Interactive learning platform to educate students about renewable energy and sustainability
A new solar-powered education hub called the “Solar eHaven”, was officially launched today by Mr. Teo Ser Luck, Mayor of North East at Chongzheng Primary School. Featuring a rooftop garden, solar panels and other forms of energy conversion solutions, the Solar eHaven is designed to teach students the importance of renewable energy and sustainability in building a better future.
The Solar eHaven is sponsored by Applied Materials, Inc., the global leader of manufacturing solutions for the semiconductor, flat panel display and solar photovoltaic industries, and is supported by the North East Community Development Council.
The Solar eHaven showcases a rainwater harvesting system used to irrigate plants in the rooftop garden, a 1.6 meter-tall green wall and a recycled plastic water bottle wall. Students will learn how rainwater is stored and channeled for irrigation, as well as experience other forms of energy conversions through installed interactive displays. The garden’s systems are completely powered by solar energy and students will have the opportunity to track the amount of electricity harvested from solar panels through a live data logger.
At the launch ceremony, Mr. Teo Ser Luck, Mayor of North East CDC said, “We constantly seek to enhance environmental consciousness in our population and are mindful that a green mindset should be instilled from young. Our youths play an important role in protecting the environment and we have the responsibility to spread the message to our children. We want to nurture more young green ambassadors by working with the school to develop teaching materials in the Solar eHaven project. We also hope that the hub can be used to impart more green skills and knowledge to other students and residents in the surrounding neighborhood.”
Commenting at the launch, Chongzheng Primary’s Principal, Mrs. Elaine Quek, said: “Educators have an important role to play in advocating environmental conservation efforts. As such, in alignment with the school’s vision and mission, our staff and students work on several green initiatives annually as part of the school’s holistic education to do our part to build a sustainable environment. The Solar eHaven is one such initiative. We are very pleased to have with us our valued partners, Applied Materials and North East CDC to support us in our green efforts. Together, we can achieve more to build a better future for our community.”
During the inaugural ceremony Russell Tham, President, Applied Materials Southeast Asia stated: “As we continue to expand Applied Materials’ presence in Singapore through the establishment of manufacturing and R&D capabilities, we remain conscious of our need to give back to the community where we live and work. Building sustainable communities, and improving the way people live through green projects and community development are critical to our long-term sustainability and close to our core values. As an advocate for environmental education initiatives, Applied Materials recognizes the importance of investing in the younger generation to adopt ecologically responsible behavior. We are honored to partner with Chongzheng Primary School and NECDC for this noble initiative which will impact lives through the use of clean energy.”
The garden and infrastructure are funded by Applied Materials as part of its efforts to encourage environmental education. In addition to contributing to Singapore’s economic development with investments in advanced manufacturing and R&D, Applied Materials in Singapore, has consistently supported projects to promote environment, education and community development. This solar eHaven at Chongzheng Primary builds on the success of a previous eHub at Marsiling Secondary School sponsored by the company in 2009.
As part of this initiative, North East Community Development Council will support Chongzheng Primary School to develop new environmental teaching and learning material that will be integrated into the school curriculum. This will further include education panels on water harvesting, solar electric power, biofuels and live display projects.
The garden architecture was conceptualized and designed by ID Architects while solar solutions for this garden were installed and integrated by Phoenix Solar.
The Solar eHaven hopes to provide students with an interactive platform to learn about ecological issues and sustainability as well as inspire them to care for the environment by adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle.
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