Sustainable Greencastle to pursue new projects

As part of the Greencastle Schools' Energy Challenge, students at Tzouanakis Intermediate School read a meter at the school.

GREENCASTLE -- Participants in this evening's Sustainable Greencastle meeting at the Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics will pursue new initiatives after gaining creative insights from the facility's architect.

The meeting will run from 6 to 8 p.m.

CSO Architects' lead designer and project manager Randy Schumacher was the architect of record for the Prindle Institute and the Bartlett Reflection Center, both LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) New Construction GOLD-certified buildings located in the DePauw University Nature Park.

Schumacher will share innovation perspectives from more than 20 years of experience and provide a brief facility tour.

Participants will then discuss and have the opportunity to begin pursuing new project partnerships following an update from Mayor Sue Murray on recent community-wide sustainability outcomes, which include: expanding the Downtown Farmers' Market; creating a local food relief pilot program (Local Food for Neighbors in Need); launching a Buy Local campaign; cultivating community garden test plots; and conserving consumption through the Greencastle Schools' "Energy Challenge.

In a most recent effort, the Greencastle Schools' "Energy Challenge" has school facilities competing to conserve the most electricity during an eight-week period ending March 15.

The challenge sponsorship includes $10,000 in Duke Energy grant awards, which have helped motivate students to measure electricity consumption of equipment and appliances, turn off power when not in use and to motivate one another in a number of ways ranging from consumption audit groups to example-setting costume-clad superheroes "Electric Girl and Energy Guy."

"The enthusiasm and commitment students are bringing to the Challenge is truly remarkable," said Murray. "People of all ages are providing meaningful leadership and making a difference through this community effort."

Gathering quarterly, Sustainable Greencastle is an open association connecting people and ideas for environmental solutions to strengthen our community, economy, culture and quality of life. Meetings are convened by the Greencastle Commission on Sustainability.

For more information, contact the Commission chair, Steve Setchell, at sustainablegreencastle@gmail.com or 720-0673.