campus center for appropriate technology newsletter, spring 2004

8/9/2019 Campus Center for Appropriate Technology Newsletter, Spring 2004

1/16

ATTransferAppropriateTechnology

CCATismovingtoanewlocation!

Solutions for Sustainable Living for Over 25 Years


2/16

The AT Transfer is the ofcial newsletter for the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology, which is funded primarily by the AssociatedStudents of Humboldt State University. The views and content of The AT Transfer are not censored or reviewed by the Associated

Students. All correspondences may be addressed to: The AT Transfer, CCAT HSU, Arcata, CA 95521 or call (707) 826-3551HSU.supports AA/EO. All responses from readers or letters to the editor of the AT Transfer will be published, unedited, if requested.Copies of all correspondence should also be sent in writing to : The Associated Students, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA 95521.

The mission of CCAT is to demonstraappropriate technology in a residential setting, to providhands-on experiential learning opportunities

Humboldt State University and the surrounding communiin Arcata, to collect and disseminate informationabouappropriate technology, and to dispel the myth thliving lightly on the Earth is difcult of burdensomCCAT is dedicated to sustainability and sel

reliance and seeks to help others live likewise.

AT Transfer staff:Co-Editors: Katie Harbaugh & Kyana TaillonDesign: Kyana TaillonPhotography: Katie Harbaugh & other CCAT employees

Campus Center for Appropriate Technology staff:Front Row left to right:Katie Harbaugh (AT TransferEditor), Jeff Adams (Maintenance), Lisa Murgatroyd (Info-Request Coordinator), Charles Heinberg

(Tour Gudie Coordinator), Jennifer Hayes (Events Publicist), Nicole Batenhorst (Librarian), Bill Hodges(Grantwriter) Back Row left to right:Lumby Lumbert (Groundskeeper), Alecia Rostad (Grantwriter),Krystal Rogers (Co-Director), Garrett McSorely (Co-Director), Kendra Cecil (Co-Director), Dustin Jolley(Project Engineer), Emilia Patrick (Herbalist) Not Pictured:Jo Manmoudi (CRP Compost Director), AstridDobo (Biodiesel Coordinator), Abel Kloster (Vegetable Gardner), Jaime Allen (Vegetable Gardner), KJCoop (Web Administrator), Michael Padget (Web Master), Kyana Taillon (AT Transfer Editor), JasperPeach (Biodiesel Coordinator), Daniele Allion (Outreach Coordinator), Miah Mann (Project Engineer/Maintenance), Shane Phillips (Groundskeeper), William Zoller (Ofce Manager).


3/16 Appropriate Technology Transfer

After 26 years of learning,

teaching and growing CCAT is

moving! The CCAT house and

most of its grounds are being relocated

approximately 70 feet south of its

current location to make room for the

new Behavioral and Social Sciences

building, which will begin construction

this summer.

A little historyNegotiations for the move of CCAT began 10

years ago. During that time CCAT has worked hardwith the campus and surrounding communitiesto reach a realistic compromise. The CCAT house(aka the Buckhouse), the original home of the Buckfamily and later transformed into CCAT, has stoodon this hill since it was built in the 1930s. In the late1970s the Arcata volunteer re department intended

By Krystal Rogers, CCAT Co-Director

During the move, visitors are welcome to tour CCAT

and explore appropriate technology displays.

WereMOVING!

continued on page 4


4/16

CCAT Floor Plansdrawn by William Zoller

RemodeledUpper Floor

Plan

NewGroundFloor Plan

to use the Buckhouse in a practice re test. A small groupof students and faculty were granted permission fromthe University administration to save it, gut it and createa livable home and educational center to demonstratealternative technologies such as passive solar heating, windpower and solar power.

NegotiationsIn 2002 the University administration presented CCAT

with two options, both required relocation. CCAT could

remain near their current location and move the existinghouse downhill 75 feet, or choose an entirely different siteon campus and build a new structure. Through consensusthe CCAT community chose to move the existing house,preserving the houses history and unique legacy.With this decision, administrators were given the exibilitythey needed to make the BSS project a reality. CCATsprimary requirements were: no net loss of grounds, equalamount of quality space (including a solar window and atgathering space), a new foundation with a new meeting

room for the Buckhouse and a permanent space on theCSU-approved University Master Plan. After anotherlong round of negotiations with the administration andcontractors, nearly all of CCATs requests were met in thenal proposal.

The winning proposal

The winning proposal presented in a press release inOctober 2003, was the least expensive and the rst state-funded LEED Gold Certied building in California. Thedesign team agreed to build a full basement for CCATwith room for a new meeting room and ofce. Within theproposal, Danco-Swinterton architects stated they wereeager to work directly with CCAT students to incorporatethe mission of CCAT into the BSS building.

ImpactsIn sum, this building and its construction is an

enormous disruption to CCAT. The BSS building footprintwill cover the space of our entire herb garden and half ofthe space where the Buckhouse currently sits. A 10,000-gallon rainwater catchment tank will connect the BSSbuilding and CCAT. This water will be used for greywaterwithin the building, as well as feed into a pond/marshwatering system, which will water CCAT's new terracedgardens. The space between the BSS and the relocatedCCAT house will be terraced and landscaped with nativeplantings including plants used for basket weaving by theNative American community. CCATs yurt, solar cookers,and tool shed will be relocated and the wind turbine will bedismounted. The Kiwi Arbor and pond will become a newsouth campus marketplace and our compost demonstrationsite will become pathways. The bamboo shed and redwood

grove will remain untouched.Since CCAT never had ofcially recognized borderson the University Master Plan, it was difcult to receivecompensation for everything that has been created overthe years with no net loss of the space currently occupied.However, in addition to cash allowances from Danco-Swinterton for lost projects, the University is compensatingCCAT with space to the south, where the Jenkins house iscurrently located, to provide a comparable solar window forour PV panels and greenhouse.

CCAT is doing everything in its power to mitigatethe signicant environmental impacts of this project.By re-using, salvaging, de-constructing, and creatively

Appropriate Technology Transfer

Effort put forth

by all community

members

support CCAT

through this

difcult

transition.

Here, a local

elementary

student

completes the

nal phase

of greywater

purication.


5/16

utilizing materials and resources from current projects.Simultaneously we can meet CCATs needs and follow theprinciples of appropriate technology. For example, we aresalvaging all of our recycled trex pathways to be used againat our new site. Wood, straw and roong from the Straw Bale

shed will beused for futurestructures androcks from thepond will form

new terraces.We are also

transplanting as many plants as practical, and selling oradopting out bigger plants that need homes.

ImprovementsAlthough this has a serious impact on CCAT, the

architectural team has allocated cash allowances incompensation for the greywater marsh, straw bale shed,the gardens and reconstructive landscaping. In addition,they are building a new greenhouse while improving thepassive solar heating design and building us a basementutilizing green building materials. While the CCAT house

is being moved to a new foundation we will be taking theopportunity to make CCAT a warmer, more comfortablespace to live, work, give tours, conduct workshops and hostcommunity gatherings.

One of the most signicant upgrades to the house willbe the installation of double pane windows, replacing all ofthe old single pane glass. Due to the mild coastal climatehere we want to maximize our solar gain through ourwindows and minimize heat loss to the outside. Double panewindows, in addition to our insulating thermal curtains, willdramatically reduce all of these types of heat loss. These

Straw Bale Shed DeconstructionA volunteer assists in the deconstruction of the straw bale shed during one of CCATs many work days.Going, going...gone.


CCATs greenhouse is

being deconstructed

and rebuilt to

maximize passive

solar heating.

new windows will also improve our passive solar heatingperformance, thus conserving energy by reducing the needto provide supplemental space heating.

Tripling the insulation value in the ceiling will also helpkeep CCAT warm and cozy. We currently have berglass batinsulation and a thin layer of blown-in cellulose (recyclednewspaper) insulation, however the house is still losing a lotof its heat through the ceiling. The thermal performance ofinsulation is measured in R-Value (resistance to heat ow)-we currently have about R-19 in our ceiling, but could easily

go to R-50 or 60. Thermal insulation is inexpensive, easyto install and it saves both energy and money. There are avariety of options for insulation. In addition to berglassand cellulose there is also cotton insulation (made fromtextile mill scraps), soy-based foam insulation, sheep's wool(big in New Zealand and Germany), and straw bales provideincredible wall insulation.

CCAT has a wood-burning stove in the living room toprovide heat in the winter when we are not getting enoughsolar gain from our passive solar greenhouse. Wood is arenewable resource (though not inexhaustible) and mayprove to be the most appropriate fuel source for spaceheating in a rural area. CCAT however, is located in a more

urban area therefore concerns for air quality arise. Burningwood results in high particulate emissions, affecting thehealth of our neighborhood. Should CCAT install anothertype of heating system?

Options include efcient versions of biodiesel ornatural gas forced air unit, a biodiesel or natural gas boilerto run a radiant oor heating system. All of these optionshave their advantages and disadvantages. The chosenheating system will be in harmony with CCAT's mission ofdemonstrating appropriate technology that is simple, local,

environmentally safe, economicaland resource efcient.

What now?In spite of improvements, this movehas caused mixed feelings amongthe entire CCAT community. Onone hand, CCAT is losing most ofits current demonstrations. As co-directors we will be displaced fromour house for three to four months.On the other hand, once the CCAThouse is relocated and the BSSbuilding complete, CCAT will be ina more central location on campus,therefore it will be more accessible

to students.Current co-directors are continuing

negotiations with the administrationto ensure the CCAT program willrecieve compensation for damagesas a result of construction. Whenall is said and done, we have beenpromised that CCAT will have apermanent space and denitiveborders on the University MasterPlan.

continued on page 6


6/16Appropriate Technology Transfer

GetInvolvedinyourCommunityArcata Educational Farm

Support local, organic, sustainable agriculture at the Arcata Educational Farm(AEF). AEF provides fresh fruits and vegetables to Community SupportedAgriculture (CSA) and Farmers Market customers. AEF is a student run 1.6-acreorganic farm located in Arcatas Bayside Park. Classes are offered through HSU.Drop by the Farm anytime, volunteers are always welcome: head down Baysidejust after the roundabout; turn left at the purple sign. Phone:(707) 825-1777

Wild Urban Gardeners

Wild Urban Gardeners is a community agriculture group promoting thecultivation of native plant species, edibles, and organic gardens as an alternativeto resource intensive lawns. Learn to depave your property, start composts, growyour own food and share in the tool lending library. For more information e-mail Wild Urban Gardeners [email protected].

Redwood Peace & Justice Center

The RPJC is a non-prot community program dedicated to fostering peace andjustice via community involvement. Space and resources are available to localorganizations and community members to aid in the advancement of social, and environmental justice.To get involved stop by the RPJC Monday-Saturday 12-6, 1040 H St., Arcata. Phone: (707) 826-2511 http://www.rpjc.net/

Library Bike Program

The Library Bike Program utilizes a check out system in which community members rent used restored bikes for $20. Moneyis refunded upon return of bike. Workshops and classes are offered in bicycle maintenance. Check bikes out in a variety oflocations in Arcata, such as Wildberries Marketplace on G St. and 13th. For more information call Bill, (707) 822-3759.

Northcoast Environmental Center

The NEC is a non-prot group at the forefront of the Northcoast environmental movement. Their monthly publicationECONEWS documents local and national environmental matters and events. For More Information visit the NEC at 575 H St.Arcata. Phone: (707) 822-6918.www.necandeconews.to.

Youth Edicational Services

Y..E.S. supports Humboldt State University students in creating and implementing volunteer programs, which provide service tcommunity members in need. Y.E.S. act as a liason between the HSU community and the Humboldt County community to encycles of oppression. Visit the Y.E.S. House on campus at House 91, Humboldt State University. Phone: (707) 826-4965; email:[email protected]

This summer and fall will be an exciting time to re-design the layout of CCAT's grounds, design a permaculturegarden, do some fundraising and brew up more ideas forfuture projects and improvements to CCAT.

During the MoveDespite the move CCATs fresh motivation and energy

comes with new co-directors, employees and volunteers.Combined with new visitors and longtime volunteers,CCAT will continue to create a warm community uniting

people from diverse interests, backgrounds and walks oflife. Beginning May 17 the entire BSS construction site,including the current CCAT house, will be fenced in. FromMay to September CCAT co-directors will be living in theJenkins house, which will serve as a temporary ofce, libraryand meeting place until September.

Workshops and club collaboration will continuethroughout the summer at the Jenkins House. If you wouldlike to know more please visit our updated website atwww.humboldt.edu/~ccat. There is much to accomplish, soplease feel free to stop by between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Monday through Friday to get involved. Lets all work hardto keep the CCAT spirit alive.

We would like to thank the following people for

helping us in our efforts to move CCAT: Sharon, Bob,and Evan of HSUs Physical Services for your rm supportthroughout the planning of CCATs move; John Meyer forbeing there every step of the way; the Steering Committeefor your commitment and wisdom; Associated Students forsponsoring our program; Joan for supporting us through

this incredible time; Mad River Gardens and the ArcataRecycling Center for donating pots and supplies; the localCalifornia Conservation Core for days of hard work inphysically moving CCATs grounds; the Natural ResourcesClub and the Asian Pacic American Students Associationfor their volunteering efforts. Thank you also to the hoursof hard work done by our loyal employees and volunteers!Without the help of all of these people, this hugetransition would not have been possible.

Thank you everyone!


7/16

For the rst time since thebeginning of CCAT, we areremoving gardens instead

of planting them. I have beenworking in the herb garden for thepast ve years. It is a little shockingand sad to uproot our home andmove it. But, like any transition itis an opportunity for us to improveand start from the beginning.

The gardeners,groundskeepers, and I have

been very busy relocating theplants. We decided to save theolder perennials and to sellthe remaining plants to thecommunity. This will allow us topreserve as many plants as possible.Thankfully, weve had good luck,a lot of help and pleasant weather.Spring is a hopeful time and sowith the gardens being moved, weare also transplanting a little bit ofhope for the new CCAT.

The CCAT library has manybooks on garden transplanting forcheckout and on reserve. If you arelooking for information we will bea stones throw from our originallocation.

To learn more about plantrelocation check out the SunsetWestern Gardnermanuel at CCATslibrary.

CCATTransplanting

CCATs grounds is

a delicate and time

consuming process.

Luckily voluteers and

employees continually

dedicate hours of

work to ensure a

smooth transition.

By Emilia Patrick, CCAT Herbalist



8/16

Energyefciency:

SMART&EASYHere are some simple no cost, low-cost investmentopportunities for your home or business.

Free things that can saveyou money Turn down water heater thermostat to 120F Turn off lights when leaving a room. Get in the habit of it.

Eliminate phantom loads. Unplug the TV, stereos, andother appliances that consume energy even when they are turnedoff. Set thermostats to 68F in winter when you're home anddown to 55F when you go to bed or when youre away. Or justturn off the heater and put on a sweater. Close heating vents in unused rooms. Clean the lint screen on your dryer, or air-dry your clothes,hang them up to dry. Cleaning your refrigerator's condenser coils once a yeargreatly reduces energy consumption. Repair leaky faucets and toilets (or call your landlord to havethem x it). Close drapes after sunset in the winter to reduce heat loss. Using less hot and cold water saves energy!

Get rid of that old refrigerator running in the garage.

Inexpensive things thatwill lower energy costsin less than a year Install a water-saving 2.5 gallon-per-minute showerhead. Install water-efcient faucet heads for your kitchen andbathroom sinks. Make thermal curtains for your windows. Install a programmable thermostat for your heater. Replace and reputty broken windowpanes. Clean or change the air lter on your warm-air heatingsystem during winter. Install a water heater jacket. Insulate the rst three feet of hot and inlet cold waterpipes. Install a compact uorescent light bulb in the 3 xturesyou use the most.

By Garrett McSorley, CCAT Co-Director

There are

countless ways

to make your

living space more

energy efcient

such as insulating

the basement

(right)or plantinga deciduous tree

to shade your

largest west facing

window(below).


9/16

Committed measures with paybacks in 3-15 years Foundation: Insulate inside rim joist and down the foundation wall to below frost line to at leastR-19 in cold climates

and to R-11 or mild in moderate climates. Remember to caulkrst. Basement: Insulate the ceiling above crawlspaces orunheated basements to at least R-19 in cold climates. If yourbasement is heated, insulate the inside of basement wallsinstead to R-19 or more above grade and to R-11 or more below

grade. Basement or foundation insulation is usually not neededin hot climates. Attic: Increase attic insulation to R-50 in cold climates,R-38 in milder climates, and R-30 plus a radiant barrier in hotclimates. Walls: Adding wall insulation is more difcultand expensive, but may be cost-effective if your house isuncomfortable. Install more compact uorescent bulbs. Put them inyour most frequently used indoor and outdoor xtures. Replace exterior incandescent lights with compactuorescents and put them on a timer or motion sensor ifthey're on more than a couple of hours a night. Upgrade your water heater, furnace, boiler, airconditioners and refrigerator to more efcient models. Newerunits are far more efcient. Upgrading is often cost-effective,especially if you need to replace failing units anyway. Also, ifyou've weatherized and insulated you'll be able to downsize theheating and cooling system. Upgrade to super insulating and low-e windows in coldclimates, or low solar transmittance windows in hot climates ifreplacement is needed. Replace high-ow toilets with modern water-efcienttoilets that use 5080 percent less water. Install awnings or build removable trellises over

windows that overheat your home in the summer. Plant a deciduous tree to shade your largest westwindow in summer. You won't save any money for years, butyou'll get an A+ for long-range vision. Upgrade to a solar water heating system!

Install a grid-intertie photovoltaic system!

Serious measures with paybacks in 1-3 years Get a comprehensive energy audit, including a blower door test, to identify sources of air inltration. Caulk and weatherize all leaks identied by the test. Start with the attic and basement rst (especially aroundplumbing and electrical penetrations, and around the framing that rests on the foundation), then weatherize windowsand doors. Seal and insulate warm-air heating ducts.

Have heating and cooling systems tuned up every year or two by a professional. Install additional faucet aerators, efcient showerheads and programmable thermostats. Insulate hot water pipes in unheated basements or crawlspaces.

VisitCCATswebsiteatwww.humboldt.edu/~ccat,andcheckoutthesegreatresourcesThePartyisOver,byRichardHeinbergorTheSolarLivingSourcebook,byJohnSchaefferformoreenergyefcientideas.

Reduce monthly

energy costs

by cleaning

refrigerators

condenser coils

(right).



In 1991 CCAT demonstrated energy independence byremoving themselves from the grid and installing astand-alone photo voltaic (PV) and wind generationsystem. The system included a large battery bank andprovided CCAT energy for a period of ten years. In

2001 CCAT expanded their current system and installed agrid intertie system re-connecting previously severed wires.

CCATs current grid intertie system connects thebuilding to the electrical utility grid. This system allows forenergy needed at night to come from the grid rather thanstoring excess energy generated during the day in batteries.Without batteries a grid intertie system improves theefciency and lowers maintenance costs for onsite energy

production. Eliminating the cost of maintaining, replacingand disposing of the batteries is appropriate in manyresidential applications where the utility grid is available andreliable.

Using a bi-directional meter, a grid intertie systemallows for excess energy produced on site to be delivered tothe grid. Energy running out into the grid allows the meterto run backward. With the utility meter running backwardduring the day and forward at night when the solar panelscant produce electricity, net monthly electricity usage isoften negative. This is usually the case at CCAT. A negativeresult in the meter reading shows that CCAT producedmore energy than consumed. The excess energy generated

is granted to the utility at the end of each year.A schematic of the grid intertie system used at CCAT is

shown in Figure 1. The energy ux or ow is measured attwo locations on the grid intertie system. A CCAT co-directortakes readings from a data logger and the meter providedby PG&E, (both locations are shown in the schematic).The meter readings are logged and the difference betweenmeasurements are used to determine the amount of energyconsumed by CCAT, as well as the amount of excess energydelivered to the grid.

Eight PV panels produce the energy. The panels arealigned in two series strings of four modules each. The bi-directional meter is read from a viewing pane located onthe side of the meter. An inverter monitor collects data fromthe two inverters. The monitor, using sequential polling byinverter serial number, offers real time data from the displaylocated on the monitor.

Descriptive statistics were calculated for each point ofmonitoring over a two-year Period Of Record (POR). Also,the difference between the values produced each week (theenergy consumed by CCAT) and the net worth of the energyreleased to the grid. The mean and standard deviation ofweekly data is summarized in Figure 2. Prices are based on$0.1158 per kilowatt hour baseline use charges to residentialcustomers.

The relationship between the monitoring points andthe energy consumed by CCAT for the year 2002 is shownin Figure 3, and a similar relationship for 2003 is shown inFigure 4. Areas of error in collection are marked on bothgures. These errors do not affect the mean, although thereis variation in the standard deviation between years. Notethe consistency of the energy consumption for both years,with little variation.

Looking for patterns in energy use behaviors, the

cumulative histogram of energy use for the two years(2002-2003) shows a linear relationship (Figure 5). Thelinear relationship is caused by consistent weekly energy

Producemoreenergythanyouconsume

Figure 1: Schematic of grid intertie system, including locations of thetwo monitoring devices. (Modied from Zoellick and Posner, 2002)

Figure 2: Mean and standard deviation of weekly data for 2002-03 period

Figure 3: Energy prole for CCATs grid intertie system (2002). Notespike caused by error in data collection.

By Avram Lucky Pearlman



For more information visit:U.S. Department of Energy; Energy Efciency and Renewable Energy, information on net metering policies athttp://www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/netmetering/#caPacic Gas and Electrics Rule 21 Generation athttp://www.pge.com/suppliers_purchasing/new_generator/solar_wind_generators/rule_21/index.html

consumption over time. The seasonal variation of energyproduction has no effect on CCAT energy consumption, asdemonstrated by the cumulative histogram of CCAT energyuse.

There is excess energy being produced at CCAT andPG&E is making a prot from this energy. The mean valuesfor 2002 and 2003 are 18.86 kWh/week and 18.30 kWh/week, respectively, highlighting CCATs consistent energyuse. CCAT could forecast with certainty that a similar

amount of energy will be consumed next year and forfollowing years, and excess energy could also be estimated

Figure 4: Energy prole for CCATs grid intertie system (2003).

Figure 5

using CCATs consistent energy consumption, taking intoaccount a small depreciation of the PV panels over time.

CCAT has been consistent with their energy usage yearround. Although the individual directors living in CCAThave changed over the two years, energy consumptionlifestyles remain consistent. Energy production is consistent

as well, although with visible seasonal inuences. PG&Emakes approximately $175.00 per year selling the energyproduced at CCAT. Suggestions for further research includealternative uses for the excess energy produced, allowingthe energy to somehow be distributed or used in a way thatwould reect the appropriate resource- and energy-efcientliving standards that make CCAT a success.

CCAT will go through a major move and retrot thisyear. A similar analysis should be done once the houseresumes energy consumption as usual to determine theeffects of these changes.Alternative ideas include:

Supporting another nonprot organization with asmall-scale direct access plan donation with PG&E as theenergy carrier rather than the energy distributor. Initiationof a petition signing campaign is an effective step toward

including this in California energy legislation. Donating excess energy to HSU to further facilitate

campus energy independence.Holding a monthly dance party with DJ music and largespeakers. An amplied stereo system will consume a largeamount of electricity in a short amount of time. Creating an alternative energy storage demonstration,such as an electrolyzer consuming a constant energy load.

Hydrogen created could power a fuel cell-based electricscooter for co-director transportation. This would encouragethe evolution to the hydrogen economy.Hiring another co-director. This would ease the workloadon existing co-directors and add another energy consumerliving in the building.



SYNERGY: (s n r-j ) n. The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater

than the sum of their individual effects.

This is a time of incredible advancement in the movement for a sustainable campus community.

Committed members of the campus community are working hard to reduce our environmental impacts

and make more efcient use of the earths resources. Students here at HSU are working in just about

every energy-using sector possible. Below is a guide to the many wonderful programs that are working together

and thriving this semester.

StudentSolutionsBuildSYNERGYBy Garrett McSorley, CCAT Co-Director

HSU EnergyIndependenceFund

The students of HSU will decideand by print of this article willmost likely have voted in overwhelmingmajority to approve a student fee of$10 per student, per semester. Thismoney will make up the HumboldtEnergy Independence Fund (HEIF),which will make HSU energyindependent by funding projects

that conserve energy and generateelectricity from renewable resources.Examples of these projects may includeinstallation of more efcient lightingin campus buildings, or additions oflarge solar panel arrays on the roofsof our academic buildings. Throughthese projects HSU is projected tobe meeting all of its electricity needswith renewable sources by 2043. Allprojects funded by the HEIF will bedesigned by students and proposed tothe HEIF student majority committee

for approval. The committee willcollaborate with HSU PhysicalServices to implement the projects.The completed projects will beowned and maintained by HSU. Thisprocess provides unique educationalopportunities for HSU students,reduces energy costs, and will enhanceour reputation as a pioneer in campussustainability. For more information,visit the Sustainable Campus TaskForces website at

www.humboldt.edu/~sctf.

Renew CSU,California Studentsfor SustainabilityCoalition

Renew CSU is a CSU system widestudent campaign to block thecurrent Sustainability Draft Plan, whichfails to reect student desires andmerely encouragessustainable buildingpractices and renewable energyinvestment for the CSU campuses. The

goals of the Renew CSU campaign areto persuade the CSU Board of Trusteesto implement a revised SustainabilityPlan which mandatesthat all new CSUbuildings on all campuses are built toLEED (for more info) Silver standardsor better, improved campus energyconservation by reducing energy usedper student by 20% by the year 2014,and 40% by 2024. Also mandated inthe plan would ensure 50% of CSUsenergy is derived from renewablesources such as wind, solar, or biomass

by 2014. Half of this energy is to beproduced on-site at each campus,and the other half purchased fromrenewable energy distributors on thegrid. Students at HSU are workinghard at this campaign and haverallied the university on the issue atthis years Fossil Fools Day. For moreinformation, email Zachary Mermel [email protected].

AlternativeTransportationMovement

Driven to walk, ride bikes, take thebus, and carpool, the studentsat HSU confront one of the mostsubstantial areas of humans energyconsumption- transportation choices.The Alternative TransportationClub (ATC) encourages alternativesto single-occupancy vehicles dueto their extreme environmental

impacts. Through educational events,policy development and communityoutreach the ATC supports the use ofalternative transportation for a cleanerenvironment, decreased dependencyon fossil fuels, and friendlier streets.By promoting monthly Car Pool Daysand initiating annual Car-Free Dayson the HSU campus, the ATC hasalready taken giant steps toward raisingawareness for alternative transportation.Additionally, they are actively engagedin ensuring that the HSU Master

Plan incorporates a professionalTransportation Demand Managementplan. For more information: [email protected]., or visitwww.humboldt.edu/~alttrans.



Campus-WideEnergy Analysis

In consultation with the SchatzEnergy Research Center HSUsEnvironmental Resources Engineering(ERE) Department has launcheda drive to conduct energy auditsof the entire campus and identify

energy-saving behavioral changes.Students have already conductedan in-depth energy audit of House18, the ERE Departments homeofce. Currently students arepreparing their energy efciencyrecommendations for renovatingthe house based on initial and life-cycle cost analysis. This preliminarystudy provides the opportunity toidentify the challenges that mayaccompany future energy audits andto get acquainted with energy analysis

software. Motivation for this projectcame from an email memorandumfrom President Richmond sent outto the campus community duringthe Fall 2003 semester, urging forenergy conservation on campus.Researchers at Schatz and facultyin the ERE department took thischarge very seriously and intendto follow through. For moreinformation e-mail Michael Winkler:[email protected], or RichardEngel@ [email protected] Energy Research Center atwww.humboldt.edu/~serc

The CommunityEnergy AuditProgram

Aprogram that will provideprofessional training to studentsand community members in anintensive six-day course on energyaudits this May. Scott Terrell, Director

of Planning for the Truckee-DonnerPublic Utilities District, HSU graduateand former CCAT co-director, willteach the course. The course is beingfunded by HSUs Faculty-InitiatedEconomic Development Project andis sponsored by the Schatz Energy

The GreenCampus Program

Astudent-led program for trackingenergy use, saving energy andincreasing energy-efciency awarenesson the HSU campus. This programsprimary focus is on promoting energy

conservation behavior and purchasingin student housing and the studentunion buildings. Planning andresearch is underway for the program,which will be in full swing throughoutthe 2004-2005 school year. The GreenCampus Program is sponsored byStrategic Energy Innovations and isfunded by the California ratepayersunder the auspices of the CaliforniaPublic Utilities Commission. For moreinformation, email Mildred Dandridgeat [email protected].

Research Center. These trained energyauditors will then provide energy auditsand energy efciency consultationto local businesses and residents,providing energy bill analysis,no cost, low-cost, and investmentopportunities, for increasing energyefciency. According to the Rocky

Mountain Institute seventy to eightycents of every dollar spent on energyimmediately leaves the local economy.Finding ways to reduce these costsand plug these leaks initiates a seriesof local economic benets. For moreinformation, email Richard Engle [email protected].

Student groups on multiple fronts create a movement dedicated to living simply and

reducing environmental impacts of energy consumption.



One of the issues CCATis constantly faced withis how to completenutrient cycles on-site.

Incorporating waste materials intothe natural cycles of life allow CCATto reduce the need to export wasteand import nutrients. One example ofcompleting the nutrient cycle at CCATis the greywater marsh that biologicallytransforms water from grey to clear.

The term greywater indicates anyused water source, not including toiletwater. Greywater is reused to waterplants and nutrients can be recycledback into soil. Many people forget that

municipal water

is often obtainedfrom degradingreservoirs andrivers, and requiresa good deal ofenergy to clean foruse and disposal.Greywater systemsdecrease theimpact that everyhousehold has onthe environment byproviding a means

to reuse water andavoid adding tothe costly systemof local wastewatertreatment.

At CCATgreywater comes

from the showers and sinks and initiallyenters a primary settling tank rightoutside the house. In this 10-gallontank a coarse screen and grease traplters large particles from the water.Next the water ows by gravity throughunderground pipes to the Arcatamarsh for nal treatment. CCATsmarsh is considered a subsurface owmarsh, because the gravel extendsabove the surface of the water.This design eliminates mosquitopopulations, decreases odors causedby the biological breakdown of organicmaterial and increases the surface areaof gravel to maximize ltration.

By Kendra Cecil, CCAT Co-Direc

The marsh is basically a large

trough (5wide, 18long, and 2.5 deelled with gravel and plants (cattails,bulrushes, and water parsley) and linwith a plastic membrane. Three bafseparate the marsh into compartmen(see diagram). The water must ow uand over the bafes and through a laof gravel, which slows the ow of wateand forces the ltration of suspendedsolids. The roots of the plants providehomes for microorganisms and addoxygen to the oxygen-decient greywMicroorganisms are a very importantpart of the cleaning process, as they aresponsible for decomposing the orgmatter present in greywater.

By the time the water has lteredthrough the last compartment the grhas ltered the suspended solids andmicroorganisms have broken down thdissolved solids. The end of the marsincludes a sand lter, which removes small-suspended particles that may stpresent. Finally, the clean water owsa holding tank where it can be used t

irrigate plants by a hand pump or a swater pump.There are many different design

greywater marshes, and many other wto recycle greywater besides the use o

Seth Adams, Paul Arredando and Sonja Williams gain hands on learning

experience by reconstructing CCATs greywater marsh.

Greywater solids ar

broken down in the

purication proces

nitrogen xing plan

and gravel.

Drawing by Carol La

ArtThe

of

Greywater Marshe

For more information

www.oasisdesign.netor

www.humboldt.edu/~ccat

Some great resources by Art Ludwig areavailable at CCAT for checkout: Createan Oasis with Greywater, Branched DrainGreywater Systems and Builders Greywa



dedicated, wiser from the lessonslearned along the way. The challengefaces all who are involved, seekersof alternatives to our contemporaryconsumptive lifestyle: How do I chooseto perceive the situation and what am Iable to do about it?

So where do we begin? I wouldsuggest taking a seat in a comfortableplace in a pleasant atmosphere, andallow yourself time to think. Notabout the future of CCAT per se, but

about how the actions and decisionsof daily existence as an individualplays into the larger scheme of theworld. Think of the multiple waysthere are to perceive the world, andacknowledge that everyone has valuein opening channels for understandingand providing insights for solutions.Think of how the lter your worldis perceived through affects yourresponse and actions. Think of thepower behind daily decisions (Buybulk goods or packaged? Locally

produced or imported?) and howthose decisions affect other people and

the environment (What does companyX do in order to supply product Zto market? Who is downstream?).Consumers have the power toinuence corporate choice.

Now that some thought has beengiven to the role perception andhow personal choices inuence thematrix of our society, its time to takeaction. I propose aligning ones dailyactions with the idea of the world onewants to live in. More importantly,

I propose taking action now, onthe scale appropriate for you. Thechoice is yours (and mine, and thatgals over there as well), how are yougoing to act? Simply put, the actionswe take inuence the world we live inboth directly, by the cause and effectrelationship of the action itself, andindirectly, by setting an example andbeing a model from which others learnand follow. The tricky part is whatcan I do? Accepting responsibility isa start. In the spirit of appropriate

technology, the answer depends onyour personal situation and location.I compiled a list of 12 Ways to GreenUp Your Apartment, available athttp://www.humboldt.edu/~ccat/at/conservation/

index.html, which offers some ideas.Admittedly this is only the tip of aniceberg, so I encourage everyone to becreative and think outside of all boxes.Sustainability is not a xed point tobe attained and celebrated, but acarrot dangling omnipresent and evermorphing as we choose our adventure

through life. Solutions are available,yet we must rethink the problem.

Action is the essence ofCCAT, and everyone isinvited to join in the fun.

Mixed feelings abound at CCATconcerning the move. In 26years of dedicated student,

faculty and community involvementan old house has evolved into aninternational model for ecologicalliving and practical solutions.Successions of participants drivenby experimentation, innovation andemancipation have turned CCAT intowhat it is today: a unique opportunity

to incubate

ideas andbridge thegap betweenclassroomlecture andreal worldapplication.CCAT is aresourcefor thecommunity(global, thatis), and anintegral partof many

peoples lives and education. Thehouse and grounds of CCAT is a modelof alternative technologies and holisticliving. CCATs daily function empowerspeople to make choices satisfyingpersonal needs harmoniously withenvironmental health.

With the enormous amount ofheart and soul that has been pouredinto the creation and evolution of

CCAT, its understandably hard toaccept that this masterpiece of humaningenuity is slated for relocation andheavy machinery will soon tread overonce nourished earth. But thereis good in this momentous event.As the Grateful Dead sang, everycloud has a silver lining, and as BillMollison expounds in his principlesof permaculture, The problem is thesolution. Yes, it is an end to an era,of sorts, but nottheend. The spiritof CCAT will continue, vibrant and

WhatdoYOUthink?Steptotheplate.By Jeff Adams, CCAT Maintenence

Be the

change you

want to

see in the

world.Gandhi

Jeff Adams highlights the need for

reection and personal action to guide

the sustainable living movement.


16/16

Campus Center forAppropriate TechnologyCCAT, HSUArcata, CA 95521

Non-ProtOrg

U.S.Postage

PAID

PERMITNo.78

Arcata,CA95521

Workshops-Weeklyworkshopsarefreeandopentothepublic.

Tours-CCATholdsfree,guidedtoursweeklyoryoumaytakeaself-guidedtouranytimeduringbusinesshours.

Workdays-OnFridayafternoons,volunteershelpmakeCCATlookbeautifulandworkonprojects.

Potlucks-Everymonth,everyoneisinvitedtoshareamealatCCAT.

Courses-ReceivecreditatHSUbyenrollinginclassestaughtatCCAT.

Library-CheckoutabookfromCCATsextensivelibrarycollection.

GetInvolvedwithCCAT

Visit www.humboldt.edu/~ccator call (707) 826-3551for more information.

CCAT Co-Directors

Krystal Rogers,

Garrett McSorelyand Kendra Cecil

From June until October, 2004, CCAT will be

campus center for appropriate technology newsletter, spring 2004

Documents