South Carolina ETV and Public Radio amplifies energy efficiency by installing window shades and providing educational resources
June 7, 2024
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) announces the completion of a project to install window shades in its Idea Lab, supported by a $10,000 mini-grant from the South Carolina Energy Office. In addition to the installation of shades, SCETV produced three informative segments to promote the project and a lesson plan to be shared with South Carolina educators.
The SCETV Idea Lab, a 5,472 sq. ft. open-concept space at SCETV’s facility in Columbia, now features energy-efficient shades on the expansive wall of windows. The project included the installation of 31 individual shades with a goal to decrease energy consumption by reducing heat gain, thereby lessening the demand on the building’s HVAC system. The shades are projected to save nearly 61 million Btus of energy and approximately $1,500 in energy costs annually.
Each year, the Idea Lab welcomes around 2,500 visitors for various events, including internal meetings, organizational conferences and workshops. By incorporating energy-efficient shades, SCETV not only reduces its energy costs as a state agency but also serves as a live demonstration project to educate the community on energy efficiency.
SCETV has actively promoted the project through its broadcast and online network. Three 30-second segments highlighting the benefits of energy efficiency and the shade installation are currently being aired on SCETV’s network. An educational lesson on heat transfer and energy efficiency was also created and shared with South Carolina educators through knowitall.org, SCETV’s an award-winning platform for lesson plans and instructional content.
Visitors to SCETV’s Idea Lab will notice a placard and banner near the windows, explaining their energy-saving benefits and providing a tangible example for those visiting for a tour, from a school or from organizations that may rent the space for events.
Each year, the U.S. Department of Energy awards funding to the South Carolina Energy Office to fund several high-impact demonstration projects in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy and clean transportation. Eligible applicants include state agencies, local governments, public colleges/universities/technical colleges, K-12 public schools and 501(c) (3) non-profit organizations. This project was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs under the State Energy Program award number DE-EE0010099.
Information about the project is featured on SCETV’s website and has been shared through SCETV’s social media platforms. For more information about the Idea Lab and to view the educational videos and lesson plan, visit the SCETV website.
Quotes
“We are thrilled to implement these energy-efficient measures in our Idea Lab. This project not only enhances our facility but also reinforces our commitment to finding opportunities to educate the public with every initiative. We appreciate the support received from the South Carolina Energy Office and hope the installation of these window shades can serve as a demonstrational project to highlight energy efficiency when visitors come to SCETV.” -SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“The State Energy Office is pleased to support SCETV’s energy efficiency and cost-saving efforts. Our Mini-grant program, funded by the US Department of Energy’s State Energy Program, provides public entities and non-profit organizations with the opportunity to receive grant funding to support energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation projects. We’re delighted to partner with SCETV and look forward to more great ideas coming from SCETV’s idea lab!” -South Carolina Energy Office Director Sara Bazemore
Fast Facts
SCETV has completed a project to install window shades in its Idea Lab, supported by a $10,000 mini-grant from the South Carolina Energy Office.
SCETV produced three informative segments to promote the project and a lesson plan to be shared with South Carolina educators.
The shades are projected to save nearly 61 million Btus of energy and approximately $1,500 in energy costs annually.
Visitors to SCETV’s Idea Lab will notice a placard and banner near the windows, explaining their energy-saving benefits.
For more information about the Idea Lab and to view the educational videos and lesson plan, visit the SCETV website.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state’s public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as Carolina Classrooms, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Somewhere South, Yoga in Practice, Downing of a Flag and How She Rolls. In addition, SC Public Radio produces the national radio production, Chamber Music from Spoleto Festival USA.
