Frostburg State University,
Sustainable Energy Research Facility
Beyond Green - Self-Sufficient Building
Click here to view project progress through the Site Cam
Conventional buildings require an extensive infrastructure to support them. Buildings today are basically uninhabitable without a constant supply of electricity, fresh water and a sanitation system to remove the waste. This energy, water and waste infrastructure is responsible for almost 30% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions as well as local air and water pollution. In many regions in the world where the fuel to run this central infrastructure is imported, conventional buildings and the support infrastructure are a signifigant drain on the local economy.
Much has been done to begin to design buildings to use less fuel, water and produce less waste. While reducing consumption is a good first step, we have the technology to design buildings with off the shelf technology to be autonomous and not need a central energy, water or waste infrastructure and reduce consumption and the impact of buildings to ZERO. By setting the design goal to be self-sufficiency, instead of x% reduction, the design and engineering solutions stimulate innovation and a greater reliance on alternative energy. It also improves the environment, stabilizes the local economy and creates jobs.
SERF Building Features
- Completely Off Grid- no utility connection
- 100% Solar and Wind Powered
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Batteries for Electricity Storage
- Passive Solar Heating and Day Lighting
- Solar Regenerated Desiccant Dehumidification
- Direct Ground Water Radiant Cooling (no compressors or refrigerant)
- Natural Cooling
- High Thermal Mass Construction
- Active Solar Radiant Heating and hot water
- Construction Starts Spring 2010
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