School News

6th Grade Solar Panels

This week Nathaniel Atterberry, an energy consultant from Vivint Solar, came to talk to the 6th graders about clean energy. After sharing statistics from the CDP and Climate Accountability Institute that 100 companies produce 71% of all greenhouse gas emissions, Nathaniel posed the question, “What can we do?” Students brainstormed solutions like limiting gas usage and voting for political candidates who promote green technologies and legislation like the “Clean Energy DC” Act. The group also discussed the complexity of energy issues; after all, we use the products from these 100 companies every day and these same companies employ thousands of people. One student also mentioned that the manufacturing of solar panels can be bad for the environment.

Nathaniel underscored how important it is for us all to examine the choices we make, including how we spend our money, and to use our voices to enact change for the future. When one student asked him if he was just there to sell them on solar panels, he replied, “I’m trying to sell you on a clean future.”
Lowell School is a private PK-8th grade school located in NW Washington, DC. Our mission is to create an inclusive community of lifelong learners in which each individual is valued and respected.