Ohio University EcoHouse Demonstrates Sustainable Living
Because of Ohio's history of large-scale industrialization, the natural environment of this state has been subjected to serious stresses. Compounding the problem, the electricity which drives this industrial process is primarily generated by coal-based power plants, which make Ohio the fourth largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
The good news is that there are welcome signs of a shift occurring. Earlier this year, a major debate in the legislature resulted in passage of an energy bill which requires that at least 12.5 percent of Ohio's electricity come from clean renewable sources by the year 2025. To assist this transition, the state recognizes the pivotal role of our educational system. Accordingly, a network has been set up amongst the state's 15 largest universities to promote renewable energy. It is called the University Clean Energy Alliance of Ohio (www.uceao.org).
At Ohio University (OU) there is a project based on retrofitting an already existing building to serve as a "green education center." A group of students, faculty members, and concerned community residents received permission to use a vacant house owned by the university. Grants have supported many new features. Outside the house, a solar electric photovoltaic array and a solar hot water system have been installed. Inside the house, there are now several energy efficient models of appliances such as refrigerator, washing machine and dryer. A new furnace efficiently burns a renewable fuel in the form of wood pellets, and cellulose has been added to increase insulation against both cold and hot weather extremes. A house-wide electronic monitoring system provides feedback on how much energy is being used and how much conserved. In the yard are demonstrations of organic gardening and worm composting.
Three resident students conduct educational tours of the EcoHouse for fellow OU students and students from area elementary and high schools. Regularly scheduled potluck gatherings bring together a mix of students with members of the surrounding community.
A very interesting, positive impact from this project has been its "ripple effect" on the way this entire sizable university (20,000 students) conducts its daily operations. One example is that OU will soon be putting in place the largest "in vessel" food composting system of any campus in the country. This system (which will also have a solar electric supply) will recycle nutrients from the substantial food waste emanating from the dorm cafeterias and student center and turn this into fertile and useable compost.
As this project is based on recycling an existing house and utilizing grant money, it has been created on a low budget. Founders encourage that this affordable model be replicated at other Ohio college campuses.
For more information, visit www.ohio.edu/ecohouse . The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education aims to "make sustainable practices mainstream within higher education." To learn about other campus sustainability projects around the country, visit www.aashe.org/about/about.php.