Global ChangeIntersection of Nature and Culture

This week’s good ideas in campus sustainability: 12/14/09

Sunday, December 20th, 2009

This week’s showcase includes Worcester Polytechnic University, the Ohio university system, and Unity College.

(1)  WPI’s East Hall Recognized as a Green ‘Teaching Tool’

This is a model for how green construction should be done—use it as a classroom:

EducationDesignShowcase.com has awarded Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s (WPI) East Hall the “Judge’s Choice” honor in its “Building as a Teaching Tool” category. East Hall’s design-and-construction process and sustainable features were recognized as “educational opportunities” for the campus community. As a nominee in the “Building as a Teaching Tool” category, East Hall was judged according to the mindfulness of construction materials, energy, and environment; its design as a learning laboratory; student and community involvement; integration into the coursework; and innovation and creativeness.

(2) University System of Ohio Aims to Make State a Green Workforce Leader

Another great example of public-private-university partnerships to promote green jobs and sustainability:

Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut today formally announced the establishment of an advisory panel to position Ohio as a national green workforce leader. The Ohio Green Pathways Advisory Panel is charged with developing a comprehensive understanding of green workforce demand, building and expanding relationships with green industry leaders, and identifying strategies to create and expand new green opportunities in Ohio.

“Ohio is already ranked in the top five for clean energy job creation, energy efficiency and environmentally friendly production jobs, and is first in the nation for renewable and advanced energy manufacturing,” said Fingerhut, citing a recent report by the Pew Charitable Trusts. “The Advisory Panel will ensure that the University System of Ohio advances the state’s economy by leading the way in green education and training programs.”

….”Environmental sustainability will be the primary driver of the new economy,” said Keith Dimoff, executive director of the Ohio Environmental Council. “Ohio Green Pathways will position Ohio to provide business with the skilled workforce necessary to harness the power of this evolving force.”

(3)  Finally, a home that gives more than it takes

There is a lot of green building going on around the world, but few projects actually lead all the way to carbon neutrality.  Here’s one example from Unity College (Maine, USA) of a house that generates more energy than it uses.   These kinds of buildings are what the new business as usual model should look like:

Unity House, as it’s called, recently received an LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, the highest achievable green building designation. The house also achieved what Bensonwood architect Randall Walter calls a Net Positive effect, which means the house actually gives energy back to the grid. This is done in part with the use of solar panels.

“On a sunny day, the house is building up a credit, to use at night,” Walter said.

These credits add up, saving money and energy, Walter said.

The home uses a combination of photovoltaic solar panels for generating electricity and a separate solar hot water system, along with some tight and high-tech insulation.

….From Oct. 5, 2008 to Oct. 5, 2009, energy use data shows Unity House produced 6,441 kilowatt hours of electricity while using only 6,430 kwh. The data shows that the cumulative months of overcast conditions and unseasonably cold temperatures in the first three seasons of 2009, considerably dampened solar collection, yet the home’s heat and power production and retention still performed well.

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For more information:  AASHE Bulletin 12/14/09