Community Outreach
NREL's increased involvement with the local community has elevated the laboratory's reputation as a good corporate citizen with respect to its sustainable practices. NREL's efforts, described below, provide opportunities to the community to learn about renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainability practices.
Visitors Center Programs
Public programs held at NREL's Visitors Center have increased access to information about renewable energy technologies. A community asset, the center served more than 14,000 visitors in 2007, including the general public, students and teachers, and program attendees.
Economic Development
Valuing Colorado's business and government economic development community, NREL participates with local economic development organizations such as the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, the Jefferson Economic Council, and a number of other economic development groups across the state. The laboratory provided technical counseling, conducted special workshops and forums, provided speakers, and hosted visits for these organizations. NREL also helped the Jefferson Economic Council with its initiative to attract new energy companies to the region.
Expert Advisors
NREL experts have accepted advisory roles to the Metro Mayors Caucus and the Boulder Advisory Council on Climate Change. These advisors have enhanced NREL's credibility as a resource for valid information on energy efficiency and energy cost savings.
Executive Energy Leadership Program
NREL inaugurated an Executive Energy Leadership Program for a small group of selected regional business and government leaders. The six-month program offers in-depth, day-long sessions on renewable energy technologies, policies, and markets to help participants develop their own organizations' new energy initiatives.
The program received positive feedback from the first graduating class, which included four mayors, three city officials, five business people, and one Congressional staff member. The participants have already opened doors for NREL in unexpected and positive ways that could result in future partnerships and favorable policies for renewable energy integration into everyday life.
