The Community College of Allegheny County and Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato announced the establishment of the Green Institute, which will launch this fall with a broad range of topics related to both green technology and energy conservation.

 

The college will offer three free “green” informational classes in alternative energy and energy conservation this summer as a preview of the institute’s fall programs.

 

“Southwestern Pennsylvania is already a leader in sustainable development, environmental stewardship and green technology,” said Onorato. “CCAC’s Green Institute will help us to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to green jobs and infrastructure, and it will position our region for continued success in the green economy. The institute’s courses will also help residents to become more sustainable and save energy and money by showing them how to go green in everyday life.”

 

Summer classes will include sessions on residential solar panels at North and Boyce campuses. At West Hills center in Oakdale, two sessions will provide an overview of hybrid vehicles with the center’s hybrid Ford Escape. A third class at West Hills center will help homeowners learn how to make their homes more efficient, healthy and environmentally responsible with the help of local experts.

 

“These courses provide residents with the education needed to make informed choices as they establish their personal green direction,” said Dr. Alex Johnson, CCAC president. “The classes are designed to be enlightening, educational and, in some cases, provide the workforce training needed to compete in the emerging green economy.”

 

CCAC’s Green Institute is partnering with several local leaders in both residential and commercial aspects of green and energy conservation. These experts, such as Stationary Operating Engineers, Local 95, will assist in the development of curriculum and the delivery of the training.

 

“To prepare people for the ‘green collar’ jobs of the future, our partnerships with industry, labor, government and organizations are especially important,” said Judy Savolskis, CCAC interim vice president for workforce development.

 

The courses offered in the fall will cover a broad spectrum of green opportunities. Some will help to prepare a workforce with the skills needed for a green economy, including commercial and residential energy conservation. In addition, there are courses to help individuals become better informed consumers and partner in the efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of the region.

 

In March, CCAC and Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato hosted U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, who toured a sampling of the college’s green training programs and praised CCAC for its leading-edge contributions to the emerging green economy through partnerships in training and workforce development.

 

Also in March, the County Executive hosted a regional strategy session entitled “Growing a Greener Economy,” which included panel discussions on workforce, infrastructure and entrepreneurism. The summer preview of CCAC’s Green Institute is a direct outcome of the strategy session, which helped to refine plans for the Institute.

 

For more information on the free summer classes or to register, call 412.369.3703 or visit the CCAC website.