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Helping the University of Idaho Become a National Leader in Environmental Responsibility |
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Helping the University of Idaho Become a National Leader in Environmental Responsibility |
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Eco Dorm Project Proposal Author Jason Eaton
Collaborators Charles Schiers Paul Chivvis Coreen Crouch Professor Wendy McClure Professor Bruce Haglund Oikos Systems CNR House University of Idaho Department of Architecture University of Idaho Department of Environmental Science University of Idaho College of Natural Resources Avista Energy
Table of Contents The Vision of the Eco Dorm Project Work Done to Date The Eco Dorm Physical Design Architecture Water Energy Natural Resource Conservation Support Collaboration Phase 3 Plan References Appendix Architecture Water Energy
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 the CNR house 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.
The Eco Dorm project began over a year ago with an email from a student in the CNR House to a UI Architecture professor. Since then, the project has become an element in the capstone work of four UI students. Charles Schiers - Architecture Graduate Student - In the fall 1999 and spring 2000, Charles Schiers conducted a building analysis and created a conceptual design for the Eco Dorm renovations. Paul Chivvis - Environmental Science department, Energy Consultant - In the spring of 2000, Paul Chivvis conducted an energy use analysis and, in cooperation with Avista Energy Corporation, made recommendations for alternative energy sources and conservation measures for the Eco Dorm. Coreen Crouch - Environmental Science department, Waste Water Treatment Specialist - In the spring of 2000, Coreen Crouch conducted a water use analysis; and researched alternative onsite waste water treatment measures. Her findings and recommendations guide the design of the Eco Dorm water resources system. Jason Eaton - College of Natural Resources, Instigator - Jason Crafted the Eco Dorm Vision, compiled this paper, a slide show, and a web site for the Eco Dorm project. Wendy McClure - Faculty Advisor - Wendy McClure was the faculty thesis advisor for Charles Schiers, wrote the nomination letter for the national research award which he received, and advised him several times a week on the project. Bruce Haglund - Faculty Advisor - Bruce Haglund has served as a liaison and advisor to several of the students involved with the Eco Dorm project.
At a meeting in the CNR House in the fall of 1999, the idea of turning Targhee Hall into a Green Building was introduced. An impressive slide show and narration by Professor Bruce Haglund was presented to the residents of the CNR House. The evening's discussion included the history of such efforts elsewhere in the US, including the Center for Regenerative Design at Cal-Poly Pomona, and the College of Environmental studies building at Oberlin College in Ohio. From this meeting the hard work of Charles, Coreen, and Paul began. They would survey the CNR House population, collect resource data and analyze the prospects. The physical, water, and energy design concepts were then completed. Building code compliance was checked and important stakeholder contacts were established. A summary of the results follows.
Charles Schiers - Architecture Graduate Student - In the fall 1999 and spring 2000, Charles Schiers conducted a building analysis and created a conceptual design for the Eco Dorm renovations. The objectives of the Eco Dorm's design team included
The key to achieving these objectives lies in the intelligent design of the building's structure and functions.
Coreen Crouch - Environmental Science department Waste Water Treatment Specialist - In the spring of 2000, Coreen Crouch conducted a water use analysis, and researched alternative onsite wastewater treatment measures. Her findings and recommendations guide the design of the Eco Dorm water resources system. An examination of the available wastewater treatment technologies revealed that the method best suited to the Eco Dorm would be a constructed wetland. A constructed wetland uses the same processes that occur in natural wetlands. In two separate green houses, the wastewater generated by the community is recycled through a series of planters. This system uses plants, soil, and microorganisms to filter and treat the wastewater, making it suitable for selective reuse or release into the environment without causing harm to the local ecology. Treated greywater will be used to flush toilets and water plants. Blackwater will be separated and treated in an outdoor solar septic tank and then used to water and fertilize landscape plantings. Coreen's work also focused on water conservation. The results of the study revealed that a 32 percent reduction in total water use is achievable, saving 664,630 gallons a year. Conservation measures include low flush toilets, no flush urinals, low-flow aerated faucets, and low flow horizontal axis washing machines.
Figure 1. Annual Water Savings & Projected Annual Water Use Estimate (due to greywater toilets, "No- Flush" waterless urinal, Neptune Washer and "Incredible Head). A savings of 32%.(Crouch 2000).
Paul Chivvis - Environmental Science department Energy Consultant - In the fall and spring of 1999, Paul Chivvis conducted an energy use analysis, and in cooperation with Avista Energy Corporation made recommendations for alternative energy sources and conservation measures for the Eco Dorm. Paul suggests "the use of both solar and wind power for on-site electrical generation for the CNR House. Solar power will be the primary provider, while wind power will be used as a supplemental supply during nighttime and overcast days. The PV and wind system would contribute to about 40% of the building’s electrical needs. The move to this type of system and the implementing of Avista audit suggestions will save the university money in the long run with avoided energy costs. See Table (5). Electrical bills would be reduced down to about 349 dollars for the year, a reduction of nearly 96%. Avista Corporation is willing to invest time and money into this project, paying between 50 to 75% of the costs of installation and equipment with incentives and rebates. EPA and other agencies offer grants for projects similar to that at the CNR House. A full time graduate student working on and locating grants can make implementing this idea into a reality. Besides, these grants and cost effective benefits, the University of Idaho has a great opportunity to reduce pollution and show the community its commitment to the environment. The university setting is great for research into new cutting edge technology and with time and energy could make the CNR House into a model for intelligent buildings throughout the world."
The Eco Dorm will play a critical role in the development of new technologies and strategies that regenerate the health, vitality and resilience of our natural resource preserves. This will become increasingly useful as a resource for farmers and landowners in the private sector as well as aiding to mold policy in the management and regeneration of our public lands. The Eco Dorm will have two greenhouses, rooftop gardens and surrounding grounds used for the study and cultivation of native regenerative plants. Invasive "problem" species will also be studied and tested for the development of sustainable management strategies. The garden will also include an outdoor pond for the development of regenerative strategies for aquacultures. Support In keeping with the concepts of collaboration and research outlined in the vision of the Eco Dorm project proposal, we aspire to fund the entire project through a conglomeration of private, state, and federal grants to support research and development of new technologies and applications to human living environments. The University of Idaho has twice signed cooperative agreements with other state and national institutions to increase their commitment to environmental stewardship. By joining the Rebuild America Program in June of 1997 the UI agreed to the following: (source http://www.rebuild.org/community/communityview.asp?OrganizationID=600) Partnership Summary: The University of Idaho, through the Rebuild America program, is working to improve university facilities, stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and save energy while improving the environment. Their objective is to aggressively incorporate energy and water efficiency into the university's existing building structure. The University of Idaho's goals include: · Reduce energy consumption in new and existing buildings through implementation of cost effective RCM equipment technologies. Conduct an energy and economic evaluation to determine the best solutions. · Reduce energy consumption through Employee Training Programs in Energy Management. · Provide technical leadership on Energy Management to students, staff, faculty, local, state, and federal government entities. · Targeting operation and maintenance to improve quality of building stock mechanical systems. · Creating new jobs in construction and increase business for local designers, engineers, equipment and material suppliers. Again, the University of Idaho renewed its commitment to environmental leadership this year in joining the Idaho Gem Stars, a pollution prevention program started by Governor Dirk Kempthorne. Avista corporation has pledged its support in rebates, incentives and equipment totalling as much as $213,000. The Eco Dorm Team's preliminary research indicates that adequate funding for this project will be available to cover the entire cost of the project through private, corporate, state, and federal grants, as well as cooperative partnerships. Research Opportunities In the year and a half since its inception, the Eco Dorm project has made remarkable progress. All of this is a credit to the great people on our team. The Eco Dorm is creating exciting new opportunities for students and faculty to become involved with a real world project. The Eco Dorm project is currently advertising openings for
We are seeking people to work on the following areas. Choose your area of interest and join the team! Energy>Solar>Passive and Active>Fuel Cell>Conservation Water>Conservation>Treatment Landscape and Food>Production>Permaculture>Rooftop Garden>Green Houses Aquaculture Life Cycle analysis Purchasing Source Waste>Reduction>Recycling Funding>Identifying Grants>Private, Corporate, Government>Cost Analysis>Accounting Partnerships >Communications>Newsletters>Committees>Web Team Work Education>Hands on learning The Next Phase of the Eco Dorm Project The story of the Eco Dorm is now available in multimedia. This paper and a web site are currently available to the public Now that these explanatory aids are completed, the drive to promote the project has entered full swing. Residents, faculty, administrators and grant funding agencies are to be presented with the online slide show and this paper. Check it out on the web http://www.uidaho.edu/ecodorm Everyone can find out what a great idea the Eco Dorm project is. With this clear articulation of the project, we can now begin to recruit funding, and parties interested in joining in the project. From there, we will establish committees and a newsletter to keep everyone up to date. Finally, when all the elements are in place, we can begin construction of the Eco Dorm project! <Back to Eco Dorm Site> American Forests. Carbon Debt Calculator [Online]. Available: http://www.americanforests.org/climate/amforcalc.html [2000. April 15]. Avista Corporation. (Aug. 26, 1999). Schedule 62 Cogeneration and Small Power Production Schedule – Idaho Avista Utilities : Manager, Rates & Tariff Administration. Avista Corporation. (n.d.). Schedule 90 Electric Energy Efficiency Programs Washington Avista Utilities. Bareither, Randy. (2000, March 1). Telephone interview. (1-800-727-9170 ext.8716) Bareither, Randy. (2000, March 23). Telephone interview. Bareither, Randy. (2000, April 24). Targhee Hall, Lighting Audit Results. Spokane, WA: Avista Utilities Bareither, Randy. Randy.Bareither@avistacorp.com 24 Apr 2000. Internal e-mail set to Paul Chivvis Brown, G.Z., Haglund, Bruce, Loveland, Joel, Reynolds, John S., & Abbelohde, M. Susan. (1992). Inside Out: Design Procedures for Passive Environmental Technologies. New York: John Wiley Clivus Multrum (undated) 1. Clivus Multrum Residential Owners Manual [Online]. Available: http://www.compostingtoilets.com/PFMaint.html (2000, Feb. 16). Clivus Multrum (undated) 2. Greywater: Facts About Greywater—What It Is, How to Treat It, When and Where to Use It [Online]. Available: http://www.compostingtoilets.com/greywater.html (2000, Feb. 16). Cortese, Anthony D. (2000) The Vision, Education for Sustainability: The University as a Model of Sustainability [Online]. Available: http://www.secondnature.org/vision/vision.nsf (2000, April 18). Eaton, Jason. eato3867@uidaho.edu Apr 99. Internal e-mail set to Professor Haglund. Environmental Building News (1998, Feb.) Big Savings from Waterless Urinal [Online]. Available: http://www.ebuild.com/Archives/Product_Reviews/Waterless_urinal.html (2000, Jan. 13). Guterson, Mary. (1993, Spring). Living Machines [2pp]. In Context #35. Available: http://www/context.org/ICLIB/IC35/Guterson.htm (2000, Jan. 19). Idaho State Climate Services (2000, April 14). Monthly summary for the Moscow Weater Station for the previous 12 months [Online]. Available: http://snow.ag.uidaho.edu/data/sum/moscow.htm (2000, April 19). Jade Mountain (undated) Access to Water Savers from Jade Mountain [Online]. Available: http:www.jademountain.com/watsave.html (2000, March 24). Milne, M. 1976. Residential Water Conservation, U.S. Office of Water Research and Technology, Department of Commerce, NTIS. Orr, David. 1999. Architecture of Science. Conservation Biology. 13 :228-231. Pacific Northwest Laboratory. 3-3 Idaho Annual Average Wind Power [Online]. Available: http://rredc.nrel.gov/wind/pubs/atlas/maps/chap3/3-03m.html [2000, Janurary 19]. Phoenix Composting Toilets (1999). Design Features of the Phoenix Composting Toilet [Online]. Available: http://composting toilet.com/Features/Design/design.htm (2000, Feb. 16). Reynolds, J.; Stein, B.; Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings. 9th Ed. John Wiley & Sons Inc.. New York. 2000 Rosenbaum, Marc. (1998, June). Converting "Waste" into Nutrients: Treating Household Organic Waste [13pp]. Environmental Building News [Online]. Available: http://www.ebuild.com/Resources/Rosenbaum/waste.html (2000, Jan. 13). Solar Survival Architecture. (1998). Greywater: Containment, Treatment, and Distribution Systems, Earthship Chronicles. Taos, N.M. Solar Survival Architecture. (1998). Black Water: Earthship Chronicles. Taos, N.M. Stein, Benjamin, & Reynolds, John S. (2000). Mechanical and Electrical Equipment for Buildings ed. 9. New York: John Wiley. Vera/EcoTech (1999). The Carousel 4-in-1 Batch Composting Toilet [Online]. Available: http://www.ecological-engineering.com/ecotech.html (2000, April 17). Wallace, Scott D. 1998. Putting Wetlands to Work. Civil Engineering. 68 (7):57 Young, Douglas. (2000, February 24). Telephone interview. <Back to Eco Dorm Site>
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