This is an exciting time to be an environmentalist at St. Olaf College.  St. Olaf is actively pursuing a radical change in the way it treats the environment around it.  In the fall of 2004 the school will be installing a composting system that will handle most of its organic wastes.  It is also actively researching wind energy technology.  The plans call for the construction of one wind turbine at first and if it proves effective, up to four will be placed on college lands.  One wind turbine has been estimated to provide 1/3rd of the colleges energy needs.  
    The most exciting environmental action that is happening at the college is the plan for a new green science complex, which is scheduled to start construction in the spring of 2007.  The building is still in the very early stages of planning, however, the college is confident that the building will be a green building.  For up-to-date information on the new Science Complex visit: http://www.stolaf.edu/sciencecomplex/   One of the main goals of the building will be for it to be used as a teaching tool.  The building will be designed to teach students, faculty and the entire community about the positive effects of green buildings.  
    The college is currently working with the architecture firm Holabird and Root (a team with experience in sustainable design), and a green building consulting firm, The Weidt Group.   The President of the College, Chris Thomforde has given his approval to this project and many faculty members are actively working to ensure that the building will be a green building.  
    A few of the main goals of the new building include; energy conservation and daylighting, green chemistry, green roof, renewable resources, water reuse and teaching opportunities within the building.  The new building is estimated to have a 40-60% reduction in energy needs, which will greatly reduce its operating costs throughout its life cycle. 
Sustainable Features of The New Science Center
(while reading the information below keep in mind that the project is still in its preliminary stages and many sustainable aspects may be added or changed).
Building as a Teacher
    One of the most fundamental goals of the new science center is for the building to be a teaching tool.  Both faculty and students will be taught by design from the new science center.  The building and its internal systems will be used as educational tools.  Students and visitors will be able to view environmental monitoring systems and check day-to-day environmental impacts of the building.  There may also be interpretive materials about how the building functions throughout the day.  The building will be designed so that the building itself can be an educational device.  There will be many opportunities for students and staff to experiment with the sustainable features of the building.  
Green Chemistry
     Another aspect that will be sustainable in the new science center will be the further use of green chemistry.  Green chemistry is a type of chemistry several St. Olaf professors have been experimenting with this past year in order to determine if it is a feasible option for the building.  Green chemistry is chemistry that limits the number of toxic materials being used and also reduces the amount of unnecessary waste.  This will help the new science center be a more green building by reducing the requirements for ventilation, which in turn will lower heating and cooling costs.    It also improves overall air quality in the building.  
 Building Materials
    There are plans for using sustainable and recycled building materials which support local industry.  Wood for the project is planned to be from a manufacturer and supplier for wood and wood based products certified by FCS (forest stewardship council).  The FCS is a council that assures that the wood is harvest from a source that does not endanger forests or indigenous people that are dependent on that wood.  Flaten hall will be destroyed and as many of the materials within the building will be recycled for the new building.    This building is planned to be used for 50-100 years and it is being designed so that it has multiple uses, so if in the future it needs renovations then they will be easily accomplished. 
Alternative Transportation
    On-site parking of the building will be kept to a minimal.  For every parking space that is installed for the project one will be removed from the upper portion of campus.  There are plans to have showers/bike storage areas to encourage the use of bikes.  Incentives to encourage car pooling will also be pursued.  
Reduce site disturbances
    Reducing site disturbances is a priority; upper pavement on campus will be removed and replaced with green space.  Existing trees will be protected as much as possible and many new native trees will be planted.  
Water use / Light Pollution Reduction
    Waterless urinals or .5 gallon per flush urinals are a possibility for the building as well as water efficient shower heads, and water saving faucet aerators.  There is also a consideration of utilizing roof water collection for de-ionized water supply.  The buildings exterior lights will be designed to preserve a dark night sky for astronomy.  Exterior signs will be lit from top or with internally lit letters.  
Optimize Energy Performance
    The new building will reduce energy loads, harvest site energy, use efficient systems and operate the building efficiently in order to reduce energy needs.  It will reduce internal energy needs by reducing artificial lighting and improving equipment efficiency.  It will also optimize outside air and ventilation and consider a relaxed design criteria to allow a wider range of temperatures.  The building will be oriented in order to balance daylighting with the need to limit solar penetration and reduce cooling/ heating demand.  Spaces will be designed to automatically dim or brighten lights depending on daylight present. 
    All test on this page was obtained from documentation and personal conversations with Professor David Van Wylen, St. Olaf College and the Science Complex web site: http://www.stolaf.edu/sciencecomplex/