The economics of alternative energy

They don't just make energy-efficient construction materials, they also contribute to creating awareness and preparing young minds for this increasingly green world.

PPG Industries Foundation, Pittsburgh, took its energy-efficiency agenda a step further by teaming up with EconomicsPennsylvania, a not-for-profit economic education and financial literacy organization in the Commonwealth serving teachers and students in grades K-12, to create a new classroom curriculum called "The Economics of Alternative Energy," according to an Aug. 3 release. The curriculum will be introduced and made available to Pennsylvania high schools at the beginning of the new school year in September.

Teachers and students will explore the challenges of the energy debate and examine what action steps might be taken in the areas of conservation, exploration and need, said Andy Russell, former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker and volunteer vice chair of the EconomicsPennsylvania board of directors. "Issues such as energy choices, consumption, incentive, market price, public policy and 'greening' make this curriculum an effective doorway to learning experiences that will not only impact students and influence their thinking but also challenge them to consider possible life-altering decisions," he said in the release.

"[The curriculum] will provide students with a stronger understanding of economics by encouraging them to consider the many issues surrounding energy and the environment through the lens of the global economy," said Victoria M. Holt, senior vice president, Glass and Fiber Glass, PPG Industries, in the release. "Solving the challenges of energy supply, cost and use -- determining how to protect resources most effectively while affordably powering our ever-increasing energy demands -- is of crucial importance to society. As such, PPG Industries recognizes its responsibility as the world's leading coatings and specialty products company to address issues of energy security and climate change."

EconomicsPennsylvania will distribute information statewide about teacher training workshops and the availability of the curriculum and related classroom materials to school districts, curriculum directors and teachers with the anticipation of scheduling workshop sessions as soon as possible, according to the release.

—By Sahely Mukerji, senior editor, Glass Magazine