WNC hosts activities for Earth Week

Western Nevada College will celebrate Earth Week with a variety of activities that offer Northern Nevadans a chance to become more energy-conscious in everyday life.

The highlight of the week will be dedication of the college's first solar array at 11 a.m. Wednesday. The 840 ground-mounted solar panels now standing on the west side of campus are projected to save the college as much as $28,000 each year in electricity costs. The 200-kilowatt array was constructed by Black Rock Solar of Reno, in conjunction with NV Energy's SolarGenerations program. NV Energy is offering incentives to offset installation costs.

WNC President Carol Lucey said: "Thanks to the partnership between Western Nevada College, Black Rock Solar and NV Energy, this project continues the alignment of our college with a sustainability mission, a direction which dates back many years. Our library was built in 2003 with sustainability in mind, and we signed on to the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment in 2009."

Today: Waste Audit: What Exactly Are We Throwing Away?

10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in front of the Bristlecone Building.

WNC students and faculty members will perform a waste audit on the lawn in front of the Bristlecone Building. They will sift through one campus building's trash to reveal what should have been recycled.

Visitors will learn about WNC and Nevada recycling options and receive giveaways made out of recycled materials. Volunteers will be needed to sort, weigh and record materials; they will need to wear close-toed shoes for safety.

Wednesday: Drive Green: Alternative Fuel Vehicles

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., parking lot west of Dini Library & Student Center.

Local auto dealerships will showcase the latest hybrid and electric vehicles, including the Chevy Volt, Ford Fusion, Toyota Prius and Nissan Leaf.

Renewable Energy Exhibits

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., parking lot west of Dini Library & Student Center.

WNC's Renewable Energy class instructor and students will display grid-tied solar electric demonstrators, and a stand-alone, off-grid solar electric and wind lab. NV Energy will bring its Renewable Generations exhibit and present information on renewable energy incentive programs, as well as wind and solar hot water systems.

Solar Array Dedication Ceremony

11 a.m., behind Aspen Building, on the west edge of campus.

Thursday: Understanding Climate Change

6 p.m., Marlette Hall, Cedar Building

A slide show and video focuses on climate change. Produced by the Climate Reality Project, the presentation will also look at long-range forecasts and offer attendees a chance to discuss what contributions they can make.

For information about Western Nevada College Earth Week activities, contact Valerie Anderson of the WNC Sustainability Committee at 445-3222 or at valeriea@wnc.edu. For information about the Solar Array Dedication, contact Anne Hansen at 445-3235.