PPG donates $55K to COSI for Innovations in Energy project, ongoing support

The PPG Industries Foundation has donated $50,000 to COSI, the Center of Science and Industry, located in Columbus, to help fund its Innovations in Energy project, along with $5,000 to assist COSI in covering general programming expenses. Additionally, PPG experts assisted in the development of the center’s Innovation Showcase: Innovations in Energy exhibit, which opened in late August 2011, according to a company release.

“The Innovation Showcase encourages critical thinking skills and empowers the public to make informed decisions and take personal actions regarding energy use," saidDavid Chesebrough, president and CEO of COSI, in the release."It also informs visitors about the diverse backgrounds and functions of people working in energy-related careers, especially in the ‘STEM’ fields of science, technology, engineering and math, and encourages middle- and high-school students in particular to pursue these paths.”

The Innovation Showcase exhibit represents the first phase of an “Innovations in Energy” project designed to help bridge the gap in public understanding about energy issues and the systems within which they live. An interactive home weatherization display invites visitors to use a thermal imaging camera to perform a “home energy audit” comparing the energy-efficiency of a wall with a regular window to one with a window including solar-control glass from PPG. Also, a graphic and video in the Innovation Showcase introduce visitors to J.J. Wirth, PPG brand manager, fleet segments, who describes her role and PPG’s involvement in the fields of energy savings and energy generation.

“PPG and the PPG Industries Foundation are strongly committed to supporting the communities where our employees work and live, especially through educational programs that focus on STEM-related concepts and careers,” said Sue Sloan, executive director of the PPG Industries Foundation, in the release.