Useful Links

We've attempted to put together the most comprehensive list of links on everything from solar power to building a home with straw bale. If you find a broken link or have a suggestion for a link we should post, please contact us and let us know.


Local

Carbondalegov.org -- Information about Carbondale, Colorado

ColoradoEnergy.org -- A clearinghouse of information on energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts in Colorado.

The Canary Initiative -- The City of Aspen, Colorado's plan to aggressively begin reducing global warming pollution

Government
California Energy Commission (CEC) -- The primary energy policy and planning agency for the state of CA.

Consumer Energy Center -- CEC-sponsored site providing CA consumers information on renewable energy & fuel alternatives, as well as tips on energy conservation.

DOE Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) -- U.S. Department of Energy portal for information on renewable energy.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) -- The DOE's principal U.S. laboratory for renewable energy research and development.

SANDIA National Labs -- PV specific site including good system and component level information from SANDIA's Photovoltaic Systems Program.

United Nations Energy & Environment Program -- The UNDP helps countries strengthen their capacity to address environmental challenges at global, national and community levels.

Associations, Institutes & Non Profit Organizations
Adobe Alliance - A non-profit group dedicated to helping communities apply cooperative building techniques in earth architecture

Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) -- Group promoting energy efficiency worldwide to achieve a healthier economy, a cleaner environment, and greater energy security.

Alternative Energy Institute (AEI) -- A major information resource of wind energy for the State of Texas.

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) -- Non-profit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection.

American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE) -- Non-profit organization in Washington D.C. focused on accelerating the adoption of renewable energy technologies into the mainstream of American society.

American Hydrogen Association (AHA) -- Organization providing information on the use of hydrogen as a fuel.

American Solar Energy Society (ASES) -- National organization dedicated to advancing the widespread use of solar energy.

American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) -- National organization advocating the development of wind energy as a reliable, environmentally superior energy alternative.

Arizona Solar Center (AZSC) -- Non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the use and utilization of solar energy.

Boston Area Solar Energy Association (BASEA) -- Fostering the design and use of solar and sustainable energy technologies through education, advocacy and the demonstration of practical, cost effective techniques.

British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) -- Promoting the use of wind power in and around the UK, both onshore and offshore.

Buckminster Fuller Institute (BFI) -- Institute committed to a successful and sustainable future for 100% of humanity.

California Solar Center (CSC) -- Designed to be a prime source of information on solar energy activity in CA.

Canadian Association for Renewable Energies (WeCARE) -- National Canadian association advocating the use of renewable energies.

Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) -- Non-profit trade association promoting the appropriate development and application of wind energy in Canada.

Center for Alternative Technology (CAT) -- European eco-center offering practical solutions to environmental problems.

Center for Renewable Energy & Sustainable Technology (CREST) -- National organization supporting the advancement of renewable energy technology through policy research.

Centro de Estudios de la Energ?a Solar (Censolar-Spain) -- Solar energy training center.

Clean Power Campaign -- Non-profit organization of environmental and public interest groups, and renewable energy providers to promote increased electric system reliance on sustainable use of energy resources.

Coalition for New Energy Technologies -- Coalition working at the federal and state levels to advance renewable energy and efficiency technologies in AZ, CO, NM, and UT.

Colorado Strawbale Association

Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA) -- Promotes the use of solar energy and conservation to improve the environment and create a sustainable future.

Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) -- Non-profit organization that promotes renewable energy and energy efficiency in western Colorado and beyond.

Cooperative Community Energy (CCEnergy) -- A buyer’s cooperative providing quality renewable energy equipment and services.

The Dharma House - An organisation in the south of France that runs various courses in Solar energy and ecology

Development Center for Appropriate Technology (DCAT) -- Center working to enhance the health of the planet by promoting a shift to sustainable construction and development through leadership, strategic relationships, and education.

Earth Energy Society of Canada (EESC) -- Society incorporated to represent and promote earth energy technology as a viable economic and environmental option in Canada's energy scenario.

Ecological Building Network

EcoNet -- Organization bringing advanced communications technologies to grassroots organizations worldwide.

Eco Soul -- Home of the National Fuel Cell Education Program, focusing particularly on renewable hydrogen and fuel cells.

El Paso Solar Energy Association (EPSEA) -- Association providing practical information on solar energy and energy efficiency, focusing on issues relating to the US Southwest.

Electric Auto Association (EAA) -- A source of information on the current state of electric vehicle technology worldwide.

Energy Efficient Building Association (EEBA) -- Association dedicated to helping transform the residential design, development and construction industries to profitably deliver energy efficiency and environmentally responsible buildings and communities.

Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) -- Research institute of the University of Central Florida focused on renewable energy and energy efficiency research, training, testing, and certification.

Future Energies -- UK Web log hosting articles and discussions on various energy related issues.

Geiger Research Institute of Sustainable Building - Promoting natural building, and sustainable design and development through research, training, education and consulting services

Green LA -- Group of environmental programs run by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power committed to supporting and embracing environmental efforts towards a sustainable future

Hollowtop's Sustainable Living Skills -- Provides links and information on sustainable living skills.

International Energy Foundation (IEF) -- Organization to facilitate the transfer of research and technology in all areas of energy with special emphasis on developing countries.

International Solar Center Berlin -- General information and links to international resources on renewable energy.

Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) -- Council with a mission to accelerate the sustainable utilization of renewable energy sources and technologies in and through state and local government and community activities.

Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) -- Nonprofit network for sharing ideas, resources, and information to promote a sustainable future through renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center -- Organization with a mission to provide experiential learning of Earth Literacy based on the cornerstones of spirituality, sustainability and community.

National Biodiesel Board (NBB) -- National trade association representing the biodiesel industry as the coordinating body for research and development in the U.S.

New Mexico Solar Energy Association (NMSEA) -- An educational nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting solar energy and related sustainable practices.

North Carolina Solar Center (NCSC) -- A clearinghouse for solar and other renewable energy programs, information, research, technical assistance, and training for the citizens of North Carolina and beyond.

North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) -- Association participating in creating a sustainable energy future in North Carolina through the promotion of renewable energy technologies.

Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) -- Leading regional membership organization focused on promoting the understanding, development, and adoption of renewable energy technologies.

Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association (OSEIA) - OSEIA is dedicated to promoting the benefits of renewable energy and to developing a strong local RE industry in Oregon.

Potomac Region Solar Energy Association (PRSEA) -- PRSEA works to further the development, use of, and support for solar energy and related arts, sciences, and technologies.

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) -- National trade organization for the U.S. ethanol fuel industry.

Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) -- An entrepreneurial nonprofit organization that fosters the efficient and restorative use of natural, human and other capital to make the world more secure, just, prosperous, and life sustaining.

Rural Renewable Energy Alliance --RREAL delivers solar heat to low-income families on public energy assistance, making solar energy accessible to people of all income levels.

SociallyResponsible.org -- Comprehensive internet directory to help socially responsible people and businesses find each other.

Solar Cooking Archive -- Collection of resources on solar cooking sponsored by Solar Cookers International.

Solar Living Institute (SLI) -- Non-profit educational organization that promotes sustainable living through inspirational environmental education.

Sustainable Settings -- An entrepreneurial non-profit organization that inspires people and communities to embrace integrated solutions for sustainable development.

Texas Solar Energy Society (TXSES) -- Group dedicated to increasing the awareness of the potential of solar and other renewable energy applications and to promote the wise use of these sustainable resources.

Veggie Van Website -- Organization promoting and providing information on the use of biodiesel fuel, with a mission to transform America into an energy independent nation.

World Council for Renewable Energy (WCRE) -- Globally operated independent organization established to defend, develop, and promote policies in favor of the wise and prudent use all forms of natural and renewable energy.

Worldwatch Institute -- Independent research group for an environmentally sustainable and socially just society.


Rural Development Organizations
Builders without Borders -- International network of ecological builders working together for a sustainable future.

Cubasolar - A Cuban NGO promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Enersol -- Non-profit charitable organization developing and introducing sustainable energy solutions for rural communities.

Engineering for Developing Communities (EDC) -- University of Colorado program to educate globally responsible students who can offer sustainable and appropriate solutions to the endemic problems faced by developing communities worldwide.

Engineers without Borders -- Non-profit organization established to help developing areas worldwide with their engineering needs, while involving and training a new kind of internationally responsible engineering student.

Green Empowerment -- Non-profit international development organization promoting community-based renewable energy projects internationally to generate social and environmental progress.

Greenstar.org -- Site delivering solar power, health, education, and environmental programs to small villages in the developing world.

Grupo Fenix -- A cooperative network of engineers and local community people who share a common passion for developing solar and renewable energy technologies in Nicaragua.

Himalayan Light Foundation (HLF) -- NGO working in Nepal to improve the quality of life in the Himalayan region via the use of environmentally friendly renewable energy technologies.

Knightsbridge International (KBI) -- Not for Profit Corporation dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief worldwide without regard to race, religion or national origin.

Native Energy -- Organization committed to helping develop domestic renewable energy sources, featuring Native American projects.

Palang Thai -- Thailand-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering grassroots communities and small entrepreneurs to use renewable energy in ways that support sustainable development and participatory democracy.

Plenty International -- A village-based international development agency promoting local self-sufficiency in economically disadvantaged or otherwise threatened communities.

Rancho Mastatal -- An environmental learning and sustainable living center, retreat and lodge located in the last virgin rainforest of Costa Rica’s Puriscal County.

Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) -- Non-profit charitable organization founded to promote, develop, and facilitate solar rural electrification and energy self-sufficiency in developing countries.

Sustainable Nations Development Project -- Promotes the sovereignty, environmental health, and cultural health of Indigenous Nations through community-based appropriate technology development work.

The Sustainable Village -- A "social enterprise" providing solutions to global problems using renewable energy and appropriate technology in developing countries.

Village Earth -- An organization that helps achieve sustainable community-based development by connecting communities with global resources.


Renewable Energy Events
American Solar Energy Society (ASES) Conference - Held annually in a different state.

Aspen Valley Renewable Energy Day -- Held annually in late August in Aspen, Colorado.

Midwest Renewable Energy Fair -- Sponsored by the MREA each summer in Custer, Wisconsin.

SolFest -- Summer solar festival sponsored by the Solar Living Institute in Hopland, CA.


Online RE Educational Sites
Climate Change - Provides the latest news and information about climate change science, global warming and alternative energy.

Energy Planet - A visual and interactive web directory of information resources about renewable energy technology.

Energy Saving Secrets - A website containing over 100 articles on how to save energy.

Energy Trace Webzine - A comprehensive and up-to-date source on energy news, information, jobs, events, products, and more.

Environment Resources - A directory of Environment related websites

FindSolar.com - A web site which links consumers to solar professionals

Fuel Cell Energy - a site dedicated to educating people about fuel cells

Fuel From the Sun -- Site exploring a variety of ways to harness the Sun's solar energy.

Green Home Building -- Site including a wide range of information about sustainable architecture and natural building.

Green Made Simple -- Provides information on energy efficiency incentives and rebates, searchable by zip code.

Hi-Energy -- Comprehensive information on renewable energy technologies in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

My Green Scene -- An information source for alternative technologies, and how they will impact our future

Off-Grid -- A webzine about living with renewable energy.

Peak Oil Project -- An interactive learning reference on peak oil.

PV Portal -- Web link to the world of solar energy.

Rainwater Harvesting Guide - Rainwater collection, recycling and reuse.

Review of Solar Cooker Designs -- Includes information on the design of solar cookers.

Savingcivilization.org -- Information about turning around our economy and environment

Society for Energy Education (SEE) -- Society dedicated to fostering truth and understanding about the production and consumption of energy resources and their impact on the economy and the environment.

The Solar Guide -- A guide to solar and renewable energy that makes the information accessible and understandable.

Solar Power: News -- Consolidated News: Solar Power, Solar Energy and Solar Electric Power.

SunWind Solar -- Notes and links introducing important information about Solar Energy.

SustainableBuild.co.uk -- A website offering a unique reference point on sustainable construction.

SustainableStuff.co.uk -- A website offering a unique reference point on sustainable living.

Think Hydrogen -- Information on the use of hydrogen as a fuel.

UK Energy Saving -- Advice and tips on saving energy in your home and business


Publication Links
Chelsea Green -- Publisher of books on sustainable living.

Rainwater Harvesting - Guiding principles to welcome rain into your life and landscape.

Hatcreek Publishing -- Information on solar electric systems.

Home Power Magazine -- Hands-on journal of home-made power.

Joiners Quarterly -- Journal of Timber Framing, Traditional and Natural Home Building.

Journal of Energy Education -- A forum for the discussion of educating the public about energy consumption and production.

The Last Straw -- The International Journal of Straw Bale and Natural Building.

Natural Home Magazine -- Offers today's health-conscious, environmentally concerned homeowners the information they need to practice earth-inspired living.

New Society Publishers (NSP) -- Publisher focusing on books that contribute in fundamental ways to building an ecologically sustainable and just society.


Renewable Energy Resources
Alternative Energy News Source - Site covering news on alternative energy

American Energy Independence -- Site promoting the need for energy independence.

Conserv-a-Store -- Store supporting sustainable commerce and an eco-friendly lifestyle by providing energy and resource saving goods that save money and save the earth.

DirectoryScience.com - An online Science directory designed to help its users find the online science source, companies, products, services, and information.

EcoIQ.com -- Website focused on energy conservation and renewables.

EcoSpeakers.com -- Operated by EcoIQ to promote speakers for conferences, meetings, training

Forum on Science and Technology for Sustainability -- Forum seeking to facilitate information exchange and discussion among those engaged in the field of science and technology for sustainability.

RenewableEnergAccess.com -- Comprehensive source for information on the renewable energy field, including job postings. 

Solarbuzz -- International solar energy research and consulting company.

Source for Renewable Energy -- Online buyer's guide and business directory to renewable energy businesses and organizations worldwide.

E-construct - Directory of design related websites



Women's Organizations Links
Global Fund for Women -- International grant-making foundation supporting women's human rights organizations around the world.

Society of Women Engineers (SWE) -- Non-profit educational and service organization representing both student and professional women in engineering and technical fields.

Tradeswomen, Inc. -- Organization of trade professionals working together to provide fair and safe conditions for women who work in the building trades.

Women in Technology International (WITI) -- Organization designed to empower women worldwide to achieve unimagined possibilities and transformations through technology, leadership and economic prosperity.

Women's International Center -- Non-profit education and service foundation with a mission to acknowledge, honor and encourage women.

Women's Net -- Organization bringing advanced communications technologies to women's organizations worldwide.

Women of Wind Energy (WOWE) -- A group of individuals who support and encourage the participation of professional women in the wind energy industry by providing networking opportunities and student sponsorships.



Teacher's Resources
Schools Going Solar -- An IREC project focused on building a network, a community of people who can share experiences with solar energy in schools.


Scholarship Sources
American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) -- National association dedicated to ensuring the input of African Americans and other minorities into the developments of energy policies, R&D technologies, and environmental issues.

National Association of Women In Construction


Resources for Educators
Renewable Energy Education Resources
National Renewable Energy Laboratory- NREL's Education Programs seek to promote science, mathematics and technology education using renewable energy as the vehicle to capture student interest.

The NEEd Project - The NEED Project creates networks of teachers and students interested in promoting an energy conscious society while offering free grade specific curriculum and kits for sale.

An Inconvenient Truth homepage.  Lots of good tips.

Florida Solar Energy Center - Florida Solar Energy Center’s site for teachers.  Find classroom activities, a calendar of events, kits, competitions, continuing education opportunities, and general information on renewables.

The Solar School House - Out of California, this organization offers curriculum and solar kits for sale while offering accredited teacher training workshops in Renewable Energy for California teachers.   

The Solar School House - Resources - The Solar Schoolhouse direct link to their resource page (solar ovens, solar fountains, etc.)

New Mexico Solar Energy Association – New Mexico Solar Energy Association’s educational programs and curriculum links for youth – good stuff.

Build It Solar - Many solar based hands on projects from solar cookers to solar home models to even more advanced projects.

Journey to Forever - The first-ever overland expedition from East Asia to Southern Africa. Offers school children an active role in confronting the environmental issues threatening the planet.

How to Build with Cob - How to make a cob bench.

UCSUSA - The Union of Concerned Scientists, a coalition of citizens and scientists for environmental solutions, offers more technical papers, facts, and solutions appropriate for high school students.

Design Coalition - Efficient home building curriculum for youth.

Re-Energy - A complete renewable energy curriculum designed for middle school youth.

Oil Poster - Great resources for teachers on energy consumption and carbon footprint activities.  You can also sign up to receive a free poster on world oil consumption at their home page.  This poster is worth the time to ask!

Earth Seeds - Organization dedicated to the proliferation of earth conscious curriculum around the world.  They offer educational kits for sale.  EarthSeeds has partnered with SEI to write their renewable energy curriculum.

Windows to the Universe - Bilingual (English/Spanish) website for Earth Sciences.  This one gets high remarks from local teachers on content and usability.

Kid Wind - Kidwind is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving science education while introducing curriculum for wind power.

Winston Solar - Life sized solar car race for highschools!!!  The students design, build, and race the solar cars that they create as a team.

CU Biodiesel - CU Biodiesel’s K-6 biodiesel curriculum.

Michael Blue Jay -What is a KiloWatt - a great lesson on electrical terminology and an energy saving worksheet, true cost of energy, and so forth.

Biodiesel Now - A resource for biodiesel run by Josh Tickell, From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank.  The newsletter gives great resources for biodiesel in school busses and clean energy efforts.

Alternate Fuels – This site gives a list of alternative fuels with links to resources for more information

Home Power - The website for Home Power Magazine – tons of do it yourself ideas and instruction.

MREA - The Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s kids page.  MREA puts on a Renewable Energy Fair every summer in Wisconsin with lots of educational events for kids and adults.

Solar Thermal - Animated visuals for how solar thermal systems work

Re-Energy - an organization of teachers based in Canada offering renewable energy curriculum for high school  

Sustainable abc - a website that will help students to design their own green buildings and learn more about sustainable architecture

Sun Design – an interactive website that lets you calculate features of a passive solar home.

Energy Teachers – this site gives teachers the latest links and bibliographies on energy related lessons

Green Teacher - This is a collaborative effort of teachers all around North America.  Their lesson plans address all different learning styles, and they are usually hands-on, creative, and impactful. SEI carries some of their curriculum for sale.  

Solar Now  - Solar Now is dedicated to renewable energy advocacy and education with an emphasis on Photovoltaics (solar electric).  This link sends you directly to their experiments page.

Energy Quest - A students’ guide to alternative fuel vehicles

Energy Science - The Colorado Energy Science Center’s K-12 programs and curriculum – they have created extensive materials that address hands on scientific learning with renewables

PPL - links to curriculum by specific topic

Energy Hog - a project of Energy outreach Colorado - fun games scavenger hunt great graphics  

Scholastic - The homework hub cool resource for kids in a wide variety of subjects  

Discover Engineering website - this website gives great science fair type projects ideas for kids and energy.   

UWSP - Wisconsin’s K-12 Renewable Energy Education program.  This site has a wealth of information for everyone!



Global Warming
NRDC - The National Resource Defense Council FAQ’s on Global Warming and what we can do about it.

Stop Global Warming - Join the 810,788 supporters of the Stop Global Warming Virtual March, and become part of the movement to demand our leaders reduce carbon dioxide emissions now.

Climate Challenge - The Campus Climate Challenge is a project of more than 30 leading youth organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Teach 12 – 12 half hour lectures on our changing climate.



Energy Conservation and Audits
The Bonneville Power Association’s 3rd – 8th grade curriculum for energy conservation  

Aspen, CO’s Canary Initiative. - This link will lead you directly to their “Calculate your Cox emissions” page.

E-Star - more links to energy efficiency appliances and actions

Wilsoned - these folks give presentations at schools regarding Energy Conservation.  I have never seen them present as they are predominantly in the North East, Arkansas, and California.  Their website looks good, however.  

Energy Star – Info on compact fluorescent light bulbs including faq’s, links to disposal methods, and clean up and mercury information.



Solar Project Funding Sources
Schools Going Solar - this website gives resources for state financial incentives and grant opportunities for schools going solar.  There is also a database of schools that have successfully implemented solar energy in their schools around the country.

A Plus for Energy - BP Solar’s A+ for Energy grants for Teachers (due in spring).

Federal Grants - lots of federal education grant links!!

Database for State Incentives for Renewable Energy

$1500 grants for social studies teachers.                     

“Growing Clean Air” small kits to grow trees.  Good for fundraising or environmental fairs

National funding resources for youth initiatives (plus a bunch of other resources for youth who want to create positive change in their communities).



Classroom Solar Energy Kits and Products
Solar World - this site offers solar energy kits for sale. ??www.windstreampower.com - a source for human powered generators (expensive but cool!!)

Sciences Hareware - this site tells you how to build a human powered bicycle generator for your classroom

NMSEA offers a comprehensive hands-on solar energy kit for sale.  

Hydrogen fuel cell kits

Real Goods - this site offers green products for sale.  Real Goods is a leader in California on sustainability and renewable energy education by hosting conferences and fairs at their eco campus.

Backwoods Solar - Established online and catalogue distributer for renewable energy equipment.  A great source for solar fountain materials.

A source for scientific materials for teachers

Steves Pangler Science - Making Science Fun!  A source for scientific materials and science project ideas.

Edmund scientific supply, kits and goodies. Lots of sales and cheap shipping



Solar Cooking
Solar Cooking - everything you would ever want to know about solar cooking and making your own solar ovens!!!

Direct link to the above sites page of solar cooker plans

Solar Household Energy, Inc. – expansive website on solar cooking on a global level

Frequently asked solar cooking questions and answers



RE Science Fairs and Competitions
Igniting Creative Energy - Open to students K-12, the Igniting Creative Energy Challenge is an educational competition designed to encourage students to learn more about energy and the environment.   

International Youth Fuel Cell Competitition

NREL’s Junior Solar Sprint/Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car Competition - an annual competition for Middle School Teams from all over Colorado.  Find out how to host one in your area.

The Solar Decathalon – Every other year the National Mall in Washington DC hosts this event.  A great field trip and inspiration for youth.

NREL’s Middle School Science Bowl

This is the site for the National Science Bowl

The Internet Science and Technology Fair (ISTF) was created to afford pre-college students in grades three (3) through twelve (12) an opportunity to experience the excitement of researching solutions to real-world problems involving science, engineering and other technical fields of study.



Online Environmental Quizzes
My Foot Print - fill out this eye-opening questionnaire to reveal your personal ecological footprint on our planet.



Inspiring Youth Success Stories and Initiatives
Youth united for a clean energy future.  Find out about the youth efforts of the United States.

Free Webs - “My name is Shawn and I go to Skyview Jr. High.  At my school there is a project called Breakout. Students choose a topic, research it, write a research paper, and then undertake a project called "Make a Difference" and then present it.

Brower Youth Awards – Honoring Youth Leadership in Conservation, Restoration, and Preservation.

Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC) – in recent years, the members of seac have realized the importance of addressing energy.  This organization includes middle school through college age students.