A clean energy project analysis workshop will take place in Roanoke on Dec. 5. The Virginia Cooperative Extension is providing a workshop on the RETScreen project screening software that is used to evaluate the technical and financial viability of renewable energy and energy efficiency and cogeneration projects. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information, visit http://bse-vt-edu-green.eventbrite.com.

Here is the press release from Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is pleased to announce an upcoming clean energy project analysis workshop series.  These workshops will provide an introduction to the RETScreen project screening tool.  This free software tool can be useful in evaluating Renewable-energy and Energy-efficient Technologies (RETs) (from energy efficiency retrofits, to biogas, to woody biomass, to solar, to wind, and more). RETScreen is a tool that helps users determine the technical and financial viability of potential renewable energy, energy efficiency and cogeneration projects.  It is provided completely free-of-charge by the Government of Canada and is used worldwide to assess energy projects.  More information on this tool is available at: http://www.retscreen.net

Six introductory workshops will be held throughout Virginia at these locations:

1.    Hampton – Thursday, Nov 29th
2.    Richmond – Friday, Nov 30th
3.    Alexandria – Monday, Dec. 3rd
4.    Weyers Cave – Tuesday, Dec 4th
5.    Roanoke – Wednesday, Dec. 5th
6.    Danville – Thursday, Dec. 6th

Workshops will focus on the RETScreen software and consist of a mix of presentations and hands-on training for this Excel-based software tool.  Additionally, live or recorded (depending on location) complementary presentations will also be offered featuring:

•    NASA’s near real-time solar and meteorological data for monitoring building energy systems using the RETScreen performance analysis module
•    Energy aspects of community planning and regulations
•    Lean manufacturing concepts
•    Exploring energy cost savings for an aquaculture facility
•    Aspects of energy usage and runoff reduction associated with green roofs
•    And more!

This workshop series is made possible by support from the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy. Space is limited and registration is required.

Workshop information is available online at: http://bse-vt-edu-green.eventbrite.com

Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Bioenergy Engineering Education Program (BEEP) is an educational outreach program of Virginia Tech’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering. If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact John Ignosh at (540-432-6029/TDD*) during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120. Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments.  Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Jewel E. Hairston, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State, Petersburg.