Sharp Sustainability Education Center: Building Environmental Systems
The Sustainability Center Building Environmental Systems
As a showcase for sustainable and green practices, the Sustainability Center includes several key environmental systems.
Location - The building is oriented to maximize passive solar design concepts. The classroom and sloping roof are south-facing for maximum exposure to sunlight, while the north, east and west facing sides have fewer windows, preventing heat loss in winter. An overhang over the south-facing windows prevents the building overheating from direct sunlight in summer, while allowing maximum solar heating and illumination during winter, when the sun is lower in the sky. The building is adjacent to natural wetland and woodland areas surrounding the College which can serve as a starting point for field courses and tours to these areas
Construction - The building is constructed using Structurally Insulted Panels (SIPs), which are prefabricated panels with a foam insulating core. Their structure and prefabricated nature reduce energy consumption and construction waste. The roof is a standing seam metal roof, which has a long lifespan, and allows photovoltaic panels to be easily installed. The Maibec rain-screen siding allows for air flow between the SIPs and the siding, preventing damp-related issues. The concrete floor provides a high degree of insulation.
Photovoltaic (Solar) Panels - The angled roof sections above the two wings are covered with photovoltaic (PV) panels, which produce sufficient electricity to run the building’s systems. The system is tied to the grid, rather than requiring batteries for storage; during the day, excess electricity is fed back to the grid, and at night, the building uses electricity from the grid.
Geothermal Field - A geothermal system provides heating and cooling for the building, making use of the ground’s constant temperature (approximately 55°F 6 feet below grade). In summer, excess heat from the building is pumped into the cooler ground; in winter, heat from the ground is pumped into the building.
Energy-Efficient Appliances and Lighting - Occupancy sensors and low wattage lighting reduce energy consumption.
Water-saving Toilets - High-quality, high-efficiency toilets are featured in the Center’s men’s and women’s comfort facilities, and a waterless urinal is in the men’s room.
Furnishings - The furniture in the office and classroom contains recycled materials.
Future Plans
Solar Greenhouse - Attached to the Sustainability Center will be a small (248 square feet), garden based greenhouse. Here students can learn greenhouse management techniques, start plants for the outside garden, extend the growing season, and actually grow crops over the winter season. In addition to germinating seedlings and planting experiments, the greenhouse will also contribute to the Center’s heating.
Weather Monitoring Equipment - Special devices will be used to collect long and short term data to track local weather conditions.
Wind Generator - A small-scale "wind turbine," appropriate for many locations in New Jersey and the Eastern United States, will produce some of the building’s electricity. The wind generator is the fastest growing energy technology in the world today, one that will likely be a major energy source for the United States in the next ten to twenty years.
Organic Gardens - The organic garden is a central component of the Sustainable Agriculture and Appropriate Technology courses. A photovoltaic-powered water pump will provide water to the garden from a well. A raised tank will use gravity to power distribution to the gardens, and also demonstrate a viable technology used worldwide.
Solar Hot Water Heater - This unit will provide the hot water for the building.
Native Permaculture Plantings - The building’s landscaping will require minimal maintenance in its design and material. Various permaculture plantings will illustrate lessons about the importance of native plants, and of the relationship between plants, terrain, and climate.
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