Burns: St. Francis University Institute for Energy wins prestigious environmental excellence award for ‘Tiny Classroom’
Rep. Frank Burns March 20, 2019 | 9:37 AM
EBENSBURG, March 20 – St. Francis University in Loretto has received an award for environmental excellence for its specially-created mobile laboratory focused on teaching people about efficient energy techniques and sustainability, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, announced today.
Burns said the university’s Institute for Energy was chosen to receive the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence from the state Department of Environmental Protection for its mobile educational laboratory, called the Tiny Classroom. This special mobile lab features a variety of energy-efficient techniques and sustainable building features, including solar panels.
“The Tiny Classroom provides a wonderful opportunity to teach people in our communities about solar energy, biomass heating, energy efficient electronics and more,” said Burns. “I’m pleased that the university’s Institute for Energy has been recognized for their innovative educational approach to energy, including sustainable energy options.”
St. Francis University’s Institute for Energy was among 18 winners for the annual award. Projects submitted for consideration were evaluated on several criteria, including innovation, partnership efforts, economic impact, consideration of climate change, and sustainability and results achieved.