個案總覽

Christina Gomez, energy and sustainability manager for the National Aquarium in Maryland, is looking back at the success the organization has had over the past two years in shrinking its environmental footprint. It is impressive. But bigger challenges lie ahead. The organization has a huge electricity bill, totaling $1.5 million in 2013 alone. She has three options she is considering to lower the bill and green the aquarium's operations further. Students are asked to weigh the pros and cons of each and choose the best solution.

Chair of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Beverly Jones Heydinger has to decide on the right formula for the Minnesota Value of Solar Tariff (VOST). The calculation is a replacement for net energy metering. If the VOST is too low, then installing solar will become too costly for many. If the VOST is too high, then it will become a subsidy for the solar industry and customers who can already afford solar projects. Students are asked to put themselves in the shoes of the protagonist and find the right balance.