Upload
others
View
4
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Greenbridge Sustainability
Education Center
Presentation to Greenbridge PartnersDecember 10, 2008
ENST 698—Environmental Capstone
Governing Structure
• Day-to-day operations: a managing entity (e.g.,
Audubon Society)
• Steering Committee
• Board of Advisors
UNC Institute for the Environment 2 Environmental Capstone
Governing Structure
Steering Committee
Representatives of:• Homeowners’ Association
• Local Business Community
• Local Residential Community
• Utilities
• Local Schools
• UNC-CH
• Greenbridge developers
• Southern Environmental Law Center
• Local Arts Representatives
• Local Children’s Organization
UNC Institute for the Environment 3 Environmental Capstone
Governing Structure
Advisory Board
Representatives of:• Local and national government
• National non-profit organizations
• Regional and national business interests
UNC Institute for the Environment 4 Environmental Capstone
Exhibit Framework
• Permanent Exhibits
• Community/History
• Sustainable
Practices
– High-Tech
– Low-Tech
• Kid’s Corner
• Tenant Spotlight
UNC Institute for the Environment 5 Environmental Capstone
Tenant Spotlight Kids Corner
Permanent ExhibitsCommunity Calendar
Tenant Spotlight Kids Corner
Community calendar
• A large wall-mounted board where residents
and community members can view
scheduled events at Greenbridge
• Touch-screen interface with easily navigable
elements
• Main page is a calendar with event titles;
links go to descriptions and details (dates,
locations, cost)
UNC Institute for the Environment 7 Environmental Capstone
Schedule of Events
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
10am-
12am
Inter-Faith
Potluck
Biking Club
7am-9am
Walking Club
7am-9am
Parent Chat
and Coffee
9am-11am
Walking
Club
7am-9am
Sunrise Yoga
6am-7am or 7am-
8am
Senior’s
Book Club
9am-11am
Kid’s Story Time
11am-12pm
Local Bands
Concert in the
Afternoon
Afternoon
Football /
Baseball on
Big Screen
Garden Club
Luncheon
12pm-2pm
Local
Artist
Showcase
3pm-6pm
Adult Book
Club
8pm-9pm
Kid’s Game
Night
6pm-8pm
Local Story
Tellers
7pm-9pm
Youth Book
Club 6pm-
7pm
Cocktails
in the
Garden
6pm-8pm
Sunset
Yoga
5pm-6pm
or 7pm-
8pm
Bridge
8pm-11pm
Poker Night
9pm-12am
Big Screen Movie
Classics
10pm-12am
Description of Events
•Inter-Faith PotluckCommunity members from all backgrounds share in fellowship, conversation and study, each bringing a dish to share
•Afternoon Football / Baseball on Big ScreenUNC games or other events projected onto large screen in courtyard
•Sunset/Sunrise YogaStart the week off right with a yoga class on one of Greenbridge’s green roofs, led by Greenbridge resident or instructor from community
•Book Clubs: senior, youth, adultVariety of book clubs serve the diverse interests of various age groups
•Kid’s Game NightKids bring board game, card game, or puzzle--a great opportunity for Greenbridge youth to meet others; supervised by parent volunteers
•Walking Club For those who want to take advantage of our great walking towns, a walking club is a great way to socialize and exercise
UNC Institute for the Environment 9 Environmental Capstone
•Biking ClubTake advantage of the many bike-friendly roads and paths in Chapel Hill and Carrboro to exercise and build community bonds.
•Garden Club LuncheonFor the gardeners of Greenbridge who could share tips on gardening in a small space
•Bridge ClubFor those who enjoy playing bridge--or want to learn
•Kid’s Story TimeLocal children’s authors invited to read their work; scheduled for weekdays
•Local Story TellersA place to showcase the many stories about rich local history
•Big Screen Movie ClassicsClassics, suitable for families, in the courtyard area
Description of Events
UNC Institute for the Environment 10 Environmental Capstone
Permanent ExhibitsGreenbridge: LEED Gold
Tenant Spotlight Kids Corner
UNC Institute for the Environment 12 Environmental Capstone
What is LEED?
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and
accelerates global adoption of sustainable green
building and development practices through the
creation and implementation of universally understood
and accepted tools and performance criteria.
UNC Institute for the Environment 13 Environmental Capstone
How is Greenbridge
LEED Certified?•An easy to read poster explaining how a building
becomes LEED certified will suffice for this exhibit.
•Since most people are probably unfamiliar with
LEED certification, this exhibit will add helpful
information to as to how Greenbridge has developed
sustainable practices throughout the entire process
of the development, construction, and finally, the
operation of the building.
•The actual LEED checklist for Greenbridge will be
prominently displayed on the exhibit, with several
explanations that will be directly connected to the
checklist with arrows.
UNC Institute for the Environment 14 Environmental Capstone
LEED Checklist
Updated: March
14, 2008
Greenbridge Developments, LLC., Chapel Hill, NC
Yes ? No
10 2 2 Sustainable Sites 14 Points
Y Prereq 1 Construction Activity Pollution Prevention Required "R"
1 Credit 1 Site Selection 1
1 Credit 2 Development Density & Community Connectivity 1
1 Credit 3 Brownfield Redevelopment 1
1 Credit 4.1 Alternative Transportation, Public Transportation Access 1
1 Credit 4.2 Alternative Transportation, Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms 1
1 Credit 4.3 Alternative Transportation, Low-Emitting and Fuel-Efficient Vehicles 1
1 Credit 4.4 Alternative Transportation, Parking Capacity 1
1 Credit 5.1 Site Development, Protect or Restore Habitat 1
1 Credit 5.2 Site Development, Maximize Open Space 1
1 Credit 6.1 Stormwater Design, Quantity Control 1
1 Credit 6.2 Stormwater Design, Quality Control 1
1 Credit 7.1 Heat Island Effect, Non-Roof 1
1 Credit 7.2 Heat Island Effect, Roof 1
1 Credit 8 Light Pollution Reduction 1
4 0 1 Water Efficiency 5 Points
1 Credit 1.1 Water Efficient Landscaping, Reduce by 50% 1
1 Credit 1.2 Water Efficient Landscaping, No Potable Use or No Irrigation 1
1 Credit 2 Innovative Wastewater Technologies
1 Credit 3.1 Water Use Reduction, 20% Reduction 1
1 Credit 3.2 Water Use Reduction, 30% Reduction 1
UNC Institute for the Environment 15 Environmental Capstone
LEED Checklist
Updated:
March
14, 2008
Greenbridge Developments, LLC., Chapel Hill, NC
Yes ? No
1Credit
2.1
Construction Waste Management,
Divert 50% from Disposal1
1Credit
2.2
Construction Waste Management,
Divert 75% from Disposal1
1Credit
4.1
Recycled Content, 10% (post-consumer
+ ½ pre-consumer)1
1Credit
4.2
Recycled Content, 20% (post-consumer
+ ½ pre-consumer)1
1Credit
5.1
Regional Materials, 10% Extracted,
Processed & Manufactured Regionally1
1Credit
4.1
Low-Emitting Materials, Adhesives &
Sealants1
1Credit
4.2
Low-Emitting Materials, Paints &
Coatings1
1Credit
4.3Low-Emitting Materials, Carpet Systems 1
• Construction waste was sent
to Apex to be sorted and
recycled
•Building is composed of 75%
recycled brick
•The steel used is made with
20% recycled fly ash
•Asphalt and concrete from
Hillsborough
•All brick produced in the
Carolinas
• Environmentally friendly
paints and carpets with low
Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs)
Green Features
• Recycled materials
− 75% recycled brick
− 20% fly ash in steel
• Locally sourced materials
− Asphalt, concrete from Hillsborough
− Brick from Carolinas
• Environmentally friendly paints and carpets with low
VOCs
• Passive energy capture
– Use of Solar Thermal Energy for hot water
• Addition of informal education tailored to the surrounding
community with a focus on a historical perspective
UNC Institute for the Environment 16 Environmental Capstone
Other Permanent Exhibits
• Building Monitor
− Show real-time resource consumption of building
– Compare Greenbridge to a building of similar size.
• Walking Map of Local Businesses
• Footprint Calculator
UNC Institute for the Environment 17 Environmental Capstone
Community and HistoryOrange County Housing and Land Trust
Tenant Spotlight Kids Corner
The Exhibit
• A simple poster or wall exhibit should highlight the mission and progress of the Orange County Land Trust and how it relates to Greenbridge
• It is important to point out Greenbridge’s effort to provide housing to all members of the community, but without singling out those who do own the affordable units
UNC Institute for the Environment 19 Environmental Capstone
Orange County Housing
and Land Trust
UNC Institute for the Environment 20 Environmental Capstone
• Created in 2001 with
the merger of the
Orange Community
Housing Corporation
and the Community
Land Trust in Orange
County
•Mission: ―To develop
permanently affordable
homes for the
community.‖
• Operating Procedure: The
Land Trust retains the Deed
to the land and home while
granting exclusive rights to
the use and possession of
the property via a 99-year
Ground Lease.
• Fifteen apartment units
within Greenbridge
Developments are owned by
the Orange County Housing
and Land Trust.
Community and HistoryThe Green Movement in Chapel Hill
Tenant Spotlight Kids Corner
The Exhibit
• The Chapel Hill Green Community History
exhibit should be displayed in the form of a
touch screen monitor.
• The monitor prompt page will show the four
categories
• Touching the name of the category will lead you
to another page
• Sequential pages of information on the topic
will follow, and one will be able to scroll back
and forth within the category, or go back to the
home screen
UNC Institute for the Environment 22 Environmental Capstone
The Green Movement in
Chapel Hill
UNC Institute for the Environment 23 Environmental Capstone
Green
Home
Builders
of the
Triangle
Sustainable
Furniture
Slow
Food
Mixed Use
Communities
The Slow Food Movement
UNC Institute for the Environment 24 Environmental Capstone
•Began in Italy in 1986 with the
organization, Agricola.
•Now includes 83,000 members
in over 122 countries.
•Structure: local leader, who
promotes local artisans, farmers,
and flavors.
•Notable participants in the US:
Alice Waters, Eric Schlosser, and
Michael Pollan.
Goals of the Slow Food
Movement
UNC Institute for the Environment 25 Environmental Capstone
•Create seed banks to ensure heirloom
varieties
•Ensure the existence of local culinary
traditions
•Promote local food products and preparation
•Create small scale processing areas
•Educate about hormones and genetically
modified foods
•Encourage ethical purchases in marketplace
The Lantern
UNC Institute for the Environment 26 Environmental Capstone
•Opened by Andrea Reusing (chef-owner) in January
2002
•Goal: to prepare authentic Asian cuisine using
seasonal and local ingredients
• Reusing maintains a close relationship with local
farmers, frequently visiting the farms
•Her menu is based off of local ingredients and
changes with the seasons.
•A similar restaurant will be located within
Greenbridge
The Sustainable
Furnishing Council
UNC Institute for the Environment 27 Environmental Capstone
•Located in Chapel Hill, NC
•Non-profit coalition created by furniture
industry members, in October 2006, to
further sustainable practices
•Initiated public tagging program to alert
the public of sustainable furniture
choices.
•Over 200 businesses are members.
About the Sustainable
Furnishing Council
UNC Institute for the Environment 28 Environmental Capstone
•Members perform Life Cycle
Assessments for all products
•Members focus specifically on
tracking wood flow, minimizing
carbon emissions, waste stream
pollutants, and unrecyclable
materials
•Members will increase purchases
from suppliers that show progress
in meeting SFC standards
Mixed-Use Communities
UNC Institute for the Environment 29 Environmental Capstone
• Mixed Use Communities are environmentally
beneficial because they attempt to cut down on
transportation. The idea is that a resident will be
able to walk instead of drive.
• Because homes are usually in close proximity
and because walking is encouraged, these
developments promote a sense of community
and unity.
• Greenbridge will also encompass these goals
and ideals.
Green Home Builders of
the Triangle
UNC Institute for the Environment 30 Environmental Capstone
• In January of 2008, the Home Builders
Association of Durham, Orange, and
Chatham Counties joined with the Home
Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake
County
• The group effort allows for
collaboration and input from different
areas of the industry.
• In 2008, the green building
program enrolled 150 homes in the
green building program
Performance Goals
UNC Institute for the Environment 31 Environmental Capstone
•Builders may apply for certification if
they meet goals involving:
− lot design
− preparation and development
− resource efficiency
−energy efficiency
−water efficiency
−indoor environmental quality
−operation
− maintenance
−home-owner education
−global impact
Community and HistoryThe Northside Community
Tenant Spotlight Kids Corner
Oral History
Oral history with black-and-white historical images that capture the Northside community and its histories from the past and links it to the dynamic and vibrant community it is today. An LCD monitor rotates photos and video streams shared by community members
UNC Institute for the Environment 33 Environmental Capstone
Oral Histories
UNC Institute for the Environment 34 Environmental Capstone
• Atwater, James – Oral History Interview with James Atwater, February 28, 2001. Interview K-0201. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
James Atwater and Jennifer Nardone, conducted by
• Battle, Alice - Oral History Interview with Alice Battle, February 20, 2001. Interview K-0523. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007). Bob Gilgor,
conducted by and Alice Battle
• Battle, Fred - Oral History Interview with Fred Battle, January 3, 2001. Interview K-0525. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007). Bob Gilgor,
conducted by and Fred Battle
• Clark, Rebecca - Oral History Interview with Rebecca Clark, June 21, 2000. Interview K-0536. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007). Bob Gilgor,
conducted by and Rebecca Clark
• Couch, Thurman - Oral History Interview with Thurman Couch, February 12, 2001. Interview K-0537. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007). Bob
Gilgor, conducted by and Thurman Couch
• Davis, Nate - Oral History Interview with Nate Davis, February 6, 2001. Interview K-0538. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007). Bob Gilgor,
conducted by and Nate Davis
• Durham, Walter - Oral History Interview with Walter Durham, January 19 and 26, 2001. Interview K-0540. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
Bob Gilgor, conducted by and Walter Durham
• Florence, Sheila - Oral History Interview with Sheila Florence, January 20, 2001. Interview K-0544. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007). Bob
Gilgor, conducted by and Sheila Florence
• Hackney, Burnis - Oral History Interview with Burnis Hackney, February 5, 2001. Interview K-0547. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007). Bob
Gilgor, conducted by and Burnis Hackney
• Nickerson, Stella - Oral History Interview with Stella Nickerson, January 20, 2001. Interview K-0554. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007). Bob
Gilgor, conducted by and Stella Nickerson
• Norwood, Raney - Oral History Interview with Raney Norwood, January 9, 2001. Interview K-0556. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007). Bob
Gilgor, conducted by and Raney Norwood
• Peerman, Joanne - Oral History Interview with Joanne Peerman, February 24, 2001. Interview K-0557. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
Bob Gilgor, conducted by and Joanne Peerman
• Holton, Sam - Oral History Interview with Sam Holton, March 28, 2001. Interview K-0206. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007). Jenny
Matthews, conducted by and Sam Holton. Describes Chapel Hill school board’s efforts to desegregate public schools.
• Jackson, Fran - Oral History Interview with Fran Jackson, March 23, 2001. Interview K-0208. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007). Fran
Jackson and Christa Broadnax, conducted by. Describes integration and transfer attempts into Northside Elementary.
• Jeter, Gloria Register - Oral History Interview with Gloria Register Jeter, December 23, 2000. Interview K-0549. Southern Oral History Program Collection
(#4007). Bob Gilgor, conducted by and Gloria Register Jeter
• Regester, Charlene - Oral History Interview with Charlene Regester, February 23, 2001. Interview K-0216. Southern Oral History Program Collection
(#4007). Susan Upton, conducted by and Charlene Regester. Describes early integration efforts of Chapel Hill public schools.
Kiosk Station would include:
•Portable audio headsets (battery-
operated with instructions)
•Walking Tour printout of past
Northside landmarks
•Schedule of current events in the
Northside community (e.g., monthly
series of oral histories told by
Northside residents)
•Greenbridge could also sponsor an
event calling for youth to produce and
submit oral histories from Northside
residents.
Walking Tour and Events
UNC Institute for the Environment 35 Environmental Capstone
Small Businesses to Local Economies
• University of North Carolina (majority
of Northside residents were employed
by the university)
•Oral histories of experiences at local
like the juke joint called The Shack
and Starlit Supper Club and Motel.
•Hidden Voices has compiled a
wonderfully written walking tour.
Linking places of the past with present
landscapes.
Economics
UNC Institute for the Environment 36 Environmental Capstone
Single-Family Homes to Community Housing
•Photos from the times when single-
family homes lined Franklin Street.
•Oral histories recounting family
gatherings and nostalgic memories of
home (link new community members to
rich history of the past).
•Several historical and community
organizations have preserved
documents and photos and could
present their exhibits as part of a
rotating display on the LCD monitor.
Equity
UNC Institute for the Environment 37 Environmental Capstone
Backyards to Community Gardens
Environment
UNC Institute for the Environment 38 Environmental Capstone
•Residents in their personal
gardens or planting victory gardens
•Residents walking downtown or
at bus stops
•Images could link to similarity in
current trends such as Northside
Community Garden and the free
transit system.
•Oral histories with narratives told
through voices of generations such
as grandparent and grandchild
would be meaningful
Lincoln School to Smith Middle School
Education
UNC Institute for the Environment 39 Environmental Capstone
• Images and oral histories stretch
from the first Northside community
school through integration
• Educators R.D. and Euzelle Smith
link local history with the school
named after them—the first ―green‖
school in the Chapel Hill - Carrboro
school system
• Oral histories currently housed at
University of North Carolina archives
Northside Community
UNC Institute for the Environment 40 Environmental Capstone
Community Spotlight
•Community spotlight exhibit could
highlight members and groups in the
community who strive toward a sustainable
future through environmentally friendly
practices and local community service
efforts
•This exhibit could also highlight homes
whose improvements or practices are
examples of Northside residents’
contributions to building a sustainable
community
• This ties in wonderfully with the display
on practical and sustainable solutions and
encourages community involvement.
Tenant Spotlight Kids Corner
Sustainable PracticesHigh-Tech: Green Roofs
Green Roofs
Why Are Green Roofs “Green?” GREEN ROOFS Pictures
text text text
Layers in a Green Roof Green Roofs and Local Food
text text (button) text text text
(sample
layer cube)
Intensive and Extensive Roofs Green Roof World Profiles
text text text (pedestal) text text text
(((light display) )
UNC Institute for the Environment 42 Environmental Capstone
What Makes a Green
Roof ―Green?‖• Storm water run-off vs. absorption
• ―Heat island‖ effect
• Carbon dioxide absorption and air quality benefits
• In some cases, water recovery and re-use
UNC Institute for the Environment 43 Environmental Capstone
Layers of a Green Roof
• Roof structures can
vary, but most have
these common
elements
• Greenbridge can
provide a sample
cube of its own model
www.mirianalvarenga.com/.../construction.jpg
UNC Institute for the Environment 44 Environmental Capstone
Intensive and Extensive
Green Roofs
• Parks vs. smaller scale gardens
• Structural difference
• Plant types differ– trees vs. shallow ground
cover
UNC Institute for the Environment 45 Environmental Capstone
Intensive: UNC’s Ram’s
Head Plaza
sustainability.unc.edu/.../RamsHeadRoof.jpg
www.livingroofsinc.com/photos_folder/2_227.jpg
UNC Institute for the Environment 46 Environmental Capstone
Extensive
www.planetpinkngreen.com/.../green_roof.jpg
sustainability.unc.edu/Portals/0/images/Green...
UNC Institute for the Environment 47 Environmental Capstone
Green Roofs and
Local Food• Green roofs offer extra usable space
in urban areas
• Potential to grow produce for local use
• Prevent waterway pollution by filtering runoff
• Vancouver’s Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
UNC Institute for the Environment 48 Environmental Capstone
Green Roof Profiles
• Cuba’s response to the oil shortage in 1990 –transition from rural to urban farming
• Produce, small livestock on roof
• Allowed country to avoid a devastating famine
UNC Institute for the Environment 49 Environmental Capstone
Tenant Spotlight Kids Corner
Sustainable PracticesHigh-Tech: Biofuels
The Exhibit
UNC Institute for the Environment 51 Environmental Capstone
• Exhibit would consist of scaled model of biodiesel processor (would not be sensible to have actual processor in the lobby due to hazards associated with production)
• Also a LED screen would show production process and could be fueled by locally-produced biodiesel
Biofuels
UNC Institute for the Environment 52 Environmental Capstone
Ethanol
Made from sugars in grains such
as corn, wheat, potatoes, rice,
sugar cane, and yard clippings
Vegetable Oil
Lower quality vegetable oil is
cleaned of water and
particulates and used directly as
fuel
Biodiesel
Produced through the process of
transesterfication from mustard,
flax, algae, vegetable oils, fats, and
grease—such as those recycled
from restaurants
Benefits of Biofuels
UNC Institute for the Environment 53 Environmental Capstone
• More efficient than conventional diesel and petroleum
• Reduces sulfur, carbon monoxide, and CO2
emissions
• Better for your engine—leads to greater performance and provides more lubrication
• Safer than conventional fuels due to higher ignition temperature
• Biodegradable and non-toxic
• Frees cars from reliance on dwindling fossil fuels!
Make Your Own Biodiesel
UNC Institute for the Environment 54 Environmental Capstone
What you need:
- Spare blender
- Methanol
- Lye (KOH or NaOH)
- Three 2-litre soft-drink bottles
- Duct tape
- Thermometer
- 2 funnels
- Scale
- half-liter translucent white HDPE (#2 plastic)
container with bung and screw-on cap
- Measuring beakers
Video showing production process (could be silent, showing the steps with subtitles, or could have headphones reading
steps)
Video fueled by locally-produced biodiesel
1. Measure out lye into plastic bag using scale. This must be done quickly—the lye rapidly absorbs moisture from
the atmosphere which interferes with the biodiesel reaction.
2. Pour methanol into HDPE container through the first funnel and quickly replace the cap. Methanol also absorbs
water from the air.
3. Add the lye to the methanol using the second funnel and then mix by swirling the container several times until
the lye has dissolved.
4. Heat the oil and then pour into the spare blender.
5. Next, add the methanol-lye mixture to the blender.
6. Mix on low speed for 20-30 minutes.
7. Pour the mixture into one of the 2-litre bottles and secure the cap tightly.
8. Allow the mixture to settle for 12-24 hours--the longer, the better.
9. Carefully pour the light-colored top layer into a clean bottle
10. Cut a small hole in bottom corner of the last clean 2-litre bottle and then cover with duct tape…
Tenant Spotlight Kids Corner
Sustainable PracticesLow-Tech: Rain Gardens
Planting
Definition: Rain gardens are specially designed to reduce and filter runoff. In urban areas they may mitigate problems such as heavy runoff from impervious surfaces. Rain gardens are attractive, and utilize local flora and non-invasive exotic plants to capture rainwater and prevent erosion and passage into local waterways of harmful chemicals such as nitrogen or phosphorus
Inventory
Analysis
Plant Selection
Amenities
Construction
Maintenance www.uvm.edu/.../toolbox/images/raingarden04.jpg
www.cuyahogaswcd.org/.../RainGardenExample.jpg
Rain Gardens
Planting
Inventory: To properly site the rain
garden, first make a drawing to scale of
your property. Determine the area, which
will let you estimate the volume flow of
water for a given inch measurement of
rainfall. Also note where the water is
flowing from, where it is flowing through
and where it is resting
Analysis
Plant Selection
Amenities
Construction
Maintenance
Definition
Rain Gardens
Planting
Inventory
Analysis: Rain gardens are most effective
when located between the source and
final destination of water, in full or partial
sun. They should not be placed within 10’
of a building foundation, 25’ of a septic
drainfield, or 25’ of a well head. Avoid
utility lines. North Carolina rain gardens
usually collect 1 inch of water per ft2
surface area. Soil that does not drain well
may need to be amended
Plant Selection
Amenities
Construction
Maintenance
Definition
Rain Gardens
Planting
Inventory
Plant Selection: After siting and layout,
plant selection is key. Listed below are
plants that flourish in piedmont soils.
Sketch out ideas for plant choice and
arrangement, then consult with a nursery
or extension office on final selection of
suitable plants. A variety of trees, bushes
and smaller plants is aesthetically
appealing, and the diffuse root system of
some bushes and trees stabilize soil and
filter water.
Amenities
Construction
Maintenance
Definition
Analysis
Recommended plants for piedmont soils*
Witchhazel, Buttonbush, Marsh Mallow*North Carolina Botanical Garden
Rain Gardens
Planting
Inventory
Amenities: If the soil drains well, addition
of hardwood mulch after planting will be
sufficient preparation. Poorly draining soil
must be excavated and amended (50%
washed sharp sand, 15% double
shredded hardwood mulch, 30% weed
seed free topsoil, and 5% peat moss; all
percentages volume). Replacement of soil
can significantly drive up the cost of the
project, sol selecting good soil is key
Construction
Maintenance
Definition
Analysis
Plant Selection
Rain Gardens
Planting
Inventory
Construction: Once planning is done,
with plants, mulch and amenities in hand,
construction can begin. Mark the garden
perimeter with flags or string. If the soil is
not being amended, dig the garden 4‖-6‖
deep, with a depression in the middle. If
using amenities, dig the garden 8‖-12‖
deep; add new soil if necessary. Use the
excavated soil to build a berm to prevent
the water from leaving the garden and
enhance the garden’s performance.
Maintenance
Definition
Analysis
Plant Selection
Amenities
Rain Gardens
Planting: Position the plants ―high‖in the
garden. Shrubs and woody plants need a
hole twice the width of the root ball and
7/8 the depth, so the tip of the root ball is
just out of the dirt. Minimize the amount of
heavy pressure on the garden soil to
minimize compaction, which reduces
water intake. After planting is complete,
add 2‖-3‖ of heavy hardwood mulch
(which doesn’t float) to the surface of the
garden, and water for 30-60 minutes
Inventory
Maintenance
Definition
Analysis
Plant Selection
Amenities
Construction
Rain Gardens
Inventory
Maintenance especially in the first month
is crucial to keep out weeds and ensure
plant growth. Fresh mulch should be
added annually and weeding should be
done as needed.
Enjoy your beautiful garden, and the water
conservation it provides
Definition
Analysis
Plant Selection
Amenities
Construction
Planting
www.uvm.edu/.../toolbox/images/raingarden04.jpg
Rain Gardens
Tenant Spotlight Kids Corner
Sustainable PracticesLow-Tech: How to Green Your Home Affordably
The Exhibit
UNC Institute for the Environment 65 Environmental Capstone
Energy-saving Blinds
Efficient Window PanesWeather Strips
Herb Window Box
• Six panels each
contain information
on ways to ―green‖
your home
The Exhibit
UNC Institute for the Environment 66 Environmental Capstone
• Each side of the free standing exhibit will
discuss:
– Carpet and Paint
– Furniture
– Food Choice Options
– Shower Heads
– Household Energy Consumption
– Windows
• The goal of the exhibit is for Greenbridge to
teach its patrons how to join the green
movement. In addition, Greenbridge will
showcase some of its energy saving techniques.
UNC Institute for the Environment 67 Environmental Capstone
Carpet and Paint
• Indoor air quality
• Toxicity levels, VOC levels, and harmful
chemicals
• Biodegradable/recyclable carpet options and
low toxicity paint
• Includes sample carpet swatches and paint
chips
UNC Institute for the Environment 68 Environmental Capstone
• Better durability means less waste
• Sustainable wood (e.g. avoiding
wood from old growth forests)
• Recycled content
• Locally made furniture
• Features pictures of sustainable
furniture pieces
Furniture
Food Choices
UNC Institute for the Environment 69 Environmental Capstone
• Vegetarianism – good for the planet and your wallet!
• Seasonal local food
• Organic food
• Food packaging
• Includes examples
of where to buy local,
organic food in the
Triangle
Shower Heads
UNC Institute for the Environment 70 Environmental Capstone
• Low-flow toilets used in combination with low-flow shower heads can save up to 50% off your water bill
• Shower timers
• Examples of shower heads and shower timers
VS.
Household Energy
UNC Institute for the Environment 71 Environmental Capstone
• Conservative use of air conditioning and heat
• Compact fluorescent bulbs
• Energy star appliances
• Includes examples of regular and compact
florescent bulbs
Windows
UNC Institute for the Environment 72 Environmental Capstone
• Panel would reference the model to
demonstrate weather strips, energy efficient
shades and panes
• Window boxes
Kid’s Corner―Making the Right Decisions‖
Tenant Spotlight Kid’s Corner
This exhibit is meant to get kids thinking about
how they can make good environmental decisions. This
exhibit may constitute either a touch screen, or a series of
wall displays with pictures that flip up to reveal the answer.
A kid-friendly font and graphic display will entice kids to
come and interact with the display
The most effective pictures would bring
Greenbridge into the community, showing Greenbridge
and nearby residents as the subjects. For example, the
recycling slide could have Greenbridge’s bins, and the
transportation slide could highlight Chapel Hill’s transit
system
Making the Right Decisions
UNC Institute for the Environment 74 Environmental Capstone
Hey friend! My name is Jill. I have
a lot of things to do today. I am
going to need your help in making
the right decision!
Can you help me?
Help me select the choice that
looks the most environmentally
friendly by touching the picture.
UNC Institute for the Environment 75 Environmental Capstone
Making the Right Decisions
Time to get ready for my day.
While brushing my teeth should I leave the water running the
whole time?
UNC Institute for the Environment 76 Environmental Capstone
Making the Right Decisions
Great choice!
• Water is a precious resource that we must conserve.
• You can reduce your use of water by turning off the water while you lather in the shower or while washing your hands.
• Water can be reused after cooking to water plants!
Try again!
• You should always turn the water
off while you are not using it.
• Water is a precious resource that
you should not waste.
• You can conserve water by turning
it off while you wash your hands and
lather in the shower.
UNC Institute for the Environment 77 Environmental Capstone
Making the Right Decisions
My school is not very far from my house.
How should I get there?
UNC Institute for the Environment 78 Environmental Capstone
Making the Right Decisions
Great Choice!
• Bike riding is…• great exercise• costs no money• fun!
• It is important to figure out ways to fulfill your needs close to home so you can take advantage of biking, walking, or using public transportation in order to be environmentally friendly.
Try again!
• Driving a car…• uses up gasoline • pollutes the air • costs you money
• If you do drive, make sure to plan your trip so that it is efficient and all of your errands are done at once.
UNC Institute for the Environment 79 Environmental Capstone
Making the Right Decisions
It is time to take the garbage out.
What should I do with my bottles, cans, paper and magazines?
UNC Institute for the Environment 80 Environmental Capstone
Making the Right Decisions
Great decision!
• Recycling and reusing are a great ways to reduce your impact on the environment.
•Recycling reduces the amount of stuff in landfills.
•Recycling decreases the amount of raw materials needed to produce a product.
Try again!
• It is really important to attempt to recycle and reuse products.
•Recycling reduces pollution in the landfill and reduces the amount of materials we must produce from scratch.
•Instead of throwing away your milk jugs, magazines or office paper, recycle them!
UNC Institute for the Environment 81 Environmental Capstone
Making the Right Decisions
Other Kid’s Corner
Exhibits• Possible partnership with Kidzu
• Where does this food come from?
• Climate change Exhibit for Kids
• What is recyclable?
• Recycled material art projects
• Composting What is in your soil?
UNC Institute for the Environment 82 Environmental Capstone
Tenant SpotlightSouthern Environmental Law Center
Tenant Spotlight Kids’ Corner
Tenant Spotlight:
Exhibit Summary• Objective: Highlight impressive things that
tenants (residential or commercial) of the building are doing
• Simple, visually effective displays, with pamphlets or business cards to take.
• Tie in events, where the ―spotlighted‖ tenants talks about their work
UNC Institute for the Environment 84 Environmental Capstone
Southern Environmental
Law Center
Mission:―Use the power of the law to protect
the environment and health of the
Southeast. Working in all three
branches of government, this non-
profit organization shapes,
implements, and enforces the laws
and policies that determine the
quality of the air you breathe, the
water you drink, and the
landscapes and communities
around us.‖
Examples of Work:•Protecting our National Forests
•Ensuring that we breathe clean air
•Preserving ecologically vital
wetlands
UNC Institute for the Environment 85 Environmental Capstone