which the company operates.
“As an energy company, we need to do more than just sell energy, we need to help people in our communities better understand how energy works and how to use it more wisely so we can have a sustainable supply in the future,” said Laura White, another Direct Energy employee. “Today these kids are preparing for their energy future, and I can’t wait to see what they will learn in a year.”
Plants and seeds for the greenhouse were donated to the school by two Columbus-area businesses, Darby Creek Nursery and Livingston Seed Company.
About Gables Elementary
Gables Elementary is committed to creating a community of learners that promotes responsible, respectful, and highly motivated students to become productive citizens in the ever-changing world. Through the collaboration of staff with students, families and community, we hold ourselves accountable to maintain a safe, supportive and welcoming environment so our students can achieve a higher level of academic excellence and express their unique talents and diversity through a challenging and creative curriculum.
About Direct Energy
Direct Energy, one of North America’s leading integrated energy companies, supplies natural gas to more than 250,000 customers in Ohio. The company has operated in Ohio since 2004, and has a regional office located in Dublin. Direct Energy also provides energy related services to residential and business customers through its U.S. Home Services business that is headquartered in Miami Township, Ohio. The company, a subsidiary of Centrica, also operates in Texas, the northeastern United States and across Canada. Direct Energy's commitment to helping others extends beyond Ohio. The company partners with community-based organizations throughout North America to aid them in trying to end poverty and homelessness.
For additional information, contact:
Yvette Hamilton
Direct Energy
(713) 877-5818
yvette.hamilton@directenergy.com
Jill Lausch
Gables Elementary School
614)365-5499
Direct Energy® is a subsidiary of Centrica plc. All rights reserved. Centrica was created following the demerger of British Gas plc in 1997 and is now a leading supplier of energy and related services. To read more about Centrica plc please visit www.centrica.com.