Green Features at Drumlin Farm
|
|
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary is doing its part to leave a lighter footprint on the environment by utilizing green technology.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
- Four Level 2 J1772 connector plugs that are compatible with all makes and models of EV (Tesla owners may need to use an adapter to connect their vehicle).
- Each plug provides about 25 miles for every hour of charging time
- ChargePoint Network
- $0.28 per kWh
Conserving Energy
- Multiple energy audits completed and many recommendations implemented
- Refrigerators have been replaced with EnergyStar models
- Replaced computer monitors with energy efficient monitors
- Four solar powered compacting trash cans (Big Belly Solar) installed
- LED lighting purchased for display lighting in the Audubon Shop
- CFL bulbs replaced with LED light bulbs
- Air conditioners were replaced with EnergyStar models
- All fluorescent tubes have been replaced by LED tubes
- Many rooms equipped with motion detectors to turn lights on and off
- Many buildings have outside motion detectors with timers to automatically turn lights on and off
- Animal Care washing machine replaced with a high-efficiency unit
- Programmable thermostats installed
- On-site recycling and composting
- 2 electric powered Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) for onsite travel
- Electric-powered property management equipment purchased and in use
Buying Electricity Generated from Renewable Sources
- 100% green electricity purchased from Green Energy Consumers Alliance (New England Wind product) for all electricity not produced on site
Generating Renewable Energy
- Photovoltaic arrays (42.84 kW on Environmental Learning Center roof, 7.9 kW on Nature Center roof, 10.3 kW on Sheep & Goat Barn roof, and 15.6 kW on Green Barn roof) installed
Building Green Buildings
-
Environmental Learning Center
- Net Positive Energy through a 42.84 kW rooftop photovoltaic array that will annually generate more energy than the building consumes
- Southern exposure to maximize solar access for 119 rooftop panels
- Super-insulated and airtight building envelope with triple glazed windows
- Highly efficient electric heating/cooling (no fossil fuel use)
- Energy recovery ventilation system to reduce the energy required to heat/cool fresh air entering the building
- LED lighting throughout the building, with occupancy sensors and daylight sensors to minimize electricity for lighting
- Rain gardens for stormwater management
- Sustainable finish materials and all low/no VOC products used wherever possible
- Work stations located for access to views and operable windows
- Living Building Challenge New Zero Energy certification anticipated
- Poultry House
- Day-lighting
- Passive ventilation design
- Re-use of existing structure
- Recycled rubber roof
- Poultry Pond deck and ramp made from wood fiber and recycled plastic
- Farm Life Center
- Designed to be a net zero building, in conjunction with 10.3 kW PV array on the sheep & goat barn roof
- “Mini-split” air-to-air heat pump system
- Occupancy sensors for HVAC system
- EMonitor system to monitor electricity usage of individual electric circuits and equipment
- Low volatile organic compound (VOC) materials
- Super insulated building shell
- Energy recovery ventilators
- Extensive daylighting to reduce the use of artificial lighting
- EnergyStar appliances
- Portion of the lumber was milled from trees harvested at Drumlin Farm (larch for the porch decking was harvested to clear the area for the new building)
- LEED Gold certification received
- Pig Barn
- “Solar wall” that pulls warmed air into the building, reducing heating costs and providing ventilation
- Learning Garden
- Lumber for garden beds made from 100% recycled HDPE plastic (#2 milk bottles)
- Root Cellar
- “CoolBot” technology that brings in outdoor air to chill the root cellar for winter vegetable storage when outside temperatures allow
- Thick insulated walls to minimize energy consumption to maintain temperature and humidity controls
Conserving Water
- 19 dual-flush toilets and 3 waterless urinals installed
- Rainwater collection system (Farm Life Center)
- Water bottle filling station installed in the Nature Center and Environmental Learning Center to reduce the use of plastic water bottles
- EnergyStar dishwasher installed
Enhancing Energy Education
- Green building tour
- Solarkinetic sculpture near nature center demonstrating energy production from sun light
- Interpretation of energy and water conservation features and photovoltaic array
- Native plant gardens in the welcome area, entrance hill, and Farm Life Center
- Demonstration of sustainable farming practices to reduce water usage and produce vegetables without chemical pesticides or fertilizers