Ecological Design: Creating the Green Ecological Design: Creating the Green

Mountain Center for Sustainable LivingMountain 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 GoalsStatement 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…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 DesignOur 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 ContinuedOur 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 20-25 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 ComponentsEnergy 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 Water Systems and Nutrient CyclingCycling

• 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/GreenhouseGardens/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 ResultsStudent 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?

75% 78%

15%11%10% 11%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Q1 Q2

Percentage

Yes

No

Don't Know

Next Steps and ChallengesNext 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