Clean Air Team Honors Waterford Elementary School and Progress Energy

5/8/2008

Waterford Elementary School and Progress Energy Florida received the 2008 Clean Air Award for leading the way in clean air partnership.

Waterford Elementary School and Progress Energy Florida were honored with the 2008 Clean Air Award. With the help of Progress Energy Florida’s SolarWise for Schools program, Waterford Elementary is doing its part to be ‘green.’

The Central Florida Clean Air Team presented Waterford Elementary School and Progress Energy Florida with the 2008 Clean Air Award on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at Waterford Elementary. Parents approached Progress Energy Florida with hopes that the company would install the panels at the school. In December 2007, their wish came true and Waterford became one of the first schools to secure the solar panels.

“The real benefit is the educational value it brings to the students,” said Kathleen Cavanagh, a Waterford mom and Clean Air Award nominator. “The children will now have the opportunity to learn more about renewable energy and understand the benefits to the school.”

The Clean Air Team, a volunteer group dedicated to improving air quality in our community, is a partnership of METROPLAN ORLANDO, the region’s transportation planning agency. Each year, the Team presents a deserving business or organization in Orange, Osceola, or Seminole County with the Clean Air Award.

Judging is based on innovation and uniqueness; the direct or indirect effort to reduce emissions; providing a model for others to follow; and sustainability.

Previous winners include Orange County Public Schools and Head Start; City of Altamonte Springs, and HUGR Systems, Inc.

The Waterford Elementary School project was the clear choice for the 2008 Clean Air Award. Team members were impressed by the partnership between the school and Progress Energy Florida. (The SolarWise for Schools program is a special fund that purchases solar energy systems for Florida schools.)

"Renewable energy sources, like solar, are part of Progress Energy Florida's balanced solution to meet the future energy needs of our customers," said John Masiello, director of Demand Side Management and Alternative Energy Strategy for Progress Energy Florida. "The SolarWise for Schools program not only advances the use of renewable energy at schools throughout our 35-county service territory, it supports energy education initiatives for students."

The event included the announcement of the 2008 Clean Air Award winner, and a ceremonial switch flip commemorating the flow of solar energy to the school. Speakers included Orange County Commissioner Linda Stewart, District 2’s School Board Member Daryl Flynn, Clean Air Team Chairman John Parker and representatives from Progress Energy Florida and Waterford Elementary School.

The Central Florida Clean Air Team is a partnership of government, business organizations, and individuals all working together to improve air quality in our community. The group encourages everyone to do their part by developing and practicing clean air habits. The Team is a partnership of METROPLAN ORLANDO, the region’s transportation planning organization. For more information, visit www.cleanairteam.org or call 407.481.5672.

METROPLAN ORLANDO is the metropolitan transportation planning organization for Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties. METROPLAN ORLANDO provides the forum for local elected officials and transportation experts to work together to improve transportation for Central Florida residents, businesses and visitors. For more information, visit www.metroplanorlando.com, or call 407.481.5672.

For more information contact:

Lenora Lockett
407-481-5672 x305
pr@metroplanorlando.com

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