Temple grad wins energy case study contest

Narberth Energy Efficiency Case Study reveals municipal energy use trends, LED streetlight upgrades, HVAC retrofits, and behavior change, guided by Temple University, PennFuture, and PowerMinders, driving cost savings, carbon reduction, and public safety improvements.

Sveta McShane, a 2009 graduate of Temple University entered her energy case study in a statewide contest sponsored by PowerMinders and Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) and won $500 for her efforts.

College students from across Pennsylvania submitted case studies on their environmental work, similar to the smart grid DR case study released by NAPC, and Ms. McShane’s case study — focusing on the town of Narberth and demonstrating where energy use could be reduced — was the panel's favorite.

“It wasn’t all me,” said Ms. McShane, “I was lucky to have open access to Narberth's energy records since 1997, and accurate information on household numbers, municipal cars, trucks, usage, etc.”

Ms. McShane was also able to tap the expertise of the Environmental Studies faculty at Temple University and Narberth Green's founder Avi Fox.

“I am sure many towns use energy the way Narberth does, and, as seen with Kansas communities saving energy, they can learn from the report as well,” said Ms. McShane. Her report showed that Narberth's streetlights were a major cost factor, and the borough is now looking at replacing all street lights with new, energy efficient LED lighting, while also improving safety.

Borough Manager Bill Martin praised the case study. “This report shed tremendous light on where our largest uses were occurring, and it allowed us to apply for state funding under a statewide efficiency plan to become more energy efficient and replace our HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning) equipment. The report was shared with our residents, and helped us all realize that simple and inexpensive self-installed measures along with behavior changes are not large inconveniences and can save us all about 30 percent in our energy costs and carbon output.”

Christine Knapp, director of outreach for PennFuture, praised Ms. McShane's entry, saying, "Her case study is clear proof that every environmental victory grows the economy. Narberth is now saving money during these hard financial times by using energy more wisely, setting an example for other townships and for energy efficient neighborhoods more broadly. Congratulations to Ms. McShane for showing the way.”

Sveta McShane hopes to use her experience, knowledge and concerns for our environment in her developing career. Her full report is available online at www.powerminders.com.

PowerMinders is a growing national network of college students doing positive things to save homeowners and business on their energy bills, while cities like Plattsburgh advance efficiency initiatives across the country and reduce pollution. These students engage in various activities that provide valuable experiences to successfully pursue careers in the growing green economy.

PennFuture is a statewide public interest membership organization, founded in 1998. PennFuture's activities include litigating cases before regulatory bodies and in local, state and federal courts, advocating and advancing legislative action on a state and federal level, public education and assisting citizens in public advocacy.

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