SEI helps empower schools, businesses and other groups to save energy and promote a healthy environment. (Photo: SEI)

Strategic Energy Innovations (SEI), a nonprofit organization centered in Marin, was recently awarded Marin Economic Commission’s 11th Annual Award of Excellence for Environmental Values and Resources for four of its K-12 programs. The programs, which number among a variety of services offered by SEI, promote energy efficiency and renewable energy while also educating students about environmental issues. Here is a brief description of the winning programs:

Awareness for Communities about the Environment (ACE): SEI’s ACE Program helps local businesses achieve long-term energy savings by providing no-cost energy consultation services and by shuttling businesses into free or reduced-cost retrofits. The program also incorporates an educational component, training local high school students to conduct energy audits, develop energy recommendations, and assist local businesses in accessing retrofits

Dixie School District’s ‘Go Solar’ Initiative: After a presentation by SEI with students to the Dixie School Board, the Dixie School District has decided to pursue their ‘Go Solar’ initiative to solarize the District’s four schools and administrative building. SEI and partners will help rollout the Go Solar effort across the District.

High-School Energy Efficiency Certificate: In conjunction with several partners, SEI has designed a high-school certificate in energy efficiency and renewable energy, giving students the tools to understand climate change and address the crisis. The goal of the program is to help interested students pursue green careers while instilling environmental values and knowledge.

Protect Your Climate (PYC) Curriculum: PYC, a 16-unit program designed for 4th and 5th graders, encourages students to inquire into why we need to protect our environment, and how to do so. The program has not only helped youth understand climate change, but has also helped Marin residences realize substantial money and energy savings through PYC’s school campaigns.

• Read background: “SEI receives Marin Economic Commission Award of Excellence,” Strategic Energy Innovations (11/4/09)