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.


The Task

Uncover the science behind climate change by investigating greenhouse gases like CO2. How are these gases released into the atmosphere, and what role do human activities play in increasing emissions? Dig deeper into how our daily choices, from transportation to energy use, contribute to climate change. Use your knowledge of energy and climate or discover new insights as you explore the causes, effects, and solutions to reduce our carbon footprint. Get creative and develop a plan or project that highlights ways to cut emissions and combat climate change!

Students will work together as a team to create a digital project and short pitch to discuss how your community could begin to combat climate change.

Students can present their “pitches” and projects to judges and peers in a virtual “Think Tank.”
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 16th.
  • 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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