In Wisconsin, Western Technical College is setting the stage for major sustainable education reform. With two major programs recently implemented – Passive House construction and Hydro technology – this institution understands the importance of greening its campus and informing its students.
Passive House technology aims to integrate degree programs in various technical and construction fields with the implementation of energy-reducing building – called Passive Houses – on campus. Through insulation and air circulation techniques, passive house technology reduces energy consumption by up to 80%. When combined with additional energy saving efforts, such as the installation of solar panels, a passive house’s reduction can be higher than 90%.
In 2011, Monroe County sold the nearby Angelo Dam to Western Technical College for just one dollar. Today, hydro technology equipment is being installed and put to good use for further energy reduction and educational opportunities. Soon, the college will offer a five-course certificate to students eager to learn more about energy consumption, reduction and hydro tech.
In reference to the cost of such technologies, Lee Rasch, president of Western Technical College, stated in his recent article on The Huffington Post: “Even a LEED Platinum building has to assume the cost of construction as part of the overall cost.”
For more than 35 years, The Refinishing Touch has worked diligently to bring sustainable development to campus buildings across the United States and Canada. Whilst on the road to LEED certifications, ENERGY STAR ratings and similar accolades, facilities managers are faced with tough renovation decisions. Not only is furniture asset management sustainable and eco-friendly, it’s cost-effective and timely especially for universities.
To learn more about furniture asset management and what The Refinishing Touch can do for your institution, please get in touch at [email protected].
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