Media Statement
19 March 2007
Genesis Energy brings Schoolgen to cyberspace
Schoolgen is now online.
Schoolgen is an initiative from Genesis Energy that is supported by the Minister for the Environment's Sustainable
Management Fund, Sharp Corporation (NZ) and the Enviroschools Foundation.
In a time where the threat of global warming is present in our everyday lives, Genesis Energy recognises the need to
teach the younger generation the importance of renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate change in an interesting
and engaging way.
Schools selected to participate in Schoolgen have a 2 kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic system installed on a roof of one of
their buildings. A display wall featuring an LCD screen showing real-time electricity generation information of the
panels is fitted in a busy area of the school.
The Schoolgen website has been designed as a comprehensive resource for both teachers and students participating in the
programme. As well as showing the daily, weekly, monthly and yearly electricity generated by each participating school
from the PV panels and the tonnes of CO2 saved, the website also includes general information about climate change and
environmental issues including practical energy saving tips.
The Schoolgen website provides teaching activities specifically designed to support teachers as they teach students
about renewable energy. Students can use the PV system and the information generated as an interactive resource.
“As decision makers of the future it is essential for young people to grow up knowing about the importance of
sustainable, renewable energy sources and how to minimise their impact on the environment,” says Murray Jackson Chief
Executive of Genesis Energy.
Schoolgen will be assisting six schools in the greater Auckland area in 2006/07. Genesis Energy hopes to roll out the
programme to other regions in New Zealand in the future.
To be eligible to apply for Schoolgen a school must be a customer of Genesis Energy and have demonstrated practical
action towards sustainability by being an Enviroschool or signing up to the Enviroschools programme. Schools can
register their interest in Schoolgen via the Schoolgen website.
Visit the Schoolgen website at www.schoolgen.co.nz
Find out more about Enviroschools at www.enviroschools.org.nz
ENDS