Massachusetts College Takes on ZNE Challenge

Bechtel Environment Classroom rendering (courtesy Smith College)

When Smith College breaks ground on its new Bechtel Environmental Classroom next month, it will also issue itself a challenge: to create a zero net energy learning facility. To achieve this goal, the design includes features such as a high-efficiency solar array and self-composting toilets, as well as recycled local lumber or newly harvested lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. When it opens, students will be responsible for monthly calculations to document that the structure is truly net zero.

Smith College expects the buidling to be completed by May 2012.

Learn more about the environmental classroom here.

 

ZNE Allows Hospitals to Operate More Efficiently

From contest semifinalist Perkins+Will's "Small Hospitals, Big Idea" proposal. Image courtesy Kaiser Permanente.

A design competition called "Small Hospital, Big Idea," created by health care provider, Kaiser Permanente has resulted in innovative proposals for efficient, small hospitals with a near-zero impact on the environent.

The finalists designed buildings that included an interactive roof design, patient gardens and whiteboards that allow patients to tap into doctor's notes and download them to personal electronic devices. See their proposals here; the winning design will be announced on Nov. 4.

What do you think of this idea?

Affordable Net Zero Homes Are a Reality

Mock up of Las Vegas net zero home (source: Meritage Homes)

A new crop of net zero homes in Las Vegas were recently unveiled by Meritage Homes. The green homes can generate as much energy as the homeowners consume, thanks to 100 percent ENERGY STAR-certified appliances, air-tight spray-foam insulation, "smart" controllers for landscape irrigation and low-flow showers, among other features.

Not only do the homes reduce monthly electric bills of home buyers, but with available federal tax credits, these green homes are more affordable than ever.

Read more about the new Las Vegas homes here. 

Kentucky Middle School Gets an "A" for Energy Savings

Turkey Foot Middle School (Source: KYPost.com) 

The new Turkey Foot Middle School may look like most schools, but it's the first of its kind in Kentucky. Through the use of solar panels and other energy-saving concepts, the school is one step closer to becoming net zero. It's twice the size of the old school it replaced but will use about a fifth of the energy, according to Kenton County Superintendent Tim Hanner.

Learn more about the almost net zero school here, including a news clip regarding the project. 

Jerseyville Gets Net Zero Subdivision

Lexington Farms, a brand new green community in Jerseyville, Ill.
(photo by Laurie Skrivan, St. Louis Post-Dispatch)  

Jerseyville, Illinois, about 40 miles north of St. Louis, is now on the net zero map with a new subdivision designed to provide its residents with no-cost electricity. MidAmerica Solar of Imperial, Sachs Electric of Fenton and Capstone Development Group of Webster Groves built the Lexington Farms subdivision, which includes 32 homes with rooftop solar panels and wind turbines mounted over garages.

According to Jeff Lewis, president of MidAmerica Solar, over the course of the year, the solar panels and wind turbines provide all the energy needed to power heating and air-conditioning systems, along with other household electricity needs. Lewis says that while similar technology has been used in homes, it hasn't been done on this scale for an entire subdivision.

Read more about the new net zero subdivision in this STLToday.com article.