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Kelly Mori writes about health and higher education.Home > Blogs > On Campus > Archives > 2010 > July > 01
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Stimulus money to improve energy efficiency at Glen Helen
YELLOW SPRINGS — A federal stimulus grant will help transform two buildings at Glen Helen Nature Preserve into models of energy efficiency.
The glen, now owned by the re-emerging and independent Antioch College, was awarded $289,000 for a $400,000 project to install a geothermal heating and air conditioning system and make other improvements at the Trailside Museum and administration building.
“We are absolutely excited about it,” said Nick Boutis, executive director of Glen Helen. “It will take two pre-oil crisis buildings and allow them to be models of energy efficiency.”
John Feinberg, the architectural consultant for the project, said it will improve efficiency of heating and cooling by 300 percent and lighting by 1000 percent. “The existing furnace there now runs constantly,” he said.
The work, which is expected to be complete in a year, will directly create or retain six jobs and 15 jobs indirectly, Feinberg said.
When finished, Boutis wants to use the refurbished building to show visitors to the glen how they can improve energy efficiency in their own homes. “We can practice what we preach,” Boutis said. “Glen Helen has been at the forefront of environmental developments for 50 years, but we have always had to say, ‘do as we say not as we do.’”
The improvements are also expected to save the college a lot of money. “Now the heating bills come through and knock you off your feet,” Boutis said.
Feinberg, an alumni, will work to ensure the historical significance of both buildings is maintained. The Trailside Museum was built in 1952 and the administration building in 1972. Antioch College is one of 14 state universities that received $10.7 million in stimulus money to increase energy efficiency.
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