Union Bank and Sempra Energy Foundation Awards To Support Classroom “Green Learning Adventures”

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Jan. 31, 2011) - An elementary and middle school classroom enrichment program that teaches students how to become good environmental stewards conducted by the California Center for Sustainable Energy ( CCSE) has received two funding awards of $20,000 each from Union Bank and the Sempra Energy Foundation’s Environmental Champions’ Program.

According to Andrea Cook, director of CCSE’s Green Learning Adventure, the funds will help take the program into underserved low-income and diverse communities in San Diego County during 2011. The program is a hands-on, interactive series of activities that demonstrate personal actions students can take at schools and at home to promote energy conservation and implement energy efficiency.

“Union Bank is committed to supporting organizations that help to promote environmental sustainability and education,” said Susan Miller, Union Bank’s senior vice president of corporate social responsibility. “The Green Learning Adventure is an environmental education program we are proud to fund. The program is so interactive, engaging and fun that taking action to help the environment becomes common sense for the students.”

CCSE began the Green Learning Adventure in 2009 and has reached more than 8,000 participants in classrooms and at public events, Cook said. Among the program activities are a pedal-power bike that shows how much electricity it takes to run lighting and other household items. Topics include vampire appliances, absurd packaging, the transportation requirements of foods and many other issues. The program presenters leave behind information on what the students can do to conserve energy and water, reduce waste and implement other sustainable practices.

“Our lessons reinforce literacy, math and science skills and are designed to inspire the next generation of leaders and problem solvers to be good environmental stewards,” Cook said.

Schools, youth groups and other community organizations that are interested in hosting a Green Learning Adventure should contact Cook at (858) 244-4869 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .