Let's Go Green
Germantown, Maryland has an energy-efficient school building. Beneath the athletic field, a network of loops are coiled four feet beneath the grass with antifreeze circulating to heat the school. Within the building, recycled materials make up furniture. It has been named a "Green Building."
Cost More Initially
Eco-friendly buildings do cost more initially--5% more. Governor Martin O'Malley, state Comptroller Peter Franchot and the legislature consider the upfront costs worth it. "The governor supports legislation that would require all new state buildings to be green," starting with projects designed in fiscal 2009, said O'Malley spokesman Rick Abbruzzese. "There is an additional upfront cost, but you are saving energy and saving dollars over the long run." [Tom Pelton, baltimoresun.com, March 26, 2007]
What Is Green?
There seems to be some controversy over the definition of green. Opponents to the "green" movement in Maryland state that the state can't afford the extra construction costs. A mere five or ten percent upfront increase may mean fewer buildings being built that need to be built. Max Schulz, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, a conservative think tank, said the label "green" can be vague and abused by companies attempting to sell building supplies. [Tom Pelton, baltimoresun.com, March 26, 2007]
The Loops
It may seem strange to have looped coils beneath the grass with glycol, but this is a very efficient way to heat and cool buildings. That's right--also cool. Soil stays about 58 degrees all year round. The liquid takes on the temperature of the soil around it. As the liquid enters the school building, fans pick up the 58 degree liquid and pump the 58 degree air into the school. Electric heaters raise the air the additional few degrees to the desired temperature. So, instead of heating 20 degree air to 69 degrees, the heaters merely heat 58 degree air to 69 degrees. In warm weather, the 58 degree air cools the building as needed with electricity used only for the fans and pumps. No "cooling" equipment is needed.
Lighting
The school also has large windows that open to allow for air to move easily and allowing the sun to heat the air and eliminate the need for lighting much of the day. Ceilings slope allowing more sunshine to enter the classrooms and onto desks. With the 33% savings on heating, the school can purchase more books and supplies.
Geothermal Heat Pump Systems
How efficient are geothermal systems? The estimates are that they will save between 30 to 60% of energy costs. There are estimates that the initial investment can be recouped within two to ten years through lower utility bills. In a school where energy costs are a major portion of the budget, this could be a great investment for the future. Depending on the soil, loops can be installed vertically or horizontally. The type of soil determines how much looping is needed to heat and cool the building.
Wind Energy
Wind energy can power schools with clean energy and provide income to the district. Iowa is leading the nation in developing school wind projects. The school initially invests in purchasing wind turbines but over time the turbines produce electricity that save the school energy costs and actually provide income. Minnesota, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, Michigan have joined Iowa in wind energy projects. Not every school district may take advantage of wind energy. Placement of land is critical. High ridges are prime prospects for wind energy.
Related article: Learning Styles
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Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.
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