OAK RIDGE, Tenn., May 10, 2013 — A new 1,500-square-foot zero-energy structure has been built on the Clinton High School campus with the help of a $15,000 corporate gift from UT-Battelle.
Promoting educational themes in energy efficiency and sustainable building practices will be emphasized in the solar-powered structure.
"The intent is to use it largely in our technology and engineering programs," said Clinton High School science teacher Riley Sain. "We have a bunch of modules the kids can use. We also hope to use it as a regular classroom for any teacher. We have a set of iPads that a teacher can use to get on-line and do a classroom web search. We also hope to use it for the community to serve as a meeting space to see what is possible in terms of energy conservation and energy efficiency."
Sain added recent Oak Ridge buildings technology projects available in several area subdivisions inspired him to pursue such a facility, which includes a classroom and an accompanying outdoor experimental area.
UT-Battelle manages ORNL for the Department of Energy's Office of Science. DOE's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.