Trailblazing the Future of Clean Energy: A Comprehensive Audit Led by HBCU Students

by Anthony D Kinslow II, Ph.D.

Empowering the next generation and advancing sustainability, I led a groundbreaking energy audit of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Office Plaza in Miami on Saturday, February 11th with a team of 17 exceptional HBCU students. Among them were 15 bright minds from Florida Memorial University, as well as two outstanding Green Fellows from Spelman and Morehouse who traveled from Atlanta, Georgia to participate in this trailblazing initiative.

Front door of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Office Plaza

​After an accelerated version of the Gemini training process on data collection and the use of the innovative software, Conserve, the team set out to conduct a comprehensive on-site data collection across the property's five floors and 183,000 square feet. The students were divided into four groups and escorted through the property by the remarkable property management team, and by 3 pm, they had successfully completed the audit and entered all the relevant data into Conserve.

​With diverse majors and backgrounds, these 15 FMU students - who had no prior knowledge of energy audits - gained a newfound confidence and appreciation for the field. As a token of our appreciation and in alignment with our equity principles, each student received $200 and lunch for their 5.5 hours of exceptional work.

​This initiative not only highlights the importance of energy audits, but it also emphasizes community involvement and exposing young minds to clean technology and the clean energy sector. At Gemini, we are committed to empowering the next generation and leading the charge for a brighter, more sustainable future.

FMU students, Kevin Marshall, and David Osborne on the roof of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Office Plaza

The opportunity to learn about a new industry was a clear positive. I honestly can't think of anything that I would have done differently had I been overseeing the project."   - FMU Student​

Seeing young future professionals being made aware of industries in which they are underrepresented, reaffirms the need for exposure and mentorship!"   
​-- David Osborne, Sr. Operations Administrator, The Beautiful Works, Inc.

I found the energy audit conducted at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza to be relatively straightforward and not overly challenging. With some basic training, I believe any college student, including myself, could successfully conduct an energy audit. This experience can serve as a starting point for us to pursue even more ambitious sustainability and energy reduction goals in our personal and professional lives."   - HCBU Green Fellow

FMU students, Kevin Marshall, and David Osborne on the roof of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Office Plaza

Years ago, no one really thought too much about being "green" or what size "footprint" we leave on the earth. Today, people are becoming awakened, or "woke" if you will, about the consequences of our negligence.  That's why I, as a Building Engineer, am proud to work with Gemini and these ingenious students, to create a more sustainable future for generations to come." - Kevin Marshall, Sr. Building Engineer, The Beautiful Works, Inc.

It was really a great experience, I got to learn a lot and about how things worked and it’s all very interesting." ​  - FMU Student

For students like me, energy audits can serve as a springboard to tackling even greater challenges related to sustainability and energy conservation in our future pursuits." 
​ - HCBU Green Fellow

It was a pleasure to collaborate with Gemini Energy Solutions at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Office Plaza. I was inspired by Gemini Energy Solutions’ contribution to the energy industry as well as its commitment to educating and cultivating Black scholars from multiple HBCUs. The energy audit was a grand opportunity to provide an enriching experience and shine a light on the genius of Black academics."  -- Myron J, Davis, Ph.D., The Beautiful Works, Inc. 

The 15 FMU students and two (2) HCBU Green Fellow Audit Crew with Dr. Anthony Kinslow II, Ph.D., CEO and Founder of Gemini Energy Solutions. Inc. at the front of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Office Plaza