5 Ways SmartFlowers Are Restoring Our Earth
Apr 22, 2021- Trinity High School
“The belief that we are utilizing technology to solve problems, much like an engineer does, is intriguing. We are being viewed as the innovators in our county and state.” – Donald Snoke, Assistant Superintendent of the Trinity Area School District
Trinity High School in Washington, Pennsylvania has ambitious goals: to become a leader in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) education, to solve real-world problems with cutting-edge technology, and to protect the environment any way they can. The school installed 3 SmartFlowers alongside 2 wind turbines on their campus back in 2019 with the intention to showcase green technology and educate its students. The SmartFlowers have been integrated into the school’s curriculum and also produce power for the Trinity High School Freight Farm, helping the school grow fresh produce that are then donated to the Greater Washington County Food Bank.
- Town of East Gwillimbury
“The SmartFlower is a great opportunity for the Town to showcase sustainable energy options to the public, continue to follow through on our commitment to be a leader in the community, and encourage green energy choices.” – Virginia Hackson, Mayor of East Gwillimbury
The Town of East Gwillimbury, Canada, installed their SmartFlower in front of their Civic Centre, with help from Nu-NRG and Green Earth Village (Canada’s first Near Zero Master-Planned Community) in 2019. Part of the town’s Green Courtyard program, the SmartFlower was installed in conjunction with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and new LED lights in order to promote sustainable energy and green technology to their staff, residents, and community members.
- University of Northern Colorado
“We installed the SmartFlower in order to reduce our campus’s carbon footprint by utilizing renewable energy and offsetting our fossil fuel emissions.” – Emmy Scott, Grant Coordinator of UNC Student LEAF
The SmartFlower at the University of Northern Colorado was chosen not by staff or faculty, but by the students themselves. UNC’s Student Leadership for Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) committee, which is made up entirely of students, were the ones who selected and purchased the SmartFlower. The unit now powers the César Chávez Cultural Center on campus and empowers students to learn more about innovative green technology.
- Samsø Island
“The municipality has an obligation to ‘walk the talk’ and demonstrate sustainable transition in action.” – Marcel Meijer, Mayor of Samsø Island
As Denmark’s very first municipally owned SmartFlower, the unit in front of the of Mayor’s Office is one part of this remarkable island’s goal to create a greater sustainable future for its residents. Samsø island is 100% powered by renewable energy and aims to be 100% fossil-fuel free by 2030. SmartFlower aside, the island has other sustainable initiatives and projects, such as energy-optimized lighting, electric vehicle charging stations, and even an annual sustainability festival!
- Lee Richardson Zoo
“Our goal is to provide our guests with knowledge about renewable energy and wildlife conservation. This way, they can make sound decisions about mitigating climate change.” – Max Lakes, Deputy Director of Lee Richardson Zoo
Sustainable energy plays an important part in wildlife conservation, as habitat loss will continue to threaten wildlife everywhere until the effects of climate change can be mitigated. This is exactly why Lee Richardson Zoo chose to install a SmartFlower by their Primate Forest – Lemurs! exhibit, and has incorporated the solar flower into various education and conservation programs. An interpretive graphic and power production meter also accompanies the SmartFlower, acting as a visual reminder to visitors of the importance of renewable energy.
Want to read up on other SmartFlower installations? Click here.