Resources & Materials

Curriculum Resources

Professionally produced Weatherization Videos for Residential Energy
WxTV is a national weatherization training show that uses a blend of expert advice, how-to techniques, innovation, and reality TV to create entertainment-based learning. The show was developed in 2010 by the Montana Weatherization Training Center, part of Montana State University – Extension Housing and Environmental Health, with funding support from a partnership between Exxon Mobil and the National Community Action Foundation.

Episodes range 12-15 minutes in length and are filmed around the country by WxTV film crews and often by weatherization crews themselves, in the field, showcasing their know-how. WxTV brings together differing techniques from hot, cold, humid, and arid environments, opening a dialogue for crews to debate the best way to accomplish weatherization tasks under varying conditions.
http://wxtvonline.org/

NTER - the National Training & Education Resource
is an easy-to-access, open source, web-based learning platform that enables learners, instructors, and organizations to be part of an education community. It currently has several energy specific offerings and materials that can be used in class including: Process Heating, Photovoltaic Online Training For Code Officials, (WXOT) Weatherization Installer Course, (WXOT) Weatherization Crew Chief Course, Sustainable Environmental Stewardship, Building Science Basics, Energy Industry Fundamentals
They also have a virtual blower door simulator!
https://www.nterlearning.org/

EPA / Energy Star - Guidelines for Energy Management
EPA offers a proven strategy for superior energy management with tools and resources to help each step of the way. Based on the successful practices of ENERGY STAR partners, these guidelines for energy management can assist your organization in improving its energy and financial performance while distinguishing your organization as an environmental leader.
http://www.energystar.gov/

NIST - National Institute of Standards and Technology
Standards for the Smart Grid, energy efficient lighting, photovoltaics, net-zero-energy buildings, software for "smart" building, these a few of the many NIST research areas related to energy use and conservation. The Institute develops the testing, measurements, and reference materials needed to ensure the quality of energy-related products and services and ensure fairness in the marketplace.
http://www.nist.gov/energy-portal.cfm

SEED - Sustainability Education and Economic Development
A FREE initiative of the American Association of Community Colleges and ecoAmerica, the Sustainability Education and Economic Development (SEED) Center aims to advance sustainability and green workforce development practices at community colleges by sharing innovative models and resources and building the capacity of college administrators, faculty, and staff to contribute as leaders.

SEED Offers:

• Over 500 green curricular and other resources curated by industry and higher education experts.
• Detailed guides, toolkits and promising practices for two-year college faculty, staff, and leaders
• Professional development opportunities, including workshops, webinars, and mentoring sessions (Coming in 2012)
• A National Awards Program
  
  http://www.theseedcenter.org

ATEEC - Advanced Technology Environmental and Energy Center
ATEEC, pronounced "A-Tech," is a National Center of Excellence funded in part by the National Science Foundation. There are currently over 300 searchable and free curriculum downloads available.  Much of the material was developed for k-12 but higher educational content is increasely becoming available.
http://ateec.org/

DOE - Department of Energy
From resources for research papers to step-by-step science project plans, there truly is a wealth of information on efficiency and renewables available on the Internet, much of which is categorized by age group to ensure that students are able to view content appropriate to their level of understanding.

But students aren't the only ones who can benefit from online energy resources. Teachers searching for lesson plans or classroom activities on energy-related topics have a treasure trove of web-based information to choose from. So, whether you're a student with an inquiring mind and a burning energy question or an educator teaching a classroom full of inquiring minds, the following websites should help to put you on the right track.
http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/energy-resources-students-and-teachers

DOE2.com - Home of eQuest
eQUEST^® is a sophisticated, yet easy to use, freeware building energy use analysis tool that provides professional-level results with an affordable level of effort.  eQUEST was designed to allow you to perform detailed comparative analysis of building designs and technologies by applying sophisticated building energy use simulation techniques but without requiring extensive experience in the "art" of building performance modeling.

USGBC - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. USGBC offers a wealth of educational resources including: Students Guide to Transforming Your Campus, Community and Career, Green Existing Schools Project Management Guide,
Green Existing Schools Implementation Workbook, Advanced Energy Design Guides for K12 School Buildings.
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=127

ACCA - Air Conditioning Contractors of America
ACCA is a non-profit association serving more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses in the HVACR community, working together to promote professional contracting, energy efficiency, and healthy, comfortable indoor environments. Our roots stretch back to the early part of the 20th century, and the organization was incorporated in its present form over 40 years ago.
https://www.acca.org/education or https://www.acca.org/store/category.php?cid=37