A Theoretical Design of an Environmentally Sustainable School
Date of Award
2004
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Natural Sciences
First Advisor
Gilchrist, Sandra
Keywords
Sustainability, School, Enviroment, Environmentally Reponsible
Area of Concentration
Natural Sciences
Abstract
This thesis describes the theory of an environmentally sustainable school; specifically, four systems within the building which uphold the principles of sustainable development. The first system, sustainable electricity, explains that the electricity system will be a hybrid solar/wind system, connected to the grid, and employing energy conservation techniques (both in building construction and participant behavioral changes). The second systemheating, cooling and ventilation- will encompass as much passive heating and cooling as possible to lessen any contribution to the electrical demand. Passive heating will be supplemented by an active form of climate control: a ground source heat pump. The third system, waste management, depicts a responsible system for the school's waste disposal, which includes minimizing waste, recycling, composting, and alternatives to traditional human waste management systems. The fourth system, water, coordinates responsible water use around campus. The system will include water aggregation, responsible storm water processing, a wetland and gray water system, efficient irrigation, sustainable landscaping, and water conservation. A sustainable school is a useful model for a sustainable building because it combines sustainability theory with practical implementation, involving faculty, staff, and the surrounding natural and human community. These systems can be viable if the students, teachers, and staff understand the environmental theory behind their system and the value of environmentally responsible behavior.
Recommended Citation
Gomez, Melissa, "A Theoretical Design of an Environmentally Sustainable School" (2004). Theses & ETDs. 3384.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3384
Rights
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