| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 75.79 |
| Liaison | Robert Stroufe |
| Submission Date | Sept. 22, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Chatham University
IN-4: Innovation 4
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Mary
Whitney University Sustainability Coordinator Office of Sustainability |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
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Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Solar High Tunnel
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A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
The Solar High Tunnel at Chatham's Eden Hall campus was completed in June 2014 to provide students and the local community with fresh produce year round. The tunnel is 3,000 square feet and completely powered by solar energy, with full solar panels that heat water for radiant floor heating throughout the bitter temperatures of winter. The side walls have panels that can roll up automatically and are controlled by a thermostat. In the winter, the system will be set to maintain a temperature of at least 42 degrees, even on the coldest days.
The solar high tunnel provides an extended growing season and a protected environment for the crops grown there. This is Chatham’s first heated high tunnel and it will provide harvest year round for its students, faculty and local community.
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A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):
During the first year of winter production in 2015, approximately 340 lbs. of greens were harvested from the solar high tunnel, which is an average of approximately 4 lbs. of greens per day. These greens were sold to Parkhurst Dining Services for use in Chatham's Anderson Dining Hall on the Shadyside Campus. The solar high tunnel continues to be used as a site of food production for Anderson Dining Hall and the new dining facilities at Eden Hall campus.
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A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
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Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of five):
| Yes or No | |
| Curriculum | --- |
| Research | Yes |
| Campus Engagement | Yes |
| Public Engagement | --- |
| Air & Climate | --- |
| Buildings | --- |
| Dining Services | Yes |
| Energy | Yes |
| Grounds | Yes |
| Purchasing | --- |
| Transportation | --- |
| Waste | --- |
| Water | --- |
| Coordination, Planning & Governance | --- |
| Diversity & Affordability | --- |
| Health, Wellbeing & Work | --- |
| Investment | --- |
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Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
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The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
https://edenhallfarm.wordpress.com/2014/06/17/chathams-first-solar-high-tunnel-complete/
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