world's first fully solar-powered academic facility

SDA engineers a model PV system and teaching tool for Oberlin College

architect: Wm. McDonough + Partners photo: Barney Taxell

Location: Oberlin, OH USA Client: Oberlin College, Dept. of Environmental Studies Use: Hub of Environmental Studies Department, Oberlin College.

Background:
The Oberlin College community had a vision for their Center for Environmental Studies: it would be more than just a classroom building. It would generate all of its own energy, sharing its surplus with the community.

The design team, led by Prof. David Orr, sought to create a building that would teach:

• Students - to experience a continuum of learning, from collaborating on design choices to technology selection and systems monitoring
• Faculty - as early adopters of exciting new technology, faculty can participate in ongoing research and evaluation activities that enhance their knowledge and academic credentials
• Local schools - gain a heightened awareness of what's possible and inspiration for future generations to work toward a more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly world
• The larger community - the building embodies sustainable development principles and serves as a model of sustainability for universities and professionals worldwide.

The solar systems produce enough energy to completely power the Lewis Environmental Studies Center, and the new Environmental Studies Laboratory to the west. Surplus electricity is shared with the community.

SDA also provided procurement assistance, code and utility liaison and construction management as well as system commissioning to the College.

"Steven, I want you to know you are at the top of the short list of my planetary heroes....and you were there long before it was cool...." David Orr Program Chair and Professor of Environmental Studies, Oberlin College

Lewis Center, Oberlin College
SDA's Steven Strong meets with Oberlin planning group.Special Features:

• In the design process, students and faculty conducted site visits and research to set goals for the building
• The Environmental Studies program selected a team of experts from the fields of design, renewable energy, education and current technologies.
  Steven Strong of Solar Design Associates served on this team, and Professor Orr's book, The Nature of Design (Oxford University Press, 2002) guided the process
• The Lewis Center uses many passive and active solar-energy techniques, such as daylighting, and produces its own energy using building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).
• Wastewater is reused through treatment in the "Living Machine," that replicates the natural purification processes of ponds and marshes.
• No materials known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, or endocrine disrupters were used to construct the building. All exterior construction and interior decoration materials were grown or manufactured in a sustainable manner.
  
  

Outcome:
The Lewis Center for Environmental Studies at Oberlin is carbon neutral and produces a surplus of solar electricity that is shared with the town of Oberlin.

The Center has proven to be a major asset to the Oberlin College community:

• Students and faculty have become integrally engaged in the ongoing evaluation of existing building technologies, and in planning future development projects

• They are active participants in a living laboratory of sustainability: gardens, wastewater systems, data monitoring, and creating new projects all contribute to an environment of dynamic, hands-on learning

• Professionals and educators from all over the globe have joined Oberlin in a larger dialogue on environmental issues, enriching the college community and helping to further define its global sustainability mission.

"The Lewis Center is the world's first zero-energy, 100% solar-powered academic facility. David Orr has great vision for a sustainable future and the importance of education in getting us there. It is a privilege to help him achieve his goals." Steven Strong President, SDA

Solar Design Associates has over twenty years of experience in academic settings, and has completed dozens of renewable energy projects for schools over the years. We enjoy the challenge of working with school and college task forces and building committees. Contact us and let us know how SDA can assist your school community to realize its own unique vision.

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