Exelon and its operating companies, (ComEd, PECO, Pepco, BGE, Delmarva Power, and Atlantic City Electric), and the Illinois ESP program partners, (bp, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, and North Shore Gas), believe sustainability is more than just a strategy and addressing climate impacts is a key priority. About 40% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions is attributable to electricity generation and the appliances and systems used within residential and commercial buildings.

ESP and PEEP classrooms will have an opportunity to participate in a program-wide challenge to consider the way they look at their own climate and energy impacts and sustainability efforts as a community.


Challenge Prompt: “Powering Change: Energy Innovation for a Cooler Planet”

Explore the science behind climate change through the lens of energy innovation. How do greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) enter our atmosphere, and what role does our energy use, from electricity generation to transportation, play in emissions?

Investigate how we can rethink and redesign the ways we produce and use energy to power our lives more sustainably. Use your understanding of energy systems and climate science (or discover new insights through your activities!) to uncover how clean technologies, renewable resources, and everyday choices can help reduce our carbon footprint.

Then, collaborate as a team to create a digital project and short pitch that showcases innovative energy solutions your community could adopt to combat climate change.

Present your ideas in a virtual Energy Innovation Think Tank, where you’ll share your pitch with judges and peers ready to be inspired by your vision for a cleaner, more efficient energy future.
The Details

  • The project should be a digital presentation or video, introduced with a short, pitch-style introduction to the team members, (think: Shark Tank – style intro & presentation).
  • The short pitch will help your team introduce the team, your community, and your project and in a creative way. Pitches should be no more than 1 minute.
  • The digital presentation or video should be no more than 3 minutes and include the following:
    • A description of the community energy/climate impact or challenge
    • A strategy or plan to address the issue
    • An overview of why this selected behavior or impact is targeted for action
    • An overview of how the plan will involve or engage the community (stewardship)
    • A plan for how you could measure performance
  • Students will be grouped by similar grade bands to present to judges/peers.
  • Projects must be completed and tested for sharing by May 8th.
  • Teams will receive a $2,000 grant to purchase supplies for activities and meals/snack for students during the “Think Tank” presentation session.
  • Teams can request classroom support or virtual visits from Exelon/ESP partner employee volunteers.
  • The Energy Innovation Challenge Think Tank & Experiment Session will be scheduled based on availability of participating teams. Team participation in this virtual meeting is strongly encouraged.
  • Prizes will be awarded, and digital certificates will be provided for all those who participate.

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