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By Brad Stewart, Wednesday, October 28, 2009 On
the fourth Wednesday of the month,
Marketing:Green will focus on
green media strategies within specific traditional media. (October:
outdoor; November: print; December: TV). Creative, strategic,
operational and other media pros are invited to brainstorm and
collaborate, with the goal of indelibly cementing "green" into media
strategies of all types: Ideas ranging from
"so-crazy-it-just-might-work" to "as long as no one gets hurt." If TV is the evil stepmother of interruptive media, then outdoor is at least the wicked stepsister. Billboards can be beautiful, grandiose and colorful breaks in the urban landscape. In the worst case, however, they can be obtrusive visual polluters. Most people would agree that we don't need more outdoor advertising. Though few of us likely want more billboards, most of us do want to live on a sustainable planet. Could there be an opportunity for brands to leverage these extremely visible spaces in a better way? Vacant billboards are synonymous with tumbleweeds in
symbolizing urban decay. The Ad Council is a non-profit organization
that offers media companies the ability to fill these gaps by offering
professionally produced PSA's within remnant (a/k/a: unused) advertising
space. During the ad recession of the past year, I've seen outdoor
vendors resort to PSA messaging en masse to fill otherwise ugly outdoor
spaces.
During this great recession, it certainly is encouraging to hear about
businesses that are going a step farther and actually creating new
outdoor spaces (and hence new jobs), by using a combination of
technology and green media. This is a
gargantuan task, given that unsold inventory in all categories has been
at near-historical highs in 2009.
Adopt-A-Watt is an extremely forward-thinking company, premised on a
sponsored advertising model, which has some resemblance to the
adopt-a-highway programs across
"Businesses pay for a small solar panel in some public place, and get a
sign proclaiming their generosity and acting as advertising," according
to Thomas Wither, the principal and founder of the program.
The program creates a revenue model for the school district and
municipality, offers both social investment and green investment
association for the sponsor, and --- most importantly --- offers
children a safer environment, powered by sustainable technology. A creative director at a national interactive agency
responded to my request for submissions with a bright idea. He wanted to
remain off the record with his name/agency, and openly asked that his
idea be borrowed by any entrepreneurial media leader in the outdoor
space. His idea combines green marketing, interactive mobile marketing,
and outdoor advertising. "Why not offer unique text codes in busy urban
corridors on billboards, whereby the sponsor brand/company 'plants a
tree' for every unique text received? Do they have green technology for
billboards yet? I'm sure they could run a live digital ticker updating
the number of trees planted." No more than 30 seconds of Googling shows that,
indeed, there is a plethora of green tech for outdoors: a green outdoor
solar scroller; recyclable billboard material; solar panels for
illuminating transit ads. Such an idea then could be powered almost
entirely by sustainable technologies and practices. School Bus Fleet magazine, October 2009Adopt-A-Watt provides bus stop lights, green project funds
Corporate sponsorships will cover the total cost of installing and maintaining 50 solar-powered school bus stop lights in Taylor (Mich.) School District. Any excess revenue raised can be used for purposes that reduce fossil fuel consumption and operation costs.
TAYLOR, Mich. — As approved by a unanimous vote by the Board of Education in July, Taylor School District will acquire solar school bus stop lights through the National Adopt-A-Watt program.
It is projected that 50 new solar lights will be installed at school bus stops in Taylor through sponsorships that will cover the total cost. Revenue raised in excess of the cost of the lights will be divided evenly between the school district and city.
Under the program, the excess funds can be used for any purpose that reduces fossil fuel consumption and operating costs. Projects under consideration include the purchase of new plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles for the city, cleaner-burning biodiesel fuel for school buses and large-scale solar electric systems for school buildings.
Adopt-A-Watt is a Royal Oak, Mich.-based company that recruits corporate sponsors to pay a fee for solar panels or solar lights. The panels or lights are erected with signs listing the names of sponsors. The bus stop lights in Taylor represent the company’s first school bus stop project. With sponsorship bids of $2,000, Adopt-A-Watt projects that net revenue for the city and school system over 20 years with the 50 lights would amount to $1,454,000.
Modeled after the Adopt-A-Highway acknowledgment program, the Adopt-A-Watt Program gives sponsors community recognition for funding clean energy, alternative fuel and energy-efficiency projects. The program arranges and coordinates all sponsorship, financing, installation and ongoing maintenance for sponsorable photo-voltaic displays (SPVD).
Sponsorship of SPVDs is arranged via a virtual auction process at the National Adopt-A-Watt Website, www.adopt-a-watt.com.
District Administration, October 2009Solar Lights Provide Safety and RevenueBy Don Parker-Burgard A student is illuminated by a
prototype of a solar-powered school bus stop safety light in Taylor,
Michigan.
Students in the Taylor (Mich.) School District waiting for school buses in the early morning hours will soon see the light—the solar-powered light, that is, illuminating their bus stop. Through a new program sponsored by Adopt-a-Watt and approved by the Taylor school board over the summer, solar-powered lights will soon be installed at 50 locations around the city. Not only will they enhance the safety of waiting students, but they will also generate revenue for the city and the school district. Adopt-a-Watt is an initiative patterned after the federal Adopt-a-Highway program. A company or nonprofit pays an annual fee and in return is listed as the sponsor of a solar panel, which either powers a specific light or contributes to the electricity grid. Unlike with the main Adopt-a-Watt program, in which organizations bid on the chance to sponsor a site, the new School Bus Stop Safety Light program will assess a flat fee of $2,000 per year. According to Thomas Wither, Adopt-a-Watt’s founder and principal, this fee will cover all costs to install and maintain the lights for one year, with a little bit left over. Over the next 19 years, however, the sponsorships will generate a great deal of revenue. For 50 lights, Wither estimates the net will be $1,454,000, to be divided equally between the city and the school district. All revenue from the program must be directed to reducing the use of fossil fuels, Adopt-a-Watt’s primary goal. Wither sees great potential here for districts. “Schools desperately want to become more green, but they don’t have the funds,” he says. For every 10 bus stop lights, he explains, “there would be enough revenue generated to fund a 20-kilowatt solar-power system financed over a 10-year period.” Adopt-a-Watt hopes to have all lights installed by the end of the year. The News-Herald, August 18, 2009City, school district join forces to illuminate bus stops
By Anne
Sullivan
Back to Top
District Administration Product
Posts, August 17, 2009
Get Local Businesses to Adopt-A-Watt In Your District...
Among the variety of
applications for such a program is lighting for bus stops, and the
organization hopes many more schools like the
Taylor (Michigan) School District will come on
board. Not only is the project free, but it also creates revenue: both the
city and Back to Top STNMagazine - August 6, 2009 You've Heard of Adopt-A-Highway, Now There's Adopt-A-Watt™
A new
program
that solicits corporate sponsorship of solar-power lights around
communities, like at a The excess funds can be used for any purpose that reduces
fossil fuel consumption and operating costs. Projects under consideration at The school board approved the program on July 14.
Adopt-a-Watt™
is already in place at several airports across the country including at
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport and Savannah/Hilton Head
International Airport. The program also has it's first celebrity
spokesperson, Linda Gray of the 1980s TV show " Back to Top
CBS/WWJ Great Lakes IT Report - Wednesday, July 30, 2009 The Taylor School Board has approved sponsored Solar School Bus Stop Lights, through the National Adopt-A-Watt Program. The program will increase safety for school children and generate new revenue for clean energy projects for both the Taylor schools and City of Taylor. It is projected that 50 new solar lights will be installed at school bus stops in Taylor. Sponsorships of $2,000 per light will completely pay for the lights. Revenue raised in excess of the cost of the lights will be divided evenly between the school district and city. The excess funds can be used for any purpose that reduces fossil fuel consumption and operating costs. Projects under consideration include the purchase of new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for the city and, for the school district, cleaner burning biodiesel fuel for school buses or even large-scale solar electric systems for school buildings. The Adopt-A-Watt program aims to protect
students from assault and accidents when standing at dark bus stops.
“This action taken by the school board, as well as a previous acceptance by Taylor’s City Council, clearly demonstrates this community’s concern for its school children’s welfare and its desire for a clean energy future,” Wither said. “We are very pleased with the board’s acceptance of our program and especially appreciate the support and contribution to this project by Mayor Priebe and Department of Public Works Superintendent Bob Mach.”
C&G News.com Ferndale approves Adopt-a-Watt program JEREMY SELWESKI C & G Staff Writer Published: January 21, 2009 FERNDALE - In a city that prides itself on staying ahead of the environmental curve, Tom Wither's proposal seemed like a perfect fit. The fact that it wouldn't cost the city a dime certainly didn't hurt, either. That could explain why very little discussion took place on Jan. 12 when the Ferndale City Council voted unanimously to approve a site lease agreement with Adopt-a-Watt, a new green initiative modeled after the national Adopt-a-Highway program. As a member of Adopt-a-Watt, the city will allow the Royal Oak-based organization behind it to seek sponsors for solar panels in Ferndale that will either be attached to parking lot lights or to larger panels in front of public buildings that feed power into the electrical system. Each solar panel will also have a small sign, similar to those seen in Adopt-a-Highway areas, that highlights the sponsor of the panel. In exchange, the city will receive funding to invest in its own environmentally friendly projects. "This is a global initiative," said Wither, principal and founder of Adopt-a-Watt. "It's for anyone looking to transition to using clean, sustainable, 21st century energy." Wither said that since starting Adopt-a-Watt two years ago, it has been a three-phase project for him and his half-dozen employees to get it off the ground. "Phase One was gaining grassroots support, and we have already been approved by 41 clean city coalitions in 21 states," he explained. "Phase Two was getting public organizations involved - airports, cities, ballparks, hospitals and others. And Phase Three is (private) sponsorship, which we're officially launching on Jan. 21." There is great significance to the date chosen in Adopt-a-Watt's quest to begin soliciting private companies, as it is the first full day in office for President Barack Obama. "We're hoping Obama will give a call-to-arms to all Americans to end our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels, and become energy-independent," Wither said. "We think it will be a big gust of wind in our sails, and our program will make a whole lot of sense to an awful lot of people at that point." Mayor Craig Covey was impressed with Wither's proposal from the day he first approached the City Council at its Nov. 24 meeting. For him, the decision to approve the program was "a no brainer. It won't cost the city anything, and anything that enhances and improves the environment is something I'm in favor of. … We're not blazing any new trails here, but anything that gets people moving in the right direction and going against the status quo is a good thing." Councilman Scott Galloway also supports the project. "Ferndale is certainly committed to being more green and more efficient," he said. "This project, in general, seems like a really good way to raise awareness of alternative and renewable energy sources. It's a market-driven approach to filling a need." Solar panels are available to sponsors at an annual cost of either $7,500 for the smaller panels or $15,000 for the larger ones. The panels can be placed in any location that is not obstructed by shading from trees or tall buildings and has high visibility and traffic flow. Among the public bodies that have already signed on to Adopt-a-Watt are airports in Kalamazoo/Battle Creek, as well as, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Georgia, Philadelphia International Airport in Pennsylvania and others. In Michigan, cities such as Royal Oak and Taylor have become members, and Wither said the organization has also been in discussions with Berkley, Warren, Farmington Hills, Southfield and Grand Rapids. "This (program) is very, very desirable for sponsorship," Wither explained. "It offers recognition 365 days a year for a sponsoring organization. That's tremendous exposure and a lot of bang for the buck. It's also a goodwill bonanza for them." As an example of the potential exposure the solar panels could receive, he pointed out one high-traffic location in metro Detroit - the Royal Oak Fire Department at the corner of 13 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue - that sees about 21 million people pass by every year. Once the panels are installed and Adopt-a-Watt subtracts its 14 percent management fee, the remaining sponsorship funding is available for cities like Ferndale to spend on green initiatives of their own. "At absolutely no cost, they are receiving equipment that will provide clean energy and reduce electrical costs," Wither said, "as well as showing the community that they are embracing clean energy and alternative fuels. All the extra money will then be donated for any useful purpose to help reduce fossil fuel use in the city." For Wither, when all is said and done, Adopt-a-Watt provides a proactive new way for all those involved to show their support for green initiatives and raise funds for a good cause. "It's a win-win-win (situation): for the environment, for the hosts and for the sponsors," he said. "We're very excited about the money potential of this program. We feel we can raise hundreds of millions of dollars for the environment and for clean energy." For more information on the Adopt-a-Watt program, visit www.adopt-a-watt.com. Staff Writer Jeremy Carroll contributed to this report.
The News-Herald - Tuesday, January 6, 2009 4:11 PM EST TAYLOR: City takes another green step By Anne Sullivan
TAYLOR - This spring, the city might be a little
greener. The Detroit News - December 12, 2008 Taylor joins in Adopt-A-Watt green initiative By Christine Ferretti National program involves business and organization donations to install solar street lighting panels. TAYLOR -- The city is the first in Wayne County on board with a new green initiative that's expected to generate clean energy and revenue at no cost to taxpayers. The Taylor City Council approved an agreement last week to join the national Adopt-A-Watt program, which relies on donations from businesses and organizations to buy solar street lights for use by cash-strapped municipalities. "This is a program that's really going to take off and create a lot of needed revenue for a lot of cities," said Bob Mach, superintendent of Taylor's public works department. "This goes along with all the green stuff we're doing in the city and expands it. We like to move proactively." Adopt-A-Watt creators say the payoff is two-fold: Sponsors get their names displayed on each light pole for year-round recognition; and cities reap free energy and more than $116,000 over the 35-year life span of each solar array. The money is dedicated for additional environmentally friendly projects. Modeled after Adopt-A-Highway and backed by 41 Clean Cities coalitions in 21 states, the program is soliciting participation from baseball teams, hospitals, sports parks and transit agencies across the country. So far, they've recruited three Michigan cities and four airports in Colorado, Georgia, North Dakota and Michigan, said Adopt-A-Watt principal and founder Tom Wither. "Usually a project gets 15 minutes of fame and it's forgotten. Our program calls for 365 days a year visibility for what (companies) are doing to save the planet," Wither said. "It sends a message to the public and consumers: This company cares about the environment." Royal Oak became a member in July. Taylor and Ferndale followed, both finalizing agreements during the past week. Others, including Grand Rapids, Warren, Farmington Hills, Southfield and Clawson will be next, Wither said. Wither will meet with Taylor officials to identify areas with plentiful sun, traffic and visibility to install solar lights. Virtual auctions for each light or array will follow on www.adoptawatt.com. Sponsorship is about $5,000 per year and covers management fees, financing, insurance and maintenance and an allocation for the city to invest in additional green projects. Each display is paid off in three years, leaving $3,500 annually for the city, Wither said. "They can leverage that money to invest in more energy saving programs and alternative fuel," he said. The company has not yet solicited sponsors. It hopes to install solar light poles in Royal Oak and Taylor by next spring. You can reach Christine Ferretti at (734) 462-2289 or cferretti@detnews.comFerndale is turning green with new program Going green is all the rage these days. With global warming, a push for energy independence, and trying to leave a smaller carbon footprint, going green should be all the rage... for the rest of your days. So, Ferndale is looking to take charge through the "Adopt-a-Watt" program that would provide sponsorship for solar energy lighting and other energy-efficient systems for the city. Excerpt: "This council is always looking at ways to be greener," said Mayor Craig Covey, after Royal Oak resident Tom Wither presented his Adopt-a-Watt initiative to council members at the regular meeting. The council agreed to consider a resolution at a future meeting supporting the program, which would provide private sponsorship of solar-lighting devices that would be used by municipalities and other public entities. In exchange, a sponsor gets naming rights and/or public acknowledgment. The point is to encourage private sponsorship through public cooperation, said Wither. "We're going to take a business-based approach to this." Royal Oak, MIRROR – December 7, 2008 Ferndale looks to go green with 'Adopt-a-Watt' By Megan Pennefather MIRROR STAFF WRITER A green energy funding program that takes a cue from the national Adopt-a-Highway model caught the ear of Ferndale city officials last week. "This council is always looking at ways to be greener," said Mayor Craig Covey, after Royal Oak resident Tom Wither presented his Adopt-a-Watt initiative to council members at the regular meeting. The council agreed to consider a resolution at a future meeting supporting the program, which would provide private sponsorship of solar-lighting devices that would be used by municipalities and other public entities. In exchange, a sponsor gets naming rights and/or public acknowledgment. The point is to encourage private sponsorship through public cooperation, said Wither. "We're going to take a business-based approach to this." Municipalities would permit use of public space for the project and help Adopt-a-Watt representatives scout highly visible locations that may be attractive to possible donors. As with Adopt-a-Highway, said Wither, there is no public money used to fund these energy-saving devices. The point is to encourage widespread use of alternative energy sources, said Wither, adding he started the program at airports across the country, with donors investing money in the project through an online bidding process at www.adoptawatt.com. "That's what our mission is, is to make things better for the next generation," he said. In July, the Royal Oak City Commission approved allowing private donors to sponsor energy-saving devices on city buildings and parks. The initiative is getting support from members of the city's Environmental Impact Commission, according to Timothy Risk, a member of the commission. "This is the kind of environmental initiative the commission would like to see," he said. For more information on the Adopt-a-Watt Program, visit www.adoptawatt.com. KOB.com, New Mexico - November 24, 2008Colorado airport prepares to go greenBy: Eyewitness News 4 The airport in Cortez, Colorado is getting ready to go green. It plans to install one solar lighting system outside its main terminal in the coming months. It's all because of the "adopt-a-watt" program. It's a national energy campaign used at airports across the country. Russ Machen with the Cortez airport says they decided to join the campaign to make a difference. "It brings the public attention to the fact there are other alternative fuel and energy sources other than just oil and the coal fired electric plants, things like that," Russ Machen said. The airport has also purchased three electric powered cars for runway use. The Environment Report - September 12, 2008 By Lester Graham Click here for a Link to the audio of the interview A new program gets businesses and groups to pay towns to switch to alternative energy. Lester Graham reports it's a little like an "Adopt-A-Highway" program: Imagine seeing a bank of solar panels that power nearby street lights, and a sign underneath which recognizes the company that sponsored the project. Thomas Wither is the founder of the National Adopt-A-Watt program. “Our program mimics the very successful “Adopt-A-Highway” program. Only instead of giving supporters community recognition for picking up litter alongside the road, we have come up with a means of giving community recognition for supporting clean energy and the funding for alternative fuels.” Wither says several airports are among the first to use the “adopt-a-watt” program. Sponsors get the benefit of being connected to clean energy - like solar power - and airports, towns, and other government entities get the cost of using clean energy subsidized by those sponsors. For The Environment Report, this is Lester Graham. The Detroit News - Monday, September 8, 2008 Program helps city lights to go green By Jennifer Chambers National Adopt-A-Watt supports clean energy use by collecting donations to add solar power to poles. ROYAL OAK -- Thomas A. Wither is bent on saving the planet, even if it means doing it one light pole at a time. The Royal Oak entrepreneur created the national Adopt-A-Watt program, which collects donations from businesses, organization and individuals and buys cash-strapped municipalities -- like Royal Oak -- solar powered arrays for street lights. The donor's name is displayed on the light pole. Wither said the program allows cities to make the transition cheaply to clean energy and alternative fuels, and sponsors get a plug for being green. So far, 41 communities in 21 states have joined the program, modeled after Adopt-A-Highway. Other participants include airports such as Cortez Municipal in Colorado and Savannah-Hilton Head International. "The whole idea is to allow an organization to show it is green in a highly visible and very dramatic fashion. Actions speak louder than words. It's not just saying you support it. You are doing something about it. It's 365 days of support," Wither said. The amount of the sponsor's fee is determined through a virtual bidding process at www.adopt-a-watt.com. The money is used to finance, insure and maintain each light system. A small portion is taken for a management fee. The city of Royal Oak signed up for the program earlier this summer and is still negotiating a list of potential sites for the solar lights across the city. Greg Rassel, director of city recreation and public services, said he expects the new lights to go in highly visible areas of the city such as the farmers market, Lindell Ice Arena or Woodward Avenue. Wither is working on a deal at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York. Discussions have been generated with more than 200 government and nongovernment agencies across the United States for rest areas, travel plazas, bridges, tunnels, airports, sports and entertainment complexes, schools, hospitals, light rail and bus stops and more. You can reach Jennifer Chambers at (248) 647-7402 or jchambers@detnews.com. Metromode - August 7, 2008Adopt-A-Watt establishes an alternative energy presence in Metro DetroitBy Jon Zemke
About two years ago, Tom Wither looked at an Adopt-A-Highway
sign and a lightbulb went on over his head. Actually, it was
more a streetlight, a sustainable streetlight.
Royal
Oak Review (MI) -
July 30, 2008 By JEREMY CARROLL C & G Staff Writer ROYAL OAK - Royal Oak resident Tom Wither had been all over the country trying to get airports on board with his innovative solar energy-based program, Adopt-A-Watt, when he heard Royal Oak Mayor Jim Ellison had met with other local mayors on alternative energy programs. "All of a sudden Royal Oak had gone very green on me," Wither said. The lifelong city resident pitched his idea - using solar panels like Adopt-A-Highway signs - to city officials, and Royal Oak has become one of the first cities in the country to move forward with the program after signaling their support in early July. When launched, the program will seek sponsors for solar panels that will either be attached to parking-lot lights or larger panels in front of public buildings that feed power into the electrical system. "The lights are completely self contained," Wither said, who first started a grassroots campaign for the idea two years ago. "They would charge during the daytime hours and would be immune to power outages, which would have been nice lately." He said the lights are sized so they could run with six straight days of no sunlight. They shut down into safe mode if they get no light for longer than that. The large solar panels in front of public buildings would feed into the building's electrical system, slowing the meter down, Wither said. Each of the solar panels would have a small sign similar to the Adopt-A-Highway program highlighting the sponsor of the panel. Among the public bodies that have signed on are airports in Kalamazoo; Dickinson, N.D.; Cortez, Colo.; and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Georgia. Wither said they've also made pitches to JFK in New York, Honolulu International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport. Wither, who described himself as an innovator and inventor with several patents and more than 15 years working in environmental technology, said Adopt-A-Watt would start to solicit private companies to sponsor the signs after they get commitments from the big airports. "This will be a way for a corporation to walk to the talk," Wither said. "Everyone is trying to show how green they are. This is a very visible way to show you are supporting clean energy." The solar panels with lights would have a $7,500 annual donation while the larger panels would be a $15,000 annual donation. That cost would go toward the cost of installation and maintenance of the panels and signs from a third-party vendor, along with giving the city a portion of the money to invest elsewhere in green technologies. Greg Rassel, director of the Department of Public Services, said the program would allow the city an extra revenue source to spend on alternative energy programs. "It gives us an opportunity to be involved in some green technology," he said. He said the city is currently working with Wither to figure out the best locations for possible lights or panels, with one being mentioned at the fire station located on the corner of Woodward Avenue and 13 Mile Road. "It's a city-owned facility and in a very visible location," he said. "We are looking for locations that would give us the biggest bang for our buck." For more information on the program, visit www.adopt-a-watt.com. You can reach Staff Writer Jeremy Carroll at jcarroll@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1110. CBS/WWJ Great Lakes IT Report - Wednesday, July 23, 2008 5:26PM
Royal Oak, MIRROR - July 13, 2008
Royal Oak man offers alternative funding for
alternative energy The future of green energy funding started with an Adopt-a-Highway sign. It was 2005 and Tom Wither, a Royal Oak resident, passed by one such sign when he had an idea: Why not offer a program just like Adopt-a-Highway but for clean energy? "The light bulb just went on," Wither said. An energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulb? "Yeah, you got it," he laughed. "CFLs all the way." Three years later, Wither is head of the Royal Oak-based National Adopt-a-Watt Program, which allows private sponsors to invest money in solar-lighting devices for use by municipalities and other public entities. In exchange, a sponsor gets naming rights and/or public acknowledgment. The Royal Oak City Commission approved allowing private donors to sponsor energy-saving devices on city buildings and parks. As with Adopt-a-Highway, said Wither, there is no public money used to fund these energy-saving devices. Municipalities permit use of public space for the project and help Adopt-a-Watt representatives scout highly visible locations that may be attractive to possible donors. "We mimic (the Adopt-a-Highway program) exactly, but instead of giving (sponsors) recognition for picking up litter on the side of the highway, we give them community recognition for investing in clean energy," said Wither. Here's a possible scenario: A company or other private sponsor donates $5,000 to purchase a solar lighting panel and wants it to be installed at the Royal Oak Fire Station at 13 Mile and Woodward. When that solar panel is installed, a sign would be prominently displayed crediting the sponsor business or individual, much like with Adopt-a-Highway. Wither said he started the program at airports and other municipalities across the country. Donors invest money in the project through an online bidding process at www.adopt-a-watt.com. Royal Oak commissioners on Monday acknowledged the need for an alternative funding mechanism for energy-efficient technology in the city. "We need to pursue energy alternatives, and this proposal certainly provides that," said Commissioner Michael Andrzejak. "I'm somewhat intrigued and excited by the endless opportunities that could be provided by this." Wither said that in addition to the solar panels providing real benefits in terms of clean energy, the devices also serve to heighten awareness to the general public. The program "also makes people more energy-conscious when they see an energy-saving device," he said. Wither is looking for private sponsors to fund clean energy for the city of Royal Oak. For more information on the Adopt-a-Watt Program, visit www.adopt-a-watt.com. mpennefather@hometownlife.com | (248) 901-2558
The Daily Tribune - July 10, 2008Royal Oak hops onto solar bandwagon with participation agreement in energy program
By Elizabeth A. Katz Daily Tribune Staff Writer
ROYAL OAK – The city is taking a step in the eco-friendly direction by joining a program that would sell sponsorships to companies that want to invest in solar energy panels and lights.
City commissioners earlier this week voted unanimously to participate in the Adopt-A-Watt program, a national program based in Royal Oak. Commissioner Stephen Miller was absent from the meeting.
“This is a sponsorship program, so there will be absolutely no cost to the city initially or during the ongoing lifetime of the program,” said company founder Tom Wither.
Wither said that he and his sons founded the company so that a private, business-based solution was available to address energy problems, moving away from unreliable government funding.
“This will create a chain reaction of public support and participation,” he predicted. “The answer to our energy problems rises in the east every morning.”
So far, 41 cities in 21 states have joined the Adopt-A-Watt program. Wither said the company has made presentations at airports, including the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek airport and Savannah/Hilton International Airport in South Carolina.
Adopt-A-Watt Inc., the formal name of the company, offers two types of solar devices, including a PV display, which generates 20,000 kWh of clean electricity. The panel, with a lifespan of 35 years, eliminates sulfur dioxide, coal, nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide from the environment.
The second option is a photo-voltaic light, which also has a 35-year lifespan and is immune to power outages.
The program is akin to the Adopt-A-Highway Program, where companies pay an agreed-upon amount and have their company name on the sign. Adopt-A-Watt program conducts virtual auctions to gain sponsors. The fees that are raised pay for the solar electric system and the excess amount is used to pay for anything the government agency deems effective in reducing fossil fuel consumption.
Companies who wish to sponsor a solar display or light will bid on the amount they would like to sponsor. The highest bid wins. Assuming that sponsors are willing to pay $15,000 a year for a solar display at multiple locations or $5,000 a year on a light in multiple locations, Wither estimates that revenue generated through ongoing sponsorship would pay for items such as the device itself, 40,000 gallons of B-20 bio-diesel; the leasing of four flex fuel vehicles; the refueling of four E-85 vehicles; and the financing, installation and management of the system.
“We think some of the money (generated) could be leveraged to get other grant monies” for the municipalities, Wither said.
No display or light is installed until sponsors are secured.
Greg Rassel, director of recreation and public service in Royal Oak, is in support of the program. He told commissioners that the city will work with Adopt-A-Watt to scout and identify locations, solicit sponsors and develop a contract that will come before the commission for final approval.
City Commissioner Michael Andrzejak said he was in support of Royal Oak’s participation in the program. “We need to pursue energy alternatives,” he said. “Watching the daily increases in gas prices tells us that. This proposal certainly provides that and the price is right.”
Contact Elizabeth A. Katz at elizabeth.katz@dailytribune.com or (248) 591-2521. Airports Council International - May 1, 2008 Savannah/Hilton Head Joins Adopt-A-Watt™ Program SAVANNAH, Ga.--Savannah/Hilton Head International is pleased to announce the Savannah Airport Commission’s approval of its clean energy and alternative fuel funding program. “We all understand the importance of exploring energy alternatives and, as part of our overall focus for 2008, our Staff is working to minimize the Airport’s effect on the environment,” said Patrick S. Graham, Executive Director. “We look forward to working with Adopt-A-Watt™ in the generation of clean energy and the creation of community awareness.” “This action taken by Savannah/Hilton Head International demonstrates that everyone can and should do their part to protect the environment and reduce the use of fossil fuel”. We are very pleased with their acceptance of our program and look forward to helping them achieve clean energy and alternative fuel goals”, stated Thomas A. Wither, founder and principal of the National Adopt-A-Watt™ Program. Modeled after the successful Adopt-A-Highway acknowledgment program, the patent pending, NAAWP gives sponsors community recognition for funding clean energy, alternative fuel and energy efficiency projects. The program arranges and coordinates all sponsorship, financing, installation and on-going maintenance for Sponsorable Photo-Voltaic Displays (SPVDs). A SPVD is a complete (.5) kW solar electric system that uniquely generates both clean energy and a new source of revenue that is used to fund other energy saving equipment or alternative fuel infrastructure. Sponsorship of SPVDs is arranged via a virtual auction process at the National Adopt-A-Watt ™ Web site, www.adopt-a-watt.com. Sponsorship presents an exciting new venue for corporations to use a portion of their marketing budgets to get their name in front of the public, but at the same time improve the environment and the economies of the communities they serve.
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Last modified: 11/13/09 |
