Learned about energy and water efficiency in buildings, how building design affects energy usage, how USGBC plans to reduce energy usage across the US This trip was important because it allowed students to understand the impact of building design on long-term energy usage, and how USGBC successfully explains the connection between energy efficiency and cost-savings for major companies
The Stella Group, Inc. – March 26, 2012 5 students met with Scott Sklar (CEO), observed renewable energy generators and 3 types of solar panels Learned about solar panel installation, wind power, fuel cells Observed use of renewable energy in a single-family house, benefits and challenges Discussed renewable energy pricing, how large companies might blend renewable energy technologies in order to make renewables more cost-effective This trip was important because students learned how individuals, governments, and large corporations can take steps to improve energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint Marcellus Shale Region/Fracking Sites – May 18, 2012 25 students Met with a researcher from Penn State Marcellus Research Center Observed drilling rigs, withdrawal sites, well pads Learned about water and pipeline issues, shale drilling techniques, safety measures, inherent risks of drilling for shale gas Gained a better understanding of the natural gas market, shale drilling, energy policy issues, gas extraction regulations This trip was important because hydraulic fracturing has garnered national attention over the past few years, and students in the ERE program benefited by gaining a first-hand understanding of the fracking process Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL) – December 7, 2012 10 students Met with the captain of their 81’ research vessel “The Rachel Carson” Visited the Environmental Chemistry & Toxicology Laboratory and met with researchers with ongoing experience with methane gas and the impacts of oil on deep sea communities Q&A session with Dr. Thomas Miller, Director of the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory on how the lab’s research influences policy This trip was important because we were able to learn about their work on topics such as climate change, the north pole, and the repercussions of the oil spill in the Gulf Baku, Azerbaijan – January 20-26, 2013 14 students Meeting with high level officials from The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), The State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) and BP Visiting the BP operated Sangachal Terminal, BTC Pipeline, South Caucasus Pipeline and Caspian Energy Center Meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Morningstar to discuss US energy interest in the region This trip is important because the Caspian region is an up-and-coming oil and natural gas producer that offers diversification options for Europe and the US For more information please contact: saisere@jhu.edu
www.sais-jhu.edu
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