| Title: |
SUNY Rockland Community College "Green" Technology Building. A Partner in Energy Conservation and Sustainable Living for the County of Rockland |
| Author: |
Susan Brydon Golz, Ph.D.
Science Department
SUNY Rockland Community College |
| Abstract: |
The SUNY Rockland Community College new Technology Building was completed in fall 2006. It was designed to meet LEED certification requirements that encourage energy conservation, sustainable use of resources and control of pollution. During construction, waste materials were recycled. Building materials such as windows, doors and roofing materials were chosen to improve energy efficiency. Wood was obtained from managed forests. Low VOC products were used. Construction materials and furnishings have high recycled content. Energy conservation measures include high efficiency lighting system, daylighting controls, efficient HVAC system and variable speed drives that adjust motor speed to meet changing conditions. Among pollution control measures are indoor CO2 monitoring and indoor chemical pollutant source control. The landscape design eliminated the need for irrigation due to the use of drought tolerant plants. |
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| Title: |
An Environmental Park at Manhattanville College: Greening A Campus and Saving a Stream |
| Authors: |
Nancy E. Todd and Wendy J. McFarlane
Department of Biology
Manhattanville College |
| Abstract: |
Eight years ago, a small group of students started an environmental club on the Manhattanville Campus to raise environmental awareness, and to clean up a small stream that runs through the northwest corner of the 100-acre campus. At the same time, plans to develop this area as an environmental park in conjunction with the restoration of one of the oldest buildings on campus, a small stone chapel, also began to take shape. The vision for the environmental park came from Michaela Walsh, Director of Women's Studies, who recruited Dr. Nancy Todd as the academic advisor for the project. Our resident aquatic biologist, Dr. Wendy McFarlane is now part of the project as well.
Maya Lin, the designer of the U.S. Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington, D.C., as well as many other sculptures, memorials and buildings, agreed to design a "green" classroom, and also to create a design for the chapel renovation. Integral to the project was Professor John Todd, president of John Todd Research and Design, Inc., who created a "Living machine" to filter the stream water. The goals of this project were to restore a historical part of the campus, create an ecologically friendly classroom with an associated living machine for bioremediation, and to establish an environmental park for research and education. Vital to the project are the students, who work tirelessly each year to recycle cans and bottles, who host Campus Conservation Days each semester, who work hard clearing the stream channel and invasive plants in the wetland, and who continually work to raise environmental awareness on campus.
The restoration of the Lady Chapel, the construction of a Living Machine and a green classroom represent a truly unique project for Manhattanville. We are preserving the past, restoring the present and building for the future. The Lady Chapel provides a unique space for academic and extracurricular activities. The classroom and The Living Machine provide a "living laboratory" for educating Manhattanville's students, but also the greater community. The Living Machine will restore and improve our stream and wetland, providing a healthy habitat for many different species of animals and plants. This new Environmental Studies classroom, Living Machine and Environmental Park is a single step on Manhattanville's environmental journey. We now join many other colleges and universities who are working to "green" their campuses, to raise environmental awareness, and to educate and motivate students to become more environmentally conscious.
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| Title: |
Low Cost / No Cost Energy Conservation Approaches (More Info) |
| Author: |
James Call, PE
Consulting Engineer and President of James Call Engineering, PLLC. |
| Abstract: |
A dozen low cost / no cost energy usage reduction approaches are listed and specific examples of five of them are described in more detail. Photos of actual implementations are provided as appropriate.
Useful strategies to achieve quick paybacks and to prioritize projects for maximum impact are discussed. The focus is on approaches that have been found useful in large buildings and which could be applicable to a number of types of HVAC systems, including VAV, Constant Volume, water and steam based systems. Resulting energy usage reduction with the approaches described can typically range from 15% to 25% or more, or less, with payback periods ranging from immediate to 6 months.
Resources for additional information (AEE, ASHRAE, etc.) are listed.
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| Title: |
Energy Along the Hudson: Documenting The Economic, Environmental and Social Impact of River Power Plants (View Presentation) |
| Author: |
Roger Panetta, PhD
Project Director, Professor of History
Marymount College of Fordham University |
| Abstract: |
For over four decades energy consumption and generation have been major concerns for environmentalists, public officials, scientists and local communities. The growing energy needs and the ensuing plans of energy providers have often clashed with the environmental concerns of the public. We believe the time is right to fully document these engagements and to look anew at the history of the contested Hudson River power plants.
The broad geographic distribution of power plants throughout the Valley offers many Consortium members direct access to nearby plants - their engineers and managers, local officials and community activists. Our goal is a multi-disciplinary study which fully encompasses the Valley's complex and contested landscape of power.
The results of our work in oral history, research projects, curriculum development, and outreach to the energy community will constitute the basis for public forums and a scholarly publication.
We invite members of the Environmental Consortium to share their disciplinary perspectives in engineering, environmental science, social science as well as law and public policy and many other disciplines with The Beacon Institute in this major undertaking.
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| Title: |
Veggie Car (View Poster) |
| Authors: |
Eric Spargimino, Dr. John Jeris and Dr. Robert Sharp |
| Abstract: |
The project was to convert a diesel fuel powered car
to a car powered by waste vegetable oil (WVO). This
alternative fuel produces less air pollution than either
diesel fuel or gasoline. Research was done to
compare miles per gallon and the energy out-put of
WVO versus other alternative fuels. Measurements
were also made for emissions of several different
types of fuels. Although results indicate the mpg of
WVO is less than diesel, the WVO is more
environmentally friendly and industries are willing to
pay to have their waste oil taken away and recycled.
Students at Manhattan College are using
the car as a creative method to spread awareness
about alternative fuels and the environmental
engineering field.
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735 Anderson Hill Road