In addition to having state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment,
Hamilton's new Science Center is being built with attention
to environmental benefits. Much of the new building will be
constructed with attention to "green" design, which is the use of
environmentally friendly processes and materials in building
construction and design.
"From the beginning of the discussions of the new Science Center,
there was an interest in having a building that was sensitive to
environmental concerns and that met the spirit of being a green
building," said Douglas A. Weldon, Stone Professor of Psychology and
science curriculum and facilities coordinator. "During the conceptual
design phase, a committee called the Green Team was formed, consisting
of Hamilton faculty from a variety of science and non-science
departments, staff, administrators, and the Einhorn Yaffee Prescott
architects and engineers."
This Green Team selected a number of areas of the building that will
be highlighted for green design. All wood in casework and millwork in
the building is certified as meeting forest stewardship standards, and
strategically placed glass, skyroof and clearstories yield substantial
day lighting.
Another area that was targeted for green design is the atrium, which
will include a geothermal system that, according to Weldon, "will play
a significant role in the heating and cooling."
Geothermal systems utilize the warmth of the earth to both heat and
cool buildings much more efficiently than conventional furnaces or air
conditioners.
The Science Center will employ a "vertical loop" configuration in
which boreholes of up to 1,500 feet deep and six inches in diameter are
drilled near the property site. Piping and a synthetic heat conductor
are then fed into the boreholes, creating one loop. The loop, or any
number of loops, is then connected to a heat pump, which is in turn
connected to a forced-air system and a water heater. Water or an
anti-freeze type substance is pumped through the loop, gaining heat as
it passes through during the winter months, or expelling excess heat to
the earth during the summer months. The process requires only
electricity to run a heat pump and eliminates the use of costly natural
gas.
One of the issues encountered during planning was the feasibility of
a geothermal system. Fifteen boreholes of 450-feet deep are planned for
the project, costing upwards of $100,000. The efficiency of the
geothermal system is its overwhelming advantage. While conventional
heating and cooling devices must convert outside temperatures almost 30
degrees to reach comfort levels, geothermal heating and cooling convert
about half of that amount.
While less expensive green heating and cooling methods were
considered, such as solar energy, the Green Team chose a geothermal
system based on several factors. "We had discussed the idea of solar
panels," said Weldon, "but the efficiency of the current system was not
adequate to provide a sufficient output to be helpful in this
particular space. Since the objective was to provide education about
green technology, the payback was a consideration but not a limiting
factor in the decision to include a geothermal system in the design of
the atrium." Weldon estimates the system will pay for itself in 25
years.
Research and testing was conducted by Geothermal Services, Inc. of
New Jersey in Fall 2002. The company drilled a test borehole to
determine the conductivity of the earth surrounding the proposed
Science Center site. The geothermal system was given the green light
after positive research results and the system will be installed during
Phase II of construction, which is slated for Fall 2004.
Science Center Home
--by Jesse Hooker
