Ecological Design: Creating the Green Mountain Center for Sustainable Living Deirdre Huzzard, Environmental Studies with a Concentration in Science Beth A. Sanderson, Sustainable Community Development Heather Polhemus, Environmental Economics with a Concentration in Global Sustainability

Statement of Project and Goals To create a conceptual design of a center for sustainable living to promote environmental ideals within a community of students To showcase methods with which groups of individuals can reduce their impact on the environment To utilize ecological design principles such as renewable energy technologies, alternative building techniques, responsible waste management and meeting green building standards

Ecological Design is… A methodology that reorients human activity in a way that is compatible with natural processes An alternative to conventional design that considers conservation, regeneration and stewardship A holistic approach to design that promotes healthy ecosystems and human communities

“The problems that we have created cannot be solved at the level of thinking that created them.” -Albert Einstein

Our Design Renovation of South Hall Emphasis on reusing and recycling materials Remove unsuitable materials and replace with natural alternatives Replace windows with double paned, gas filled, high glazed, low emissivity models Super-insulate walls and attic

Our Design Continued Increase passive solar qualities of the building and add thermal mass on south side Possibly remove non load-bearing walls to change floor plan Create communal cooking facility, dining area and food storage area Design living quarters for students Build an addition onto the southeast side of house potentially utilizing alternative building techniques, such as straw bale or cob. The addition would include a small greenhouse, sun room, and gathering area/library

Energy Components Grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) fixed axis rooftop panels and a ground-mounted tracking array Compact fluorescent lighting Solar hot water heater Heat exchange ventilation system for optimum air quality Radiant floor heat Geothermal heat pump Masonry stove for radiant heating and bread baking Experimental renewable energy projects

Water Systems and Nutrient Cycling Greywater recycling system Composting toilets Low-flow showerheads and sink faucets Rainwater catchment system Possible Living Machine Outdoor composting bins for kitchen waste Vermicomposting project

Gardens/Greenhouse Landscaping with native plants Medicinal herb garden for educational and practical purposes Outdoor cold frames for season extension Sun room and greenhouse for passive solar gain and food production Construction of straw bale maintenance shed with living roof for garden tools

Student Survey Results Question #1 Do you feel that a sustainable living center is appropriate to the mission of the college? Question #2 Do you feel that a sustainable living center would be a positive asset to G.M.C?

Next Steps and Challenges Campus wide support Funding Incorporating our vision into the master plan Implementing our ideas into an architectural rendering of the project Continuous communication between student representatives, architects, administration and faculty Dedication to this project in the upcoming semesters Establishing a realistic time frame for the project’s completion