University of Wisconsin-River Falls
IN-1: Innovation 1

The St. Croix Institute for Sustainable Community Development (SCISCD, housed at UWRF) is intimately involved with St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity to build Eco Village for low to moderate income residents. The Eco Village is a "walk the talk" national demonstration of Sustainable Community Development principles across environmental, social, and economic contexts as they relate to and strengthen community. The Eco Village consists of 18 LEED Platinum, carbon-negative, energy positive homes, community gardens, walkable communities, renewable energy, shared transportation, a community center for the greater community of River Falls, native and edible landscaping, and more. It provides a multtude of research opportunities for various university departments, including renewable energy demonstration and production, ecosystem services, and social decision making based on real-time energy and water usage and production. The SCISCD participated extensively in the conceptualization, design, procurement, city negotiations, and development of the Eco Village. SCISCD continues to remain intimately involved through partnership development with external sponsors, design and performance consulting, construction management, and through presence on the St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity board and Eco Village Committee.