The Vision of the Eco Dorm Project

Becoming a national leader in environmental responsibility.

The Eco Dorm is the product of a cooperative effort by students and faculty, which aims to create a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment for teaching, research, and demonstration of environmentally and socially responsible living.

We are entering an age where the necessity for a "green" approach to human culture is becoming increasingly more apparent. As we see natural resource reserves dwindling globally, we also see governments and private industry responding by adopting efficient use strategies, more appropriate, sustainable technologies and an overall ethic of environmental stewardship.

The University of Idaho has taken a responsible, leadership role through its participation and commitment to the Rebuild America program and the Idaho Gem Stars. Eco Dorm is the first project the University has had the opportunity to take on satisfying all of the goals laid out in the Rebuild America program.

The vision of the Eco Dorm is to be a model of sustainable living for campuses around the US. The redesign of the Targhee building focuses not only on resource conservation, but also on occupant comfort. Elements such as natural day lighting, energy and water conservation, and the blending of personal and community space are taken into consideration in the design process. The aim is to make Targhee a great place to live!

The Eco Dorm concept goes further by creating a central point of interest to support interdisciplinary collaboration within the university and the surrounding community. The Eco Dorm project proposes to bring together students, faculty, businesses, and community members in a partnership. That partnership will create and sustain the building by gleaning the specialized knowledge of many participants. Biological Systems Engineers will research and design waste water treatment facilities. Architecture students have, and will continue to, contribute to the design. The private sector is incorporated as companies such as Avista enter the process and assist in analysis, design, and testing of new technologies, like their patented hydrogen fuel cell.

The Eco Dorm will provide a living learning laboratory where students and faculty can explore the frontiers of technology, and experience progressive, hands-on education. Through the Eco Dorm, the University of Idaho provides a real world testing ground for emerging products, innovative technologies, and sustainable systems.

This unique project is the first retrofit of a campus building to incorporate green technology. To our knowledge, all previous green construction on university campuses has been limited to new construction. Moreover, the building is typical of hundreds of dormitories build throughout the U.S. It can serve as a model for their conversion to better human habitats. <More>