1. Select a building in your community and evaluate the energy use. With your team, discuss the different energy sources used in your community and what the current energy issues are in the area where you live. Then choose a building in your community, like a school or municipal building. Contact the manager of that building, discuss the project, and ask for his/her help in performing an energy audit. In this audit, your team should look at the types of energy used throughout the building, how it is used, and the amount used. Contact experts in the field and examine the process by which different types of energy are made and the important effects of producing and using them, such as costs, availability, and environmental issues. Consult the “Project Resources” page on the website for instructions and sample materials of what is needed to perform an energy audit.

2. Talk to experts and propose solutions to reduce consumption or move toward alternative energy use. Once you know the energy needs of your chosen building, look at the areas of improvement to find solutions. How efficient is the energy use? How could you make it better? What about their sources of energy? Research potential alternate energy solutions and propose short-term and long-term changes that can be made to move toward renewable energy or reduced consumption. Can you find an innovative way to reduce energy use or change to a more sustainable energy source? Is there a new technology that could be developed to better support specific needs? Maybe there are scientists or engineers that you could contact who are already working on such a solution. Consider all areas of the building and community this change might impact and how realistic your solution is. You should show exactly how your solution would create a positive change.

3. Share the changes for your building with the community. Once you have researched and developed your solution, get out there and share it with your community! Event judges will expect you to explain how you showed the community your short- and long-term solutions and the information you have to back up your ideas. Use this project as an opportunity to see just how big an impact you and your team can have on your community and your world. Note: Explain how you completed all THREE parts of the Project, its purpose, and solutions. Share your presentation in order to qualify for project awards at qualifying and championship tournaments.