ThunderRidge students meet local state representative
On Thursday, December 13, 2007, the five “Future City of Highlands Ranch” renewable energy/alternative fuel TRHS research groups presented a status report to an audience of about 20 attendees. Colorado State Representative, House District 43, Frank McNulty was also in attendance.
16 TRHS seniors are exploring innovative alternatives to empower Highlands Ranch to reduce their reliance on 3rd party energy sources, reduce water consumption and take Highlands Ranch off the grid by the year 2020. Outside organizations such as Burt Automotive Network, Concepts West Architecture, Merrill Lynch, Centennial Water & Sanitation and Energistic Systems are working with the students to develop the “Future City of Highlands Ranch” business plan.
The status of each energy research module included:
- Clean technology energy incubator on C-470/Lucent Blvd: will get LEEDs certified and have full drawings, model and on CAD/CAM by April, 2008
- Natural gas home garage fueling stations: working on a beta test program for Highlands Ranch, seeking alliance with Honda Motors, Fuel Maker Corporation and Xcel Energy to firm up pilot logistics
- Solar/Wind: this will be sited next to the energy incubator to generate electricity for the incubator buildings
- Water Conservation: now identifying the amount of Highlands Ranch Metro District maintained grass areas next to major roadways, calculate the cost to replace grass with rock cover and predict the return-on-investment and water savings. In addition, water saving bathroom appliances are also being explored.
- Financing: researching financing alternatives with federal/state grants, bond issuance scenarios and venture/angel investors
At the end of the presentations, State Representative McNulty stated to the students; “Good work - I ‘m impressed. What you are doing is important and these energy ideas will come from you.”
This energy independence school year research project is in its second year. The next roundtable update will be in mid-January.
