San Jose State University
IN-2: Innovation 2

The Green Wave is an innovative energy audit program that trained 72 undergraduate and graduate students during the Spring 2011 semester to conduct residential, office, and dorm room energy check-ups (audits) for the SJSU community and City of San José employees. In partnership with the City of San José's Environmental Services Department and the environmental group, Acterra, students completed 24 hours of training on topics ranging from climate change to rooftop solar. They learned how to make residences and offices more energy efficient by showing auditees how much energy their individual appliances and devices were using, helping them interpret their monthly utility bills, and installing energy saving SmartStrips, CFLs and outlet gaskets. Just as importantly, they educated residents on the City’s award-winning Green Vision, specifically highlighting the goals of reducing per capita energy use by 50% and the creation of 25,000 Clean Tech jobs in Silicon Valley. Acterra provided hands-on audit training and guest speakers from within the Clean Tech and energy sectors provided industry insights to the students as part of their in-class training. Project Outcomes From March through May of 2011, 72 students completed 220 FREE energy check-ups for over 300 community members within San José city limits. The effort included students from five academic departments representing more than 10 different majors, including Environmental Studies, Communication Studies, Meteorology, Urban and Regional Planning, and Geology. The direct savings impact from those audits totaled to 175,000 kWh of electricity saved; $37,000; and 92,000 lbs of CO2 annually. If auditees take additional steps to reduce energy use as suggested by the Green Wave students, this will result in an additional savings of approximately 150,0000 kWh; $39,000; and 300,000 lbs CO2 annually.