Green Features at Drumlin Farm

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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  • All fluorescent tubes have been replaced by LED tubes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