ON OCTOBER 30, SAS RECEIVED THE SOLAR Pioneer Award from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) for its recently installed 1-MW Sunseap system. Superintendent Dr. Chip Kimball accepted the award on behalf of the school from EDB executive director for clean technology Goh Chee Kiong and National Environment Agency chief executive officer Ronnie Tay. Speaking at the award ceremony, Goh confirmed that SAS indeed holds the title of largest existing system in Singapore, having edged out Keppel Seghers Ulu Pandan NEWater Plant by .007 MW (7 kW). The SAS system was designed to produce at least one million kilowatt-hours annually. This is a tenth of the school’s existing electricity consumption; the percentage will increase as SAS continues to become more energy efficient.
Launch with the Ambassador
Superintendent Chip Kimball welcomes US Ambassador Kirk Wagar, Singapore Member of Parliment Mr. Ong Teng Koon and Mr. Goh Chee Kiong for the festivities.
Installed over the summer and operational since August, the SAS system was officially launched on October 26, the same day as the iconic PTA Food Fest. Distinguished guests, including U.S. Ambassador to Singapore Kirk Wagar and Member of Parliament for Sembawang GRC (Woodgrove) Ong Teng Koon, joined Dr. Kimball and Mr. Goh at the festivities. The VIPs arrived early for a tour of the solar panel array led by students Aimee Jung (‘16) and Tanvi Dutti Gupta (‘18) of the Global Issues Network (GIN) Club. “We are creating a generation of students who understand how important alternative energy sources are to the planet,” said Ambassador Wagar. “It’s a testament to the leadership of your school and your board.” He added, “Climate change affects all of us and we need to take action. This past summer, President Obama decided to have solar panels installed in the White House. You’ll be proud to know that you’re ahead of the curve.” At the launch, Dr. Kimball spoke about how the school’s use of solar power reinforces its vision of being a world leader in education, cultivating exceptional thinkers prepared for the future. “At Singapore American School, we are modeling what we believe it takes in order to solve the world’s most complex problems,” said Dr. Kimball. “It takes resources, great minds, and partnerships—people working together.” Students responded by sharing how SAS enables them to pursue their passion for sustainability and service. “There are many opportunities to take action here through experiential learning,” said Kaelan Cuozzo (‘15). She cited the school’s involvement in International Coastal Cleanup Singapore and the Sensory Trail at Pulau Ubin and lauded the culture of service at SAS: “Completely voluntary, 45 different service clubs are supported by over 80 percent of the high school student body.” 6
SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL JOURNEYS
Ramita Kondepudi (‘14) added, “Our actions are here in Singapore, but the effects of our actions reach far beyond our borders. [The solar panels] will save 10,000 tons of carbon over the span of 20 years, which is equal to about 500,000 trees.” The GIN and Students Against the Violation of the Environment clubs co-presented the launch ceremony and VIP tour, as well as the public tours held later that day. Sarah Anderson (‘14) and Keshav Jagannath (‘18) were the Masters of Ceremonies.
Sky’s the Limit With 1 MW of solar panels on the school roofs, the sky’s the limit—literally—when it comes to learning opportunities. SAS teachers and students are eager to work with the solar panels and relate them to topics such as climate change, sustainable engineering, energy economics, urban planning, and geopolitics. The installation is especially timely, with the recent introduction of the new engineering science class to its High School Science offerings which already include alternative energy and robotics. SAS is also exploring further partnerships with the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore. SERIS is firmly rooted in academic research, but it also provides guidance for government and industry. Proposed partnerships include an advanced monitoring system to maximize awareness and generate data for use in the classroom. Student shadowing, mentorship, and internship opportunities are also being discussed. Last summer, SAS graduate Ed Thome (‘12) completed a successful internship with SERIS that allowed him to assist on important research about the effects of FA L L 2 0 1 3