Welcome to Ener-G-save’s Cooler Communities Education and Grant Program:
The Cooler Communities Project is based on a successful pilot program from Concord, MA, called Cooler Concord. Based on principles of social marketing (Saving Energy is Cool!), it leverages classroom education to empower students and set a whole community on the path to smarter energy choices.
Schools receive grants of up to $5000 for participating in the Cooler Communities project. Students of all ages research and create exhibits and materials on climate change, energy and energy efficiency within their curriculum requirements to be displayed at a district-wide event. We have held virtual events in the Berkshires and Agawam during Covid.
Vendors, community members, non-profits and service providers at these events offer advice and show ways in which visitors can take energy-smart actions that work best for them. Everyone is encouraged to pledge changes – large or small. These pledges are tracked and, whenever possible, calculated into carbon savings. Civics, English, and art classes contribute letters to the editor and elected representatives, as well as create posters and murals to enrich and publicize the event.
A 3 minute introductory video is here.
Aside from creating measurable energy savings for the participating town, the purpose of this program is to empower young people in preparing for the future and give them a taste of the difference they can make in their community. 
After running successful events in the Berkshires and Agawam in the spring of 2019, five events in 2020 had to be postponed due to COVID 19. We piloted virtual events in 2021 and are working with eight communities for spring events in 2022.
A handbook with many materials and templates on hosting a Cooler Communities fairs is now online.
A teacher’s curriculum guide is also available and is constantly being updated.
If you are interested in learning more or getting involved we would love to hear from you! Contact us at education@ener-G-save.com.
Results of our two 2019 pilot projects can be found here.
Below are some examples for student or teacher-led projects that can be included in a Cooler Communities event. We encourage you to choose projects that can be closely linked to fair participants pledging concrete actions. Please also see our photo gallery for inspiration.
Science of Climate Change
- ecology/ science of eco-systems
- the science of climate change and human contributions
- species protection/ impact on wildlife and bio-diversity
Political / Civic
- lobbying,
- letters to the editor, press releases
The science of energy, energy use and behavior
- energy efficiency/ weatherization
- heating
- electricity
- renewables
- recycling
Food
- composting and food waste
- carbon-friendly diet and food preparation
Travel Choices
Climate Friendly Shopping
- Plastic and Packaging
- Buying less, re-use, re-purpose
Human Resilience
- Community building
- Health aspects
- Climate Communication
- Adaptability/ Preparedness