On April 22, 2011, Mike Nelson, who teaches renewable energy classes at SCC, talked with a group of educators and energy and innovative technology and environmental policy representatives from India about the college’s program.

“The World Affairs Council wanted them to see what we’re doing out here at Shoreline,” Nelson said, noting that the council thinks what we are doing here is important.

The group of seven from India was interested in learning what is going on in the Seattle area regarding energy and innovative technology, environmental policy and law and promotion of sustainability. While in Seattle, they also met with Starbucks, Climate Solutions, Imperium Renewables, Northwest Solar Center and the City of Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment.

Nelson, who has met with several groups through the WAC, gave a tour of the Zero Energy House and talked about the history of the college’s solar house, the assembly of it and the partnership with Washington State University.  Nelson not only talked about the education and training that the college is providing, but the positive effect on the workforce and ultimately, the economy.

“The goal of the program,” Nelson said, “is to support the 2030 challenge by the American Institute of Architects,” referring to the challenge that all new structures be designed and built to zero energy codes.

Nelson also took the delegates across the street to see the energy efficient houses, saying that it was important that they had the opportunity to see the positive implications firsthand of pocket communities.   

Delegates also heard from John Ales who will lead the new Fab Cab construction practicum (a part of the college’s Zero Energy Design class) and provide hands-on trainings at this year’s Solar Fest to be held at the college later this spring. 

The delegation was here via the World Affairs Council and the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) which is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program.  Launched in 1940, the IVLP is a professional exchange program that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging foreign leaders.  These visits reflect the International Visitors’ professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States. 

Nelson said that the delegates were excited to tour the ZEH and learn about the classes that Shoreline offers as well as the coloration between WSU and Shoreline.  One of them, Nelson said, is building an eco-village in India and is interested in possibly working with him in its development.