Making Greener Buildings
Adrian explores renovations that save on energy and the environment posted 5/31/06

Adrian is interested in incorporating "green" buildings on campus. Representatives from Bazzani Associates visited campus today to begin discussing options. L to R: Nancy Van Over (interior design professor), Craig Weatherby (biology professor), Guy Bazzani (company president/CEO), Michael Claus (chemistry professor) and Nathan Gillette (Bazzani project/design manager).

Adrian College is investigating ways to harness modern technology to make its campus buildings more energy efficient and environmentally-friendly.

College toured campus today with an architect and builder who specialize in “green” buildings. Representatives from Bazzani Associates (Grand Rapids, Mich.) will share ideas on ways to incorporate some of the latest environmental technologies, some of which pay for themselves in energy savings.

“This is not only the smart thing to do, this is the right thing to do,” said Jeff Docking, Adrian College president. “At the same time it makes economic sense, it also shows respect for the environment, helps us lead the way in the community, and creates an important educational opportunity for our students.”

The College is joining the Michigan Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability (MiHEPS), a network of institutions of higher education seeking more sustainable campuses. In addition, two Adrian science professors recently attended a lecture series in Grand Rapids on the link between sound economic practices and the environment. Face to face with some of the most progressive innovators of “greener campuses,” the professors returned with some exciting new ideas that could be implemented at Adrian College.

“There are very practical ways to make renovations that, in one to seven years, will pay for themselves in electricity and heating savings,” said Craig Weatherby, professor of biology. “With the way things are going with fuel costs, that’s great news.”

The conference was presented by Aquinas College, and by the Wege Foundation, a strong supporter of the environment. The conference covered the use of solar panels, fuel cells, wind turbines, and other technologies to make buildings more or even completely sustainable.

Michael Claus, an Adrian chemistry professor who also attended the conference, grew up in a house that used solar panels for all its heating and hot water. He thinks the educational opportunities are enormous.

“As a species, we need to be more sustainable,” Claus said. “If our students experience everyday life in buildings like this—learn in them, live in them—then that’s something they’ll take with them when they graduate.”

President Docking imagines that Adrian’s first step might be to renovate one building on campus.

“I’m hopeful we can find the kind of support we need to make this happen,” he said. “I believe this is one way Adrian can lead the way in using technology for a better future.”

It is possible that Adrian will collaborate on the project with Carnegie Mellon University, which uses green practices in building and renovation. Docking recently had discussions with representatives from the university while in Washington, D.C.