Our Green Building: Geothermal Heating & Cooling in Farmington Carolyn Rittenhouse Megan Cote

The Issue: Global Climate Change * Global climate change is any long-term significant change in the expected patterns of average weather of a specific area. * Burning fossil fuels release excess carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These added gases have caused Earth to warm more quickly. We are enhancing the greenhouse effect potentially changing the Earths climate. * Global climate change is causing drastic changes to our environment. The earth is warming very quickly causing glaciers to melt and sea levels to rise. Drought and flooding is displaced throughout the world and severe storms are becoming more severe. * The built environment has a vast impact on the natural environment, human health, and the economy. By building green we can maximize both economic and environmental performance. Environmental benefits include enhancing and protect biodiversity and ecosystems, improve air and water quality, reduce waste streams, conserve and restore natural resources, and use less energy more efficiently.

What does it mean to be green? A green building is an environmentally sustainable building, designed, constructed and operated to minimize environmental impacts. A green building reduces energy consumption, conserves water, and recycles waste. Green buildings save money long-term and allow for a healthier environment. Build Green's focus is on reducing building energy usage and increasing occupant comfort.

Location Our building is set to be located in Farmington, Maine. Farmington is located in the central region of Maine with no major water bodies located near by. The location is populated with approximately 7,500 people. It is located in the foothills of mountains. The area is not a floodplain. Geothermal Energy is most beneficial to use at this location because it is located in a rural area not located on a floodplain or near an ocean.

Alternative Energy Source For this building we chose Geothermal Energy. Geothermal means heat from the earth. The earths interior provides heat energy from nature. This heat is geothermal energy. This gives forth warmth and power that can be used without polluting the environment. Underground maintains a steady temperature of 50 degrees fareinheit. Water, located in the pipes that are drilled into the ground bring the hot water to the surface from the wells allowing heat, air conditioning, and even electricity to be generated.

Green Features Marmoleum Table-tops & Flooring Marmoleum is a natural product consisting of linseed oil and cork flour. It is asthma and allergy friendly and contains no harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds). The surface is also easy to maintain. Cleaning involves simple soap and water compound. In Maine where allergies are often severe for many with trees, pollen, and ragweed, this would make a great addition to the building. Carpet Tiles of Post-Production Recycled Yarns The recycled yarns would have gone straight into landfills. The tile technology offers a simple solution with a minimum of waste. Being a building frequently traveled through, the carpets will become worn. Because of this technology, the tiles can be replaced individually saving money. CO2 Sensors Air ventilation sensors measure CO2 levels. If levels are high, additional outside air is mixed with air entering the roof. This feature is a great addition to the building because it allows students to concentrate better when there is a large number of students in the room due to allowing more oxygen into the room and taking out excess CO2.

Blueprint

Sources Climate Change & How You Can Make a Difference (Basis of Handout) Meet the GREENS: Episodes for Kids Looking After the Planet Energy Facts Energy Explanations Brief Overview, Activities, and Games What Does it Mean to be Green? How to Reduce the Environmental Impact of The Various Parts of a Building

Why? With the pressure of global climate change upon us it is important to create buildings that aid to sustainability and are environmentally friendly (green). A green building is an environmentally sustainable building, designed, constructed and operated to minimize environmental impacts. No fossill fuels are used for the operation of the building. Our building exemplifies a true green building incorporating a geothermal system that will not only save money but also positively effect the environment. The building will allow for better learners providing a healthier environment to learn. The building truly expresses what it means to be green and will not only be beneficial to the environment, but also to the community.