Plymouth State University’s goal of becoming an environmentally sustainable campus is taking a big step forward with the EcoHouse rehabilitation project. EcoHouse is located on the roundabout at the intersection of High and Main streets in Plymouth.
What is it? The EcoHouse mission is to demonstrate environmentally sustainable technology in a residential setting, to provide hands-on experiential learning opportunities to PSU students and the surrounding region, to collect and disseminate information about sustainability and to help others live in more sustainable ways.
Brian Eisenhauer, PSU Social Science professor and EcoHouse co-director, said Eco House will show, first hand, what sustainability really means on a day-to-day basis.
“The basic idea is that all aspects of the building – its structural elements, the kitchen, and everything else would double as a demonstration facility, where students and other visitors would be able to see the environmentally appropriate technologies at work,” said Eisenhauer.
Students have already helped plan the “green renovation,” the first phase of which is being done by ABODE Builders of New England, Inc.
The project includes repairs to the building’s foundation that incorporates highly efficient insulation, carefully selected materials and other environmentally appropriate technology. The foundation work is necessary due to structural and drainage issues. Other aspects of the job include installation of renewable energy systems and energy efficient windows.
Students will occupy the building this fall, and the project will continue to develop ways to show how the average single family home can be retrofitted for sustainable design and alternative energy sources and how residents can lessen the environmental impacts of their own choices and actions.
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