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Off-the-Grid: UK Energy Club Leads Charge for Solar-Powered Umbrellas on Campus

To report an issue with one of the solar umbrellas email Shane Tedder at shane.tedder@uky.edu.

Learn more about the University of Kentucky’s efforts to decarbonize campus operations with Kentucky-based solar power: uknow.uky.edu/campus-news/uk-enters-agreement-ku-purchase-solar-power

Ribbon-cutting for the solar tables: https://www.engr.uky.edu/news/2022/12/grid-uk-energy-club-leads-charge-solar-powered-umbrellas-campus

The Energy Club at the University of Kentucky was founded in 2018 and has been growing and developing our educational, social, and professional presence since then.  Every year, the club hosts guest speakers, industry tours, and projects for members to participate in.  In Fall 2022, Energy Club set its sights on a bigger project than they’ve ever undertaken: the installation of 8 solar-powered umbrellas with phone-charging capabilities on campus.  The club planned and executed the purchase of these umbrellas with sponsorship from Coca-Cola, the Student Sustainability Council, the Student Government Association, and the College of Engineering.            

The 8 Enerfusion Solar-Dok umbrellas are located in two different locations on campus.  One set of 4 umbrellas is between the 90 dining hall and the Lewis Honors College and the other set is across from the Student Center, in front of Jewell Hall.

Thank you to the Energy Club board members:

 2021-20222022-2023
PresidentColin GreerMason Wood
Vice PresidentMason WoodBenjamin Scott
SecretaryJennings RuleJennings Rule
Project DirectorsBenjamin Scott Taylor BowersNathan Church Lillian Kirby
Financial DirectorBenjamin HarperBenjamin Harper
Events DirectorLillian KirbyTheresa Dienno
Social Media/PR Director(s)Aliza Brown Edward Mesta IIIShaun Lavin
Faculty AdvisorDr. Isabel EscobarDr. Isabel Escobar

And a huge thank you to our sponsors and to Shane Tedder, the University of Kentucky Sustainability Coordinator, for all the support.

Shane Tedder

Shane Tedder has served as the Sustainability Coordinator for the University of Kentucky since 2009. In this position he supports a wide range of programs and initiatives including serving on the President’s Sustainability Advisory Committee, the Faculty Sustainability Council and as the staff advisor to the Student Sustainability Council. His office is active in policy development and planning processes for the University and led the development of the University’s first Sustainability Strategic Plan. This includes an Implementation Plan for UK’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Commitment. He frequently guest lectures in a variety courses and works to make sure the campus of the University is available as a living laboratory for students and faculty.

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