RE-volv Wins Prestigious Green Power Leadership Award
Innovative program recognized for making significant advances in training America’s youth to spearhead local solar energy projects
Press Release – San Francisco, CA (November 2, 2017) — RE-volv – an organization that manages crowdfunding campaigns to help nonprofits switch to solar energy – has won the 17th annual Leadership in Green Power Education Award for its innovative and effective Solar Ambassador Program. The award, given by the Center for Resource Solutions, was presented at the Renewable Energy Markets 2017 conference in New York on October 23rd.
“RE-volv has created an exciting new model of solar education and implementation, focusing on students as a catalyst to expand solar in their communities,” said CRS Executive Director Jennifer Martin. “We are pleased to be able to present them with a Green Power Leadership Award this year for their commitment to giving young people a leadership role and solid foundation in the transition to clean energy.”
RE-volv’s Solar Ambassador Program has been in action for three years and has engaged over 100 students representing 12 universities in eight states. The year-long fellowship trains college students to spearhead a solar project in their community. Students attend a leadership summit, receive training on how to manage a successful crowdfunding campaign, and engage their communities to bring clean, affordable solar energy to a local nonprofit.
“We are thrilled to receive an award shining light on our Solar Ambassador Program,“ Executive Director of RE-volv Andreas Karelas said. “Now more than ever, it is vital to engage, empower and train the next generation of clean energy leaders.”
Founded in 2011, RE-volv is the first and only U.S. nonprofit to employ a revolving fund to finance solar energy installations for community-serving nonprofit organizations. Through RE-volv’s web platform, users can donate to specific nonprofit solar projects that pay RE-volv back over time through a solar lease agreement. Each month, donors who gave to a particular project receive their share of the lease payment in their portfolio, through which they can continually reinvest in new solar projects on the RE-volv platform. This pay-it-forward model helps to accelerate solar energy deployment in local communities around the country.
RE-volv, a two-time U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative awardee, has received its largest grant to date from the personal foundation of Academy Award winning actor and outspoken climate change activist Leonardo DiCaprio. Of the $120,000 grant, $60,000 will be used to support RE-volv’s operations and the remaining $60,000 will be used to match RE-volv’s upcoming solar energy crowdfunding campaigns dollar for dollar.
About RE-volv
RE-volv empowers people to take direct action on climate change by crowdfunding solar energy projects for nonprofit organizations. Donations made to RE-volv’s crowdfunding campaigns grow a revolving fund that provides solar financing for nonprofits across the nation. RE-volv raises awareness about solar energy through its flagship Solar Ambassador Program, which trains college students to solarize nonprofits they care about. RE-volv is an inaugural member of the White House National Community Solar Partnership and is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative. Learn more at RE-volv.org.
About the Green Power Leadership Awards
The annual Green Power Leadership Awards (GPLAs) are competitive awards that recognize outstanding commitments and achievements in the green power marketplace. By choosing green power instead of conventional electricity, consumers, businesses, and organizations can support increased deployment of renewable energy technologies that will reduce the environmental impact of electricity generation and increase energy security. The GPLAs are presented by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the annual Renewable Energy Markets conference. Learn more at www.greenpowerleadershipawards.com.
About Center for Resource Solutions
Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) is a national nonprofit with global impact. CRS brings forth expert responses to climate change issues with the speed and effectiveness necessary to provide real-time solutions. Its leadership through collaboration and environmental innovation builds policies and consumer-protection mechanisms in renewable energy, greenhouse gas reductions, and energy efficiency that foster healthy and sustained growth in national and international markets. For more information about its programs, visit www.resource-solutions.org
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