All News Releases By Date

Navy Pier exhibit features energy-efficient model home

Release Date: 10/16/2008
Contact Information: William Omohundro, 312-353-8254, omohundro.william@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 08-OPA165

CHICAGO (Oct. 16, 2008) - The public can tour an interactive model of an energy-efficient home this weekend, Oct. 18-19, at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "Change the World, Start with Energy Star" exhibit at Chicago's Navy Pier. The exhibit will open at 11 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. both days and is free of charge. Hosts for the event are General Electric, ComEd and the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.

The public can tour the home and learn room-by-room how to save energy, save money and help protect the environment by using Energy Star qualified products and energy-efficient practices. Visitors can view energy-saving measures in the living room, kitchen, home office/recreation room and in a heating and cooling display.

"Most people know about the Energy Star program these days, but this exhibit at Navy Pier is a great opportunity to learn more about ways to save energy at home - and save money in the process," said Cheryl Newton, acting director of EPA Region 5's Air and Radiation Division.

During the weekend, Navy Pier will be transformed into Navy Fear, with Halloween activities all day for all ages. The custom-built Energy Star exhibit will be outside the Children's Museum at Gateway Park.

GE's 'Mad Scientist' booth, an interactive laboratory illustrating the science behind energy-saving light bulbs, will be across the pier. It features interactive gadgets including meter comparators, energy bikes, 'monster mash' music and beakers with dry ice for effect. Coupons, brochures and giveaways will be provided.

Change the World, Start with Energy Star is an EPA national campaign encouraging all Americans to take small steps to reduce energy use. As part of the campaign, which kicked off on Earth Day 2008, EPA is working with sponsoring organizations around the country to host a series of six free consumer events this fall.

So far, events have been held in Plano, Texas; Morristown, N.J.; Atlanta, Ga.; and Topsfield, Mass. A final event is scheduled for Oct. 25-26 in San Francisco.

For more information about joining in the fight against global warming, visit http://www.energystar.gov/changetheworld.