Everyday we utilise electricity produced, and transport powered from, non - renewable fossil fuels. The 'EBalance' Classroom Sustainability Workshop will enable students to investigate traditional sources of power generation and the local and global implications of burning fossil fuels. The workshop will highlight renewable alternatives to non-renewable fossil fuels with activites including:

• The Journey to School Carbon Calculator Challenge
  
  
• Class Based Waste Stream Audit
  
  
• Development of a Class/School based Sustainability Management Plan

The Strand Wind Project at Townsville demonstrates the capturing and use of renewable energy - wind power. The Strand wind turbine can produce enough energy to power an average house in Townsville and reduce greenhouse emissions by approximately 6.3 tonnes a year.

The Strand Wind Turbine - Power from wind

Students can visit the wind turbine and interperative display at The Strand and learn about:

• how wind energy gets converted into electrical energy
  
  
• global warming and greenhouse gas emissions
  
  
• wind use in Queensland
  
  
• alternative energy sources:
  • Strand Wind Project
  • Trees for Fleet
  • Magnetic Island Water Recycling (.pdf 200kb)
  • Biodiesel
  • Toyota Prius
  • Ethanol soon...

Students can also investigate the Strand Wind Project online by visiting www.soe-townsville.org/strandwindproject.

• Sustainability in Engineering Services
  
  
• Waste Education Initiatives in Townsville
  
  
• Natural Resources & Environmental Forum (NaREF)
  
  
• A Centre for Excellence in Tropical Design