Academic green

With three photovoltaic arrays, two composting toilets and two greenhouses, the Environmental Living and Learning Center, an ecologically friendly residence hall of Northland College has set a precedent for Northland College.

February/March 2001
By Monica J. Smith 
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Northland's has long had a strong Environmental emphasis in its curriculum so when a housing shortage became problematic, students, staff and members of the community con verged to plan a residence hall in keeping with the college's integrity. "It fits our mission and meets the strong interest of the students," says Tom Wojciechovski, director of student development.

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With three photovoltaic arrays (totaling 45 individual solar panels), two composting toilets and two greenhouses, the $1.4 million building has set a precedent for Northland, which will incorporate some of the dorm's more favorable green features in future building projects. Northland is planning to build a new student center within the next year that will utilize daylighting to cut down on the use of artificial lights, waterless urinals and lowflow toilets, sustainably-harvested hardwoods and recycled (and recyclable) carpeting from companies such as Atlanta-based Interface.

According to Wojciechovski, the educational value of the dorm outweighs the economic payback. Nonetheless, he estimates the efficiency of the building will probably save the campus about $10,000 this year in operating cost.

- Monica J. Smith

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