| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 66.59 |
| Liaison | Chris Bond |
| Submission Date | Oct. 30, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Unity Environmental University
IN-3: Innovation 3
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Steve
Kahl Director of Sustainability Sustainability |
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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:
Terrahaus: a student immersive experience in a passive solar residence hall
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A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Terrahaus was built as a 2,200 sq ft 10 student residence hall in 2012. It is super-insulated and has solar hot water and an air-source heat pump. It is thought to be the only certified passive solar student housing in the US. The building has large two-story windows situated for maximum sunlight in the winter. The roof overhang is designed so that the solar gain is much less in the summer.
During the winter of 13-14, it was heated for $214. Students who live in TerraHaus are expected to live an energy-efficient lifestyle and to be knowledgeable about the building’s energy performance.They are participants in sustainability education and public engagement, and represent the College’s dedication to preparing the next generation of environmental leaders.
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A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):
Terrahaus was heated for $21 per student during 13-14, compared to adjacent student housing which cost $400 per student. Students in Terrahaus and across campus are educated about this building performance.
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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 | No |
| Research | No |
| Campus Engagement | Yes |
| Public Engagement | Yes |
| Air & Climate | Yes |
| Buildings | Yes |
| Dining Services | No |
| Energy | Yes |
| Grounds | No |
| Purchasing | No |
| Transportation | No |
| Waste | No |
| Water | No |
| Coordination, Planning & Governance | No |
| Diversity & Affordability | No |
| Health, Wellbeing & Work | No |
| Investment | No |
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Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
Terrahaus is the only certified passive solar student residence in the US
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The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
TerraHaus is the first college residence hall in the U.S. built to the Passive House standard, a comprehensive system featuring a very well insulated, virtually airtight building which is primarily heated by passive solar gain. The Passive House standard represents the highest international standard for energy efficiency.
TerraHaus houses ten students and has a kitchen, dining room, living room, and mudroom. Students who live in TerraHaus are expected to live an energy-efficient lifestyle and to be knowledgeable about the building’s energy performance.They are participants in sustainability education and public engagement, and represent the College’s dedication to preparing the next generation of environmental leaders.
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.