Local and Organic Food

Utilizing locally grown and/or organic foods within the dinning service reinforce the sustainable values of LMC. Buying local reduces the amount of fuel used to transport food and subsequently the greenhouse gases released into the air. Food from the conventional system uses approximately 4 to 17 times more fuel than food from close by. Purchasing local food supports small and mid-size farmers who in turn provide many benefits to their communities, including farming in ways that protect biodiversity and natural habitats, local air and water quality, and preserve scenic landscapes and open space.

Upfront Cost: Minimal to Moderate
Instructional Opportunities: Business economics, hospitality, and culinary food management
Physical Impacts: Operations change

Lighting Controls

Multiple devices are used to turn lights off - occupancy sensors, photocells, as well as timer-based controls. All three of these when programmed properly ensure lights are off when not needed.

Upfront Cost: Minimal to Moderate
Instructional Opportunities: Collect & evaluate data
Physical Impacts: Existing lighting could remain

Micro Hydro Turbine

A micro-hydro turbine is located in an area of water where there is either consistent flow and/or height difference. As water flows past the turbine electrical energy is created (minimal output at this small scale). At LMC this could be used to take advantage of the natural spring water or inserted in the vertical storm leads within the building.

Upfront Cost: Minimal
Instructional Opportunities: Collect & evaluate data
Physical Impacts: Minimal

Systems Video Monitoring

Building Dashboard® is a web-based display technology that provides real-time feedback on resource use and helps us to improve the environmental performance of buildings. Connects to virtually all building automation systems and energy management systems. Building Dashboard® offers a wide range of options for displaying the performance of your building. Electricity, water and natural gas consumption, as well as solar electricity production, solar thermal production, rainwater use and greywater recycling can be displayed in real time (just to name a few), in a single location on the web.

Upfront Cost: Minimal

Instructional Opportunities:
· Monitor performance of green technologies
· Set building goals and monitor performance
· Download and track data for research projects
· Make the building a teach tool for students, faculty & visitors

Physical Impacts: Minimal (some data and electrical infrastructure)

Daylight Harvesting

While the existing window openings on the Napier Building are relatively small, the masterplan considers enclosing the area below the third floor overhang on the east wing of the building. The first and second floors in the east wing have the potential to allow in much more daylighting, which can be designed through controls to reduce the dependence on electric lighting. On the south exposure sunshade devices could deflect harsh direct rays while bouncing indirect light deeper into the space. On the north exposure sunshades are not needed. It is now possible to adjust the level of electric light when sufficient daylight is available.

Upfront Cost: Minimal

Instructional Opportunities:
· Comparative analysis of north and south exposure daylight harvesting
· Data tracking of reduced electric lighting usage

Physical Impacts: Required if master planning project proceeds

Rain Water Harvesting

LMC currently collects rainwater in the pond and utilizes for site irrigation. While it is not economically feasible to retro-fit the existing building with new secondary piping for filtered rainwater; it could be incorporated in a new building expansion project. The rainwater would be collected from the roof is routed through roof drains, down roof conductors and through a Vortex filter which separates debris from the roof water directing it to the public storm sewer. The clean rainwater discharges from the Vortex filter and is routed to a storage tank buried outside of the building. A well pump located in the storage tank is activated by a pressure switch located in the water supply line feeding the water closets. A “back up” potable system is employed for times when there is not enough rain to satisfy the demand of the water closets.

Upfront Cost: Moderate

Instructional Opportunities: Collect & evaluate data

Physical Impacts: Requires double piping; best for planning a new facility

On-Site Garden / Edible Landscape / Composting

Community designated garden could allow for the showcase of West Michigan vegetation for educational purposes. Creating an on-site, working garden to supplement produce offers opportunities to advance agricultural and culinary curriculum or lend to the establishment of a food co-op. A raised garden on the existing plaza could allow for convenient access for on-site food use. On-site composting can be sold or shared with local organizations.

Upfront Cost: Moderate

Instructional Opportunities: Biology, economics, and/or food service curriculum support; organize and operate a food co-op.

Physical Impacts: Land must be designated for the development of a garden. The development of it could grow over time.