Site name, sponsoring institution, location, year established (source of information and/or contact person) Main Purpose Design & Operational Features Comments Adam J. Lewis Center for Environmental Studies OBERLIN COLLEGE, Oberlin, Ohio Opened Spring 2000 Source: www.oberlin.edu/envs/ailc/ "?a building that would redefine the relationship between humankind and the environment." "Home of Oberlin College's Environmental Studies Program." - 2-story, 13,600 sq ft, environmental studies building - 3 classrooms, 100-seat auditorium, a banquet hall, six offices, one conference room, one kitchen, one bathroom, and a large greenhouse with a Living Machine. - certified-sustainable wood - low VOC paint, adhesives, and fabrics - recycled materials - thermal regulation through "advanced mechanical systems such as closed-loop geothermal wells", radiant coils in floors, passive solar (like concrete floor, masonry walls, well-insulated roof and walls). - good air ventilation - daylighting, energy-efficient lights - 690 PV modules mounted on 3700sq ft roof to provide 59kW with grid-intertie system. - Living Machine ("small-scale densely constructed aquatic ecosystems to purify wastewater"), used to flush toilets, hope to have excess go to wetlands; important research & teaching tool - data display monitor in atrium The idea for the building developed in the 1980s; David Orr hired in 1990 partly for his background in ecological design and ability to help spearhead the project. Students designed the building in a class Orr taught called "Ecological Architecture"; two students hired to write a report summarizing class findings many of which were incorporated into final design. Students collect data and do their own research (e.g., the biological systems that are part of the building, solar/wind information). AT+House UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS House acquired in Fall 2003 Conact: Eva co-founder, undergrad (email) Sustainability demonstration, university resource, student housing - House and yard near to campus - Still in design and implementation phase. Student-initiated; house donated from the St. Vincent de Paul's Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT) HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY, Arcata, CA Established in 1978 (CCAT cont'd) Source: various co-directors 2000 Biennial Report website A student-operated demonstration of low-impact living and ecological design features; information warehouse; outreach and education to students and the larger community. - ½ acre property with house for 3 student co- directors - extensive permaculture garden - photovoltaic panels to power lights, personal computer, and other electric necessities - solar heated water - composting station for food waste from the house and a University resident hall - composting toilet (used to fertilize fruit trees) - greywater reclamation system from sinks and bathtub used to water garden - co-directors manage the operations and publish a newsletter, and offer regular trainings, lectures, and tours - 2,000 people visit on average each year The project was student-initiated and prides itself in being student-run. Faculty advisors, a steering committee, and community members provide guidance The house is largely funded (75%) through the Associated Students of HSU which also leases the land from the university. The house is not on the Master Plan for the university's land use planning. Center for Sustainable Living (a.k.a., "Treehouse") DICKINSON COLLEGE, Carlisle, PA Source: www.dickinson.edu/storg/treehouse/ A special interest house near campus that aims to raise awareness about sustainability. - campus housing for ten students - residents consciously address behaviors that promote sustainability - publish a newsletter called "Leaves" each term - actively work on "campus greening" - regularly hold community potlucks and events - residents serve as liaison between college and the Carlisle community Residents need to apply to live in the house and are selected based on their awareness of and dedication to environmental issues. Student positions include: Events Planners (2), Dinner Planner, Leaves Publication Co-Editors (2), Photographer/Historian, Data Collector, Physical Plant Nag, Public Relations, Treasurer/House Manager Integral Urban House FARALLONES INSTITUTE, Berkeley, CA Opened in 1974; ended in 1985 Source: Integral House (1979) website "..innovative test-bed of appropriate technologies and systems in an urban environment." - House and yard in Berkeley neighborhood - Passive and active solar energy use - Greywater capture and treatment on-site - Composting toilet - Small-scale food production and animal husbandry - Aquaculture - Regular tours, educational events (had over 30,000 visitors and 300 classes while in operation). The project succeeded in raising awareness about ecology (new courses developed which began to take over its educational component) and many neighbors and visitors adopted strategies developed at the House. The project's major source of funding fell through and this prompted its closure as an organization. John T. Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies (CRS) CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERISITY, Pomona, CA Opened in 1994 Source: website "?university-based setting for education, demonstration and research in regenerative and sustainable systems." - 16 acre site, living units for 90 residents - passive solar designed buildings - renewable energy capture (incl. wind) (future goal to be a net exporter of energy) - water recycling - nutrient recycling - food growing systems - aquaculture - native habitat - human communities Challenges: "..bureaucracy, institutional fears of alternative methods that might create a liability risk, short term cost-based decisions rather than decisions based on the spirit of the project, hierarchical rather than cooperative management." Center for Sustainability PENN STATE, Philadelphia, PA Idea proposed in 1995, planning began January 2001. Site selected in April 2001. Source: www.psu.edu/dept/cs/ "?nonprofit organization dedicated to beauty, science, and education conducting research in sustainable living and environmental technologies." - 8.5 acre research, farming and housing facility - Living Machine treats sewage water - food production (season extension, sustainable agriculture, etc.) - curriculum developed around the facility with regular course offerings - full-time staff and instructors Has faculty, director, and student staff and volunteers. Ouroboros House UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, Rosemount 1973 Source: www.dennishollowayarchitect.com/html/TheArchitect.html "Autonomous living" is the theme of this experimental house. - 1500 sq.ft. house - an "evolving laboratory of energy conservation and self-sufficiency." - active solar hot water heater for space heat (later replaced by a passive solar heater) - wind-powered electric generator - sod roof - composting toilet - enclosed sewage system for on-site treatment - walls and roof have > 9" fiber insulation - south walls and greenhouse with double-glazed windows Began as a design build project under Professor Dennis Holloway. 160 students helped design and build the house. Entire project cost $95,000 which included wages for student workers. All funds came from local sources. SENS House (Sustainability & Environmental Studies House) BEREA COLLEGE, Berea, Kentucky Construction began in fall 2001 (planning began in 2000). Source: website Richard Olson (see below) Education, Research, Student leadership - Student-designed residence for four students and the "gateway" to the college's EcoVillage (see below). - priority for materials that are local, recycled and/or recyclable, durable, non-toxic (no off-gassing), low embodied energy - low-flow fixtures - active solar collectors, electricity from PV panels - "sun-tube" skylights - no mechanical heating/cooling ? "high-mass" wood stove in kitchen/living area, individual small propane gas heaters in the bedroom wing (students pay for propane, share with housemate). - "?a laboratory for testing ways of living more sustainably" and is "largely self-reliant for energy, water and waste treatment?" Six students (including the four residents) serve as hosts and guides for new members of the Ecovillage, track performance and identify ways to increase sustainability, lead tours and programs on ecological design and sustainable living for campus and off-campus groups. Courses and internships offered in ecological design. Student-run workshops and demonstrations in ecological design for the campus and surrounding communities. The Ecovillage BEREA COLLEGE, Berea, Kentucky Planning began in 2000 Construction and retrofitting in fall 2001 Contact: Professor Richard Olson Dir. of SENS Program richardolson@bereacollege.edu (859) 985-3593 "an ecologically-sustainable residential and learning complex." - 28 new student housing units, 22 green-retrofitted; common house; kids' playroom. - Performance goals include: - 75% less energy used - 10% energy from on-site, renew sources - 75% less per capita water use - treat sewage & wastewater on site - 50% of village's waste recycled, reused, or composted. - Design features include: - passive solar heating - photovoltaic panels - wind-powered electrical generators - composting toilets - roof-top capture of rainwater for irrigation - fruit & veg gardens & greenhouses - living machine to treat sewage & greywater into swimmable quality, discharge to constructed wetland. - strawbale information kiosk and cottage "? the first affordable housing project in the United States to use a "Living Machine" to treat all grey and black water on-site." Students involved with all phases (planning, construction, operations) to "gain invaluable experience that complements their more traditional classroom training." Center for Sustainability Studies University of Michigan's Contact: Peter Reppe reppe@uoregon.edu Research center Ramapo College Sustainability Center (RCSC) RAMAPO COLLEGE, Mahwah, NJ Currently under construction. Source: www.ramapo.edu/resources/SpecialResources/sustainabilityctr "?a showcase for sustainable and green practices" - 6700 sq ft building on 1.25 acres - weather-monitoring equipment - solar panels - wind-powered generator - energy-efficient appliances and lighting - waterless composting toilets - organic garden - ully-functional greenhouse - solar hot water heater - permaculture landscaping Replacing the Alternative Energy Center (a house on campus that was retrofitted). classroom, laboratory, and office space for the environmental programs demonstration of sustainability education center for college and K-12 students and the general public information warehouse and outreach Utah House UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION, Kaysville, UT Planning began in 1996, construction started in 2001, and it opened in August 2003. Contact: Kerry Case (Program Coordinator, UO-ENVS alumni) ( 801)544-3089 "?a learning and information center" that is open to the public. - demonstrates principles of sustainability - energy and water efficiency - healthy indoor environments - universal design - economic development Open for to the public M-F, 1-5 ($2 suggested donation). For groups of 5 or more, tours done by appointment ($2/individual, $1/student). Workshops, tours, educational programs, and individual consultations are offered. A satellite television series is also being developed for public education. The Eco Dorm WARREN WILSON COLLEGE, Ashville, North Carolina "eco-dorm" - focus on energy efficiency Environmental House (a.k.a., "The Out House") WHITMAN COLLEGE, Walla Walla, WA Established in 1981. Contact: Peter Harvey A special interest house to promote environmental awareness. - six-bedroom house, average of eight student residents and one Resident Assistant - focus activities on ecological/environmental awareness. - spearhead the campus recycling program - hold events, including "theme weeks" "The Outhouse is affiliated with the Environmental Studies department and is assigned an adviser from that department. At least once in the semester, the house adviser is invited over for dinner to discuss the programs that Outhouse residents are planning for the semester." McLean Environmental Living & Learning Center, NORTHLAND COLLEGE, Ashland, Wisconsin Opened in 1998 Source: website "?one of the most environmentally advanced residence halls in the world." - passive and active designs - energy and water efficiency - building "health" and public education - 2-story, 32,374 sq ft, living units for 114 students, 4 lounges - wind generator - 3 Photovoltaic Panels (3.2 kW) - 2 composting toilets - organic-based linoleum flooring - shakes from local sustainable forest - cellulose attic insulation - bio-composite countertops - low-emissivity coated glass - recycled material furniture - course developed and held at the Center called "Sustainable Living in a College Community" (included a lab section and guest lecturers such as architects, builders, renewable energy contractors, power company representatives). North Clackamas High School Clackamas, Oregon Completed in April 2002 (began planning in mid-1990s) Source: Burns, Cameron and Huston Eubank, 2002. "Green Pays Its Way-Performance-based Fees." Rocky Mountain Institute. "Green was not a goal, it was a solution." - 44% more E savings than required by Oregon Building Code - $75K-$80K/year saved on Energy bills (½ to architects in first 2 yrs, ½ to school's general funds to cover increasing E costs) - capital costs ~ $118.70/sq ft (vs. the typical $135-145 for high schools) - Natural lighting, better ventilation ( = better stdt/teacher performance, plus cost-effectiveness), native plant landscaping, wetlands for stormwater retain & purification - Performance-based fees (PBFs) "?one of the 'greenest' schools in the nation." Happier students, better performance (academically and behaviorally), rave reviews Seattle City Light's Lighting Design Lab Slippery Rock University Tufts University Office of the Institute for Self-Reliance, DC Lewis & Clark College