The public is invited to attend a reception and awards ceremony for the Exemplary Projects in Energy and Conservation (EPEC) Awards program on Thursday, May 4, at 5 p.m. at the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) at 1679 Clearlake Road, Cocoa.
The program was started three years ago as a joint effort between the National Energy Foundation, Johnson Controls and FSEC to recognize Brevard County students who have produced outstanding research relating to renewable energy or energy conservation. This year, 22 students will be honored for their individual projects, along with the top three Energy Patrols from Brevard schools. Three exceptional transportation-related projects will also be recognized by the Space Coast Clean Cities Coalition.
The student projects cover a wide range of energy subjects from fuel sources such as biodiesel and tidal energy to future energy strategies including hydrogen fuel cells and zero-energy homes. The Energy Patrols are being honored for their work in their schools and community to conserve energy. The schools being monitored by the Energy Patrols have seen a noticeable reduction in the amount of electricity wasted, resulting in lower electricity bills for the county.
Students will be available at the ceremony to answer questions regarding their research. The projects will also be available for viewing from the afternoon of May 4 through the evening of May 6 at the Florida Solar Energy Center. For more information, call Penny Hall at 321-638-1017.
The Florida Solar Energy Center, a research institute of the University of Central Florida, is the largest and most active state-supported energy research center in the country. Current research activities include solar water and pool heating, solar electric and distributed generation systems, energy-efficient buildings, alternative transportation systems, hydrogen fuel, fuel cells and other energy areas. For more information about the center, visit www.fsec.ucf.edu or call the FSEC Public Affairs Office at (321) 638-1015.