IREC and partners announce the launch of a three-year, $2.1 million project, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), to reduce barriers to widespread adoption of distributed energy resources (DERs) by providing education and resources to expand the knowledge of 30,000 professionals. Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/yj5tmp69
“The clean energy industry is rapidly evolving and requires that those responsible for code enforcement and quality control have access to the most recent technical advances. Training is a core mission of FSEC, and we’re excited to contribute our expertise in solar-plus-storage and alternative fuel vehicles as part of this essential team,” said James Fenton, Director of FSEC Energy Research Center at the University of Central Florida.
The 7th Edition Florida Building Code (2020) includes a number of changes to the Energy Conservation Code that will impact how new Florida buildings are constructed, lit, and controlled. Learn about the new changes and earn continuing education credits by attending live webinar training courses offered by the FSEC Energy Research Center. Register by April 21*.
RESIDENTIAL: April 28, (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.) Overview of the 7th Edition (2020) Residential Florida Energy Conservation Code [Live Webinar]
In this 2-hour class, topics include Prescriptive, Performance and Energy Rating Index (ERI) compliance options, and discussions of residential building air leakage testing, duct leakage testing and mechanical ventilation requirements. CILB CEUs: 2 credits; CILB# 0613599; Provider# 0000859. Cost: $99 | Register
COMMERCIAL: April 29, (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.) Florida Commercial Energy Code Compliance: Methods, Tools and Verification [Live Webinar]
In this 4-hour class, topics include an examination of building energy use contributors, introduction to the 7th Edition (2020) Florida Energy Conservation Code commercial provision changes, review of Commercial Energy Code compliance methods and tools, running sample calculations to assess the effects of specific improvements on energy efficiency and code compliance, and verifying code forms and identifying common errors. CILB CEUs: 4 credits; CILB# 0613600; Provider# 0000859.
Cost: $199 | Register
EnergyWhiz is a renewable energy-focused event for students to demonstrate their science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) capabilities through project-based learning activities. Students in Grades K through college, adults and families can participate in the virtual event with an opportunity to win awards. The virtual event will be on display to the public May 3–7, 2021. Teams must register by April 9th to participate.
Artistic Energy Innovations project using mosaic tilesModel-size, Junior Solar Sprint car
This year’s competition categories are:
Energy Transfer Machine, (Grades 3-12)
Students transform materials into Rube Goldberg-type machines that perform an energy-related task and then submit a video of their success.
Energy Innovations, (K-12, College, Adults & Families)
Partis design, engineer and market renewable energy projects that have real-world applicability. This year’s virtual event is expanded to include a wide range of categories, including:
• Agriculture
• Clean transportation
• Green and energy-efficient buildings
• Solar cooking
• Water
• Artwork or demonstration projects highlighting use of renewable energy
Junior Solar Sprint, (Grades 4-9)
Students create a model-sized, solar-powered car that is judged on technology, craftsmanship, innovation and performance.
“Last year we had to cancel EnergyWhiz for the first time since 1999, so this year we’re trying a new format and modifying the rules,” said Susan Schleith, Energy Education program director at FSEC Energy Research Center. “Virtual EnergyWhiz will provide an opportunity for students and adults throughout Florida and beyond to participate in hands-on activities within a virtual environment.”
EnergyWhiz is a renewable energy-focused event for students to demonstrate their science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) capabilities through project-based learning activities.
This year’s competition categories are: Junior Solar Sprint (model solar cars), Energy Transfer Machine (Rube Goldberg-type contraptions), and Energy Innovations, which has been expanded to include solar cooking, energy-efficient buildings (pet houses), and renewable energy-focused artwork or demonstration projects. Energy Innovations is also now open to adults to participate.
Last year we had to cancel EnergyWhiz for the first time since 1999, so this year we’re trying a new format and modifying the rules,” said Susan Schleith, Energy Education program director at FSEC Energy Research Center. “Virtual EnergyWhiz will provide an opportunity for students throughout Florida and beyond to participate in hands-on activities within a virtual environment.”
Students and teachers are invited to attend a webinar on Wednesday, March 3rd at 3:30 p.m. to demonstrate how students can build a Junior Solar Sprint model car and participate in Virtual EnergyWhiz 2021.
EnergyWhiz—a renewable energy-focused event for students to demonstrate their science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) capabilities through project-based learning activities—will be held virtually on May 3 – 7, 2021.
