Westminster College ECO House
the problem:
The Westminster community was in need of education about energy efficiency and environmental sustainibility. There were no campus programs that helped to integrate the need for environmental responsibility and the economic benefits of living efficiently. I wanted to provide a program that would show how easily we can responsibly live in society, while saving money and the environment and also provide education and awareness. The ECO House was designed as project to benefit not only Westminster's campus but also the surrounding community.
vital stats:
people impacted:
1,600people involved:
6why it's important:
The Westminster ECO House is a live-in internship program, where 4-5 interns live in a house on campus and work towards education and awareness of environmental sustainability and energy efficient living. Between 4 and 5 interns live in the house for the school year and recieve internship credit. The house serves as an idea and display house to show that living responsibly is not only easy but it saves money and reduces our impact on the environment, and is open to the community by appointment. We have had school students from the local elementary schools and high schools tour the home, as well as other community organizations.
the plan of action:
I had heard of other colleges with similar programs and decided that it was time for Westminster to step it up. I approached a faculty member on campus who was involved with the colleges organic garden. He loved the idea and I spent six months researching different colleges and universities with green initiatives and formulated a program that would best fit the needs of our campus. I drafted a proposal which was immediately approved by the school administration. The school was 100% behind the project. Next I met with the plant operations director, who after hearing my proposal pleged to buy only energy-star approved appliances. The college campus owns at least 20 homes that were built in the 1940s and 50s and that are inefficient in many ways, ever three years the ECO House will be moved to a different campus location rotating to eventually retro fit all campus owned homes. Two years later the house has four interns who are working hard to raise awareness and educate the campus and community. Leading by example the interns learned to weatherize the house, and then went into the community to teach these techniques to homeowners in the area.
how you can get involved:
Others can help by starting programs on their campuses, if they don't already have them. Campuses are like little cities, and they use an incredible amount of resources, helping to retro-fit and switch appliances will have a large impact. If there already is a program on your campus, show your support. Get involved!!
