Purple, white and green?

School considers use of wind energy

By Laura Mead

GLADSTONE - Plans for a wind study at Gladstone schools is underway. School officials say the use of alternative energy would make the district more environmentally-friendly, send a good message to students, and provide enhanced education.

Gladstone Superintendent Jay Kulbertis said the goal of the wind project is for the school district to do its part in helping the environment.

"It's a more conscientious effort on our part to decrease our (carbon) footprint," he said. "We also want to decrease the power we use from the power grid."

At the start of the project, school officials met with Doug Russell, president, board of directors of Michigan GREEN (Group for Renewable Energy Efficient Nation).

Michigan GREEN is a non-profit group made up of energy companies who work with major energy consumers interested in using alternative sources. School officials are currently waiting to hear back from the group, which will advise them on the specifics of beginning the wind study.

Kulbertis said the current plan is have the study performed at two locations - Cameron Elementary and the high school. The wind study will determine whether there is enough wind at these locations to provide a significant power source and whether wind turbines can be placed there.

High School physics teacher Tim Barron said he believes the project is feasible.

"It seems...that there is enough wind," he said. "There's a lake breeze and it seems like it would be funneled right up the Bluff."

Kulbertis said a company called G-ENERGY, Grand Rapids, will most likely perform the wind study. Barron, Kulbertis and other school officials have met with the president of G-ENERGY, Kevin Cook, who is also a Michigan GREEN board member, to discuss the study.

Gladstone schools are also working with Brett Niemi, Energy Services Representative for Wisconsin Public Power Incorporated (WPPI). WPPI will be the power source for the city of Gladstone once its contract with Upper Peninsula Power Co. UPPC is terminated. Barron said WPPI has an incentive program that would reward Gladstone Schools for using alternative energy.

Using alternative energy at the schools would not only be of benefit to the environment, but also to students' education.

Already, two of Barron's students have used the opportunity to do a research project, as part of their independent studies.

"They researched the pros and cons of alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and biomass," said Barron. "They also attended the meeting with Mr. Kulbertis, myself, a Michigan GREEN rep., and a state rep. to discuss the wind project. I thought that was pretty cool that they got to sit in on a professional-type meeting and be a part of it." The two students have also made it a goal to have Gladstone declared a "green school." Barron said the students have been working on energy conservation projects around the school, such as making "snakes" to put under doorways to keep out drafts and conserve heat.

Kulbertis also said the wind energy will provide students with workable data, and a new way to study weather.

"The real hands-on data this project will provide will also enhance the existing curriculum," he said. "As technology improves we can use their interest and research skills in making suggestions on how we can keep up to date."

Barron and Kulbertis said the use of alternative energy at the schools also sends a good message to students to care about the environment. "What better lesson is there for future generations, then to have a wind turbine in the school's backyard," said Barron.